Dorset based Sonic Marine has just launched into the UK a revolutionary antifouling system which could provide an alternative to the traditional and increasingly ineffective method of trying to keep your boat's hull free from growth by painting it with biocides.
The Shipsonic antifouling system is an ultrasound device which attaches to the inside of a boat hull, creating a microscopic blanket of ultra-sonic bubbles. This kills off algae and prevents barnacles and other bio-passengers from clinging to the hull, says the company, which adds that the device is “extremely easy to fit.”
“The benefits of such a system could be massive for the boating market” says David Sothcott of Sonic Marine Ltd.
Because the hull remains clear of fouling, the boat will maintain better speed through the water. The fuel savings should be considerable, as a clean hull has much less resistance and of course barnacle growth on propellers and stern-gear can also have a dramatic impact on performance. This could be particularly valuable as red diesel is about to double in price, said the company.
Shipsonic has environmental benefits too, in that it puts no pollutants into the water.
In May 2006 an early Shipsonic was fitted to the eleven metre aluminium Van de Stadt Why Knot, which used to foul quickly in the warm, shallow waters of her berth in Empuriabrava near Barcelona, in Spain. The owner says: “Apart from a small amount of slime and a few tendrils around the waterline, the bottom remains remarkably clean.”
After the system was installed Why Knot made several long journeys and the Shipsonic was activated about 50% of the time. Up until mid June there was reportedly no growth on the underside of the hull
Then with a water temperature of 23 degrees C and in strong sunlight a slime layer formed on the hull. The Shipsonic transducer was then activated full time and the slime almost disappeared in two days, it is claimed.
A boat moored next to Why Knot for the next two weeks developed growth of shell animals and algae but the hull of Why Knot remained clear. Even the paddle wheel of the speedometer no longer needs clearing when, previously this was required regularly, said the owner.
There is no need to drill holes in the hull to fir the Shipsonic, says the company: “Just clean an area inside the hull, abrade slightly for a good bond and epoxy the resonator ring to it.
“The transponder screws into the ring and it is just then a case of running the cable to the control box, which simply screws onto a bulkhead of your choice and is wired in to your electrical system. This does not have to be visible as there is no maintenance required.
“Switch the power on and let your electronic paint brush do the work, whist you put your feet up. Alternatively, you could do some of the other jobs that need doing!”
The company accepts that electronic antifouling is not an entirely new concept. There have been many attempts over the years to achieve the Holy Grail of a non-paint alternative for keeping boat hulls free from weed, algae, barnacles and other growth.
But so far each has had its problems and many have simply not worked. Even those which have had some success have other drawbacks eg. The need for multiple and complex resonator set-ups, and intrusive and expensive adaptations to the hull.
The inventors of Shipsonic claim to have fully investigated each of these problems in turn to arrive at a system which is simple to install, needs no invasive attachments - “and in short, it works!”
For more information visit www.sonic-marine.co.uk
