FAQ – HullSonic Ultrasonic Anti-Fouling Questions & Answers

No, not at all. Hull Sonic transducers are galvanically isolated in our transformer technology, this means they are completely isolated from any other part of your boat. They also operate with AC (Alternating Current) which will not, in this case, produce any functional electrolysis reaction. The Hull Sonic is also 3rd party tested to comply with all relevant government bodies for electronics. Including FCC, C-tick / RCM & CE standards. 

Yes. Your Hull Sonic system will need top operate continuously for the best protection against marine fouling / growth. 
There is a built in sleep function should you desire to isolate the system for a time and have it automatically turn back on.

No. HullSonic is a deterrent and works to prevent new fouling from attaching / growing on your hull surface. For best results it is recommended that your hull be cleaned at the time of HullSonic installation.

No, Absolutely not. Hull Sonic produces ultrasonic energy that is absorbed through the hull surface and only effects the growth of micro-organisms in direct contact with the hull. It does not interfere with the marine fauna that is not in direct contact with the vessel’s hull.

Yes. The HullSonic system operates like any other electronic device on your vessel and integrates into your existing boat battery system.

HullSonic is designed to operate on 12VDC. 

The average power consumption of 1 x 50W HullSonic Transducer is ~3-4 Watts. 
The peak power consumption of 1 x 50W HullSonic Transducer is 50 Watts.

Meaning each transducer installed will run at it’s peak 50W value for very short bursts and the average power consumption of the system is much lower at ~3-4 Watts per Transducer installed.

The HullSonic also drives it’s energy very cleverly to never exceed 2 Transducers driving at any one time. Keeping the total power consumption peak on all units from the HS200 to the HS400 down to 100W Peak! This is done with some clever algorithms and advanced digital driver circuitry.

Less Frequently. Your HullSonic Ultrasonic Anti-Fouling system works to drastically extend the time between hull maintenance and cleaning.

No, the ultrasonic energy produced by the Hull Sonic is perfectly safe for your boats structure and will not cause damage or harm to your vessel.

The HullSonic works by producing ultrasound (Ultrasonic sound waves) that cannot be sensed or heard by humans. This is sound frequency higher than we can hear. You may hear a very faint clicking sound when very close to a transducer. This click is the small amount of audible range emitted during a frequency change and can be used to confirm the transducer is functioning normally.

Yes. Hull Sonic works best as a deterrent of future growth, it will not remove existing barnacles or fouling. It is important that all barnacles and fouling is removed completely from all submerged surfaces to ensure best results.

No. The HullSonic system draws ~3W per transducer and can operate on existing battery systems connected to standard battery maintainers / trickle chargers from things like wind / solar. 

It is recommended however that some form of charging sufficient to handle the ~3W per transducer plus the charge time is implemented to ensure the Hull Sonic does not enter low battery mode. A shore power connected battery charger is best. 

Yes. The HullSonic can run perfectly from a battery system that is sustained by solar power. The solar system should be able to produce enough energy to maintain charge on the batteries, even during periods when the solar panels are not charging the batteries. We can help determine a suitable panel / battery configuration.

No. HullSonic monitors it’s battery voltage continuously and will adjust it’s output depending on available power. When the battery level dips to ~50% the HullSonic automatically will raise an alarm and go into a very low power “no output” mode to protect your batteries.
* During Low Battery mode there is no Ultrasonic Anti-Fouling protection.

It is recommended, Yes. However this depends on your circumstances.
HullSonic functions the same way whether you have bottom paint or not – to extend the time required between cleaning by 2 to 3 times. Hull Sonic systems used in conjunction with bottom paint will require far less maintenance and cleaning than if no bottom paint is used. Boats using HullSonic without bottom paint will still benefit with extended periods between cleaning compared to having no-protection, however removal of bio-fouling will be more difficult. Having a bottom paint coating, even a non-toxic paint, will limit staining, fiberglass blistering, and aid in the easy removal of any accumulation.

No. The HullSonic installation does not require any through-holes to be installed. Transducers are installed on the in-board side of the hull without holes.
* Boats with composite / foam cored hulls may require the core layer removed in the immediate vicinity of the Transducer location depending on the installation method.