ULTRASOUND ANTIFOULING SYSTEM

[ogalili]

Does any have a experience with using the Ultrasound anti fouling system?
Does it really work?

[MV Wanderlust]

Saw one of those systems at the Suncoast Boat Show a few weeks ago and spoke to the North American distributor. Independent googling indicates they really do work. We're intrigued. We would need two units, about $5k, but could potentially make that up in saved costs for hauling and bottom painting in about three years. Intriguing.

[senormechanico]

After installing the UltraSoniTec, my knotmeter never fouls, even after 6 months of sitting at a dock.
It used to foul in a week of non use.
The only barnacles I get are a few small ones on the prop's hub.

[ogalili]

Originally Posted by JohnEasley

Saw one of those systems at the Suncoast Boat Show a few weeks ago and spoke to the North American distributor. Independent googling indicates they really do work. We're intrigued. We would need two units, about $5k, but could potentially make that up in saved costs for hauling and bottom painting in about three years. Intriguing.

My thoughts too - long term BIG savings...

[ogalili]

Originally Posted by senormechanico

After installing the UltraSoniTec, my knotmeter never fouls, even after 6 months of sitting at a dock.
It used to foul in a week of non use.
The only barnacles I get are a few small ones on the prop's hub.

Thank you

[senormechanico]

You still need bottom paint, but it doesn't need anywhere near as much underwater maintenance (diver).

[Dockhead]

PBO did a test on them a few years ago.

This testing (one data point) showed that they work to some extent, but not nearly as well as claimed. As SM said, you still need antifouling and scrub offs, but possibly less often. Whether you can recoup $5k in capital expenses like that, I don't know, but I suppose if you can extend lift out periods it's at least a convenience.

[ogalili]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

PBO did a test on them a few years ago.

This testing (one data point) showed that they work to some extent, but not nearly as well as claimed. As SM said, you still need antifouling and scrub offs, but possibly less often. Whether you can recoup $5k in capital expenses like that, I don't know, but I suppose if you can extend lift out periods it's at least a convenience.

Thank you

[denverd0n]

Been hearing about this for at least 5-6 years. I'm thinking that if it was anywhere near as good as the claims, it would have caught on in a big way by now. But it hasn't.

[Ostinato]

I purchased a version called Barnacle Bill in the early 80s. The clicking sound was so loud you couldn't keep it running while on the boat. I understand today's systems uses higher frequencies.



Today a Brit told me about an Australian system he installed in 2017. He has a cat and initially installed it in one hull. He said it preformed very well compared to anti-fouling paint on the second hull. He has since installed it in the second hull as well. The system he's using is sold by Jaycar. https://www.jaycar.us/kit-ultrasonic...boats/p/KC5498 The price is reasonable; actually less than what I paid in the 80s. On the strength of his testimony I may try one.

[a64pilot]

One would assume if these things worked, that our depth transducers would never foul.
I’ve not seen that

[Ostinato]

It seems most depth sounders operate at 200mhz. The frequency specs on the Jaycar ore very different.

[sailorboy1]

my depth sounder has never fouled, hasn't been taken out in 2+ years now

[senormechanico]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

One would assume if these things worked, that our depth transducers would never foul.
I’ve not seen that

See post #5

The only time I need to put it in the "sleep" mode is when I use my HAM rig.

[ogalili]

Originally Posted by Ostinato

I purchased a version called Barnacle Bill in the early 80s. The clicking sound was so loud you couldn't keep it running while on the boat. I understand today's systems uses higher frequencies.



Today a Brit told me about an Australian system he installed in 2017. He has a cat and initially installed it in one hull. He said it preformed very well compared to anti-fouling paint on the second hull. He has since installed it in the second hull as well. The system he's using is sold by Jaycar. https://www.jaycar.us/kit-ultrasonic...boats/p/KC5498 The price is reasonable; actually less than what I paid in the 80s. On the strength of his testimony I may try one.

Thank you
Interesting information on the website
Is that product attached to the hull or through-hull?