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We have a 3 year old Dufour anthe time is approaching for us to haul her out and antifoul her for the med waters.

She has previously been painted with Hempel antifouling but we had decided to take the plunge and coppercoat her this year for longevity. However someone mentioned a new system whereby you apply a paint with electrodes in it which causes a vibration that we cant feel but stops marine growth but didn't know more about it.

I can't find anything about it online. Does anyone know anything about it, if so please enlighten me as to who makes it and whether it works!

thanks

 

[Fstbttms]

You have been misinformed. What you need to be looking for is ultrasonic anti fouling. It is not "paint with electrodes in it" but rather a system of hull-mounted transducers that produce ultrasonic vibrations that, in theory, reduce fouling. It must be used in conjunction with an anti fouling paint. I have never seen convincing evidence that it is anything more than snake oil however.

 

[celenoglu]

Google "antifouling with electrodes".

Copper anodes (electrodes) connected to a control box protect the hull.

 

[DonScribner]

I think the science behind it is sound but the applied technology is weak. Ultasonic is as scary to marine organisms as tremors in SoCal. A few flee. The others hang on and wait until the glass stops shaking to pour another cold one.

 

[[email protected]]

Thank you, yes after more research it does seem he mean the ultrasonic systems. Aside from Jaycar which it appears you have to build yourself, including soldering contacts etc, (too advanced for my DIY skills) and uses 5.5A @ 12v, I have found 2 other companies:
• Next generation electronic antifouling technology | UltraSonic Antifouling LtdUltraSonic Antifouling Ltd | Ultrasonic Antifouling for Powerboats, Motorboats, Sailboats & Superyachts ---- which, with 2 transducers for a 10-15m boat comes in around 1149 + vat, so 1390 with a 3 year warrantee and says it only uses 1.1A @12v
• Smart Antifouling :: Smart Ultrasonic Antifouling which with 2 transducers as above, and a solar regulator at €810 + vat, so around 725 all in, with a 2 year warrantee and "average power consumption: 3W - 250mA at 12V'

All 3 companies have relatively few but all positive reviews, still need to refresh the anti-foul paint every 3-4 years.

But it is new technology, (no holes in the hull required by the way) and expensive so the question is, is it better to play safe and go with coppercoat?

Hempel seems to have come up with something new too… a Fouling Release coating called Silic One which uses a hydrogel which forms a smooth non-stick surface on the hull, making it difficult for fouling organisms to attach. The result is less drag in the water and lower fuel consumption - giving you a more efficient fleet and a superb return on your investment." But it appears that if you take the boat out of the water during the winter, you will have reapply the top coat (no sanding down required though), it may last 2 years if left in the water… however aside from the potential benefits to the environment, I am not sure it benefits the boat owners financially that much! Also can't find any reviews on it either….

So me thinks it is back to the decision between ultrasonic transducers or coppercoat… any recommendations?

 

[Fstbttms]

Based on local anecdotal results of ultrasonic and personal experience with Coppercoat, I wouldn't recommend either. YMMV however.

 

[capta]

There is nothing new about this stuff. Someone or other has been trying to sell this stuff, in one form or another since the 60's.
Plainly put, if it worked at all, it would be standard equipment on every boat/ship in the water and nobody would be bothering with antifouling paint.
Snake oil indeed!

 

[overbored]

good bottom paint and cleaned by a diver once a month. turns out to be the best and most efficient. I can get 4 years this way and the bottom is aways clean and ready to go.
never a big clean up when you haul. almost no sanding to ready for repaint. its pay me now or pay big time latter.

 

[Frogwatch]

Ya know, you'd think that with all the smart people out there that SOMEBODY would have come up with a really good solution to marine fouling but I suppose its evidence of the tenacity of life that it hasn't been done.

 

[SimonV]

Ya know, you'd think that with all the smart people out there that SOMEBODY would have come up with a really good solution to marine fouling but I suppose its evidence of the tenacity of life that it hasn't been done.

They did it was called Tin. Then someone said it worked to well and it got band. What we need is these smart enough to put out an antifouling, that works 100% lasts and is reasonably priced. I believe it does exist but the major paint company's own its and won't release it to protect their bottom line.

 

[Fstbttms]

I believe it does exist but the major paint company's own its and won't release it to protect their bottom line.

Conspiracy theory much?