Ultrasonic antifouling

[goboatingnow]

At METSTRADE I was talking to a Slovenian company released a high power ultrasonic anti fouling system , about €900 for a 10 -11 metre boat

Easily self installed and he claims it reduces conventional anti fouling to to6 -7 years interval in the med. annual cleaning using a diver would be sufficient( currently €50-80 )


Given my haulage paint costs and labour are over 2k next year this looks like a reasonable alternative
Anyone any views.

Current consumption is 1.2 A operating but 24/7 operation isn’t necessary.

Anyone have any experience

[Pete7]

Do you have a product name?

After the dismal failure of the Australian one a few years ago, I hope it works but wouldn't place a bet.

Pete

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by Pete7

Do you have a product name?



After the dismal failure of the Australian one a few years ago, I hope it works but wouldn't place a bet.



Pete

I’ll dig out the brochure.

[rgleason]

Nordkyn Design has one he designed on his metal boat. 2 tranducers and he sayd it works. Noticable difference in speed of growth. His website has all the details. He is thorough and has made a second better version controlled by software. He is in colder waters but has some experience in the med I think. Search google for nordkyn design.

[goboatingnow]

The company I talked too was one of several in this area.

https://www.smart-antifouling.com

[silvercreek]

Research off the coast of Mexico’s Guadalupe Island in the Pacific Ocean has revealed ultrasonic antifouling devices as a new form of noise pollution that threatens the habitats of whales and possibly other marine mammals.

https://scripps.ucsd.edu/news/ultras...amaging-whales

[CaptTom]

I love the theory. But it will take some unbiased, real-world research before I'd buy. Anecdotal evidence and company-sponsored testimonials don't cut it for me.

Noise pollution is going to be a harder problem to solve. Of course anyone with a grant and the motivation to find negative environmental effects of any human activity is going to find some. Just by existing on this planet, all humans are having a negative impact. How that compares to other human-caused environmental stressors is always debatable. And the debate is not always rational.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by CaptTom

I love the theory. But it will take some unbiased, real-world research before I'd buy. Anecdotal evidence and company-sponsored testimonials don't cut it for me.

Noise pollution is going to be a harder problem to solve. Of course anyone with a grant and the motivation to find negative environmental effects of any human activity is going to find some. Just by existing on this planet, all humans are having a negative impact. How that compares to other human-caused environmental stressors is always debatable. And the debate is not always rational.

Ive read some testimonials it’s a mixed bag. Some say they experienced a noticeable reduction in fouling some had had variable experiences. Had to arrive at a convensus.

[SV-Viento]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

Ive read some testimonials it’s a mixed bag. Some say they experienced a noticeable reduction in fouling some had had variable experiences. Had to arrive at a convensus.

It “sounds” like a great idea for which I have had NO exposure to. But your post above gave me a good chuckle as I think I have read similar thoughts about all anti fouling. Copper Coat came to mind first.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by SV-Viento

It “sounds” like a great idea for which I have had NO exposure to. But your post above gave me a good chuckle as I think I have read similar thoughts about all anti fouling. Copper Coat came to mind first.

Given the huge costs now in annual or bi annual anti fouling , I’m tempted to try this next year the unit is cheaper then my next anti fouling costs paint alone is over €250

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

Anyone any views.

Ultrasonic anti fouling systems have been around for decades. If they performed as advertised, we see them in use and for sale all over the place. But we don't.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by fstbttms

Ultrasonic anti fouling systems have been around for decades. If they performed as advertised, we see them in use and for sale all over the place. But we don't.

There at least 6 offerings. Reading the feedback it’s not a “ cure all” but then Either is paint !!!

[neilpride]

The only thing that would make me go back for trying it would be that you have to remove the inner layer and the core in a cored hull.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by neilpride

The only thing that would make me go back for trying it would be that you have to remove the inner layer and the core in a cored hull.

Yes this is true but as I have a solid grp below the waterline it’s not an Issue. Even then it’s only removing 100mm of core not a big deal

[neilpride]

It wouldn't be a problem if it's done right,the thickness of the outer layer can be increased since many cored hulls depend on the core material for strength.