Ultrasonic Antifoul Test

[scottinsydney]

A full bottom paint is US$7000 including PropSpeed. The antifoul is now 2 years old and its barnacle season over here. Divers came today and charged US$250 plus a bit more to change the anodes. I considered this very good value.

The existing hard antifoul is a commercial variety commonly used by yards. PropSpeed was also used. Neither did very well.

prop1.JPG
Before

Here's the diver's before and after video. Sorry its so quick.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pft6gdl_MEY


prop2.JPG
After


We also turned on the new ultrasonic antifoul system. Four transducers were installed and located:

- Port side Bow Compartment.
- Port & Starboard under shaft glands.
- Rear Port side Transom area

We were limited by existing cable runs and not knowing what the effect on the batteries might be. For the two systems and four transducers looks like 0.7amps average at 32 volts.

Ultrasonic Controls.jpg
Used a 36 to 12 volt buck converter for power. Works fine.
Will paint wood and tidy up wiring when project completed.

Plan is to install a further 4 transducers ASAP located:

- Port & Starboard rear of Genset room
- Port & Starboard above props


I've had ultrasonic antifouling on other boats and the transducer placement is sometimes hit and miss. My view is these systems can extend antifoul longevity.

So we have a starting point using 2 year old antifoul and bare rudders. Its a perfect time to test & tweak this system as we move towards our warmer months.