Your complete guide to getting HullSonic up and running—whether you do it yourself or hire a pro
Installing an ultrasonic antifouling system is one of the best investments you can make in your boat. But should you tackle it yourself or hire a professional? The answer depends on your comfort level, available time, and boat complexity. Let's walk through both options so you can make the best choice for your situation.
Understanding the Installation Process
Before deciding between DIY and professional installation, it's helpful to understand what's involved. Installing a HullSonic system typically includes:
- Verifying existing antifouling paint is in good condition
- Planning transducer placement for optimal coverage
- Preparing hull surfaces for transducer and footprint mounting (interior)
- Bonding transducer footprint with specialized marine epoxy
- Attaching Transducer to footprint with special loctite 515 on the transducer face.
- Running cables to the control unit location
- Mounting and connecting the control unit
- Connecting to power (12V or 24V DC)
- Testing and commissioning the system
Total installation time ranges from 4-8 hours for a typical 30-50 foot vessel, though your first DIY installation might take longer.
Important: HullSonic systems work with your existing antifouling paint to provide enhanced protection. Ensure your bottom paint is in good condition before installation for optimal results.
The DIY Route: When It Makes Sense
Perfect DIY Candidates
DIY installation works best for:
- Boats under 40 feet with simple hull designs
- Experienced boat owners comfortable with basic electrical work
- Those with good hull access in the bilge and engine room
- Sailors who enjoy hands-on projects
- Budget-conscious owners looking to save on installation costs
- Boats with solid GRP / Aluminium / Steel hulls any cored vessel hulls require additional steps
What You'll Need
Before starting a DIY installation, ensure you have:
- Basic hand tools (drill, screwdriver, wire strippers)
- Multimeter for electrical testing
- Sandpaper (80-120 grit) for surface prep, grinder with sanding disc is best
- Denatured alcohol or acetone for cleaning
- Cable ties and mounting clips
- Heat shrink tubing and connectors
- 4-6 hours of uninterrupted time over 2 days (allowing for curing time of epoxy)
The HullSonic kit includes:
- Transducers and mounting footprints
- Mounting epoxy and transducer face gasket material (loctite 515)
- Control unit with mounting tabs on the sides
- All necessary cables
- Detailed installation manual
- Access to technical support
Step-by-Step DIY Installation Guide
Step 1: Plan Your Layout (30 minutes)
- Review the manual's placement guidelines
- Mark transducer locations with tape
- Ensure 12-18 inches between transducers and any stringer / structure
- Avoid areas with excessive curvature
- Stay clear of through-hulls and struts
Step 2: Prepare the Mounting Surface (45 minutes)
- Sand each mounting location to bare hull material
- Create a rough surface for epoxy adhesion
- Clean thoroughly with denatured alcohol / acetone
- Allow to dry completely
Step 3: Install Transducer footprints (1 hours +cure time)
- Mix the provided two-part epoxy thoroughly
- Apply a generous amount to each transducer footprint base
- Press firmly against the hull with a slight twisting motion
- Ensure no air bubbles are trapped
- Support with tape while epoxy begins to cure
- Wait minimum 24 hours before handling (have a beer if you like while you wait)
Step 4: Install Transducers (15 minutes)
- Ensure the face of the transducer and the mounted footprint are clean, use acetone or denatured alcohol to clean both surfaces
- apply a thin, even film of loctite 515 (provided) to the face of the clean transducer
- Carefully screw the transducer to the footprint, as tight as possible by hand
- leave to cure (12 hours) while you move onto the next step (run the cables)
Step 5: Run Cables (1 hour)
- Route transducer cables to control unit location
- Keep away from high-current AC wiring and sensitive networking or audio cables
- Secure every ~18 inches with cable clips
- Leave slack for maintenance access
- Use cable protection in high-traffic areas
Step 6: Install Control Unit (30 minutes)
- Mount in a dry, ventilated location
- Ensure easy access for monitoring
- Connect transducer cables (they're coded for easy matching)
- Double-check all connections are secure
Step 7: Power Connection (30 minutes)
- Connect to dedicated circuit if possible
- Use appropriate gauge wire for run length
- Install inline fuse as specified, or use a circuit breaker
- Verify voltage at control unit (12V or 24V) (12V for HS, 12 or 24V for MAX)
Step 8: System Test (15 minutes)
- Power on the system
- Verify LED indicators show normal operation
- Check each transducer is functioning using system display, system will warn if any errors are detected
- Allow auto calibration to complete
- Record installation date and settings
Common DIY Mistakes to Avoid
- Insufficient surface preparation: Poor adhesion is the #1 cause of DIY failures
- Incorrect Loctite 515 application: Application of loctite on the thread when it should be on the face of the transducer. It is a gasket material and needs to be on the face.
- Incorrect transducer spacing: Too far apart leaves dead zones
- Mounting on wet surfaces: Moisture prevents proper bonding
- Wrong power connection: Always verify your boat's voltage before connecting
- Rushing the epoxy cure: Give it full cure time before launching
Professional Installation: When to Call the Experts
Ideal for Professional Installation
Consider professional installation for:
- Boats over 50 feet or with complex hull designs
- Multi-hull vessels requiring difficult cabling or access restraints
- Cored hulls requiring sections of core removed and re-enforced at the transducer installation points
- Warranty concerns on new boats
- Limited time or physical access constraints
- Integration with existing monitoring systems
What to Expect from Professional Installation
Certified HullSonic installers bring:
- Expert placement optimization based on hull design
- Professional-grade tools and materials
- Insurance and warranties on workmanship
- System integration with existing electronics
- Commissioning and testing with professional equipment
- Training on system operation and monitoring
The Professional Process
A typical professional installation follows this timeline:
Pre-Installation Survey (Day 1 - 1 hour)
- Assess hull configuration and access
- Plan optimal transducer placement
- Identify cable routing paths
- Discuss control unit location preferences
Installation Day 1 (Day 1 - 2 hours)
- Complete surface preparation
- Install transducer footprints with professional techniques
- Mount and configure control unit
- Integrate with vessel's electrical system
- Perform comprehensive testing
Installation Day 2 (Day 2 - 4 hours)
- Mount Transudcers to mounting pads
- Run Transducer cabling and terminate to control module
- Perform system checks and calibration
- Set 8 Hour sleep time to allow loctite 515 cure time after calibrtions
Follow-up (30 days later - 30 minutes)
- Verify system performance
- Address any questions
- Provide maintenance recommendations
Professional Installation Costs
Professional installation typically runs:
- Small boats (under 35'): $800-1,200
- Mid-size vessels (35-50'): $1,200-2,000
- Large yachts (50-70'): $2,000-3,500
- Super yachts (70'+): Custom pricing
Factors affecting cost:
- Hull material and complexity
- Number of transducers required
- Travel distance for installer
- Integration requirements
- Haul-out coordination if needed (unlikely)
Making Your Decision: DIY vs Professional
Choose DIY If You:
✓ Have basic mechanical and electrical skills ✓ Enjoy hands-on boat projects ✓ Have good access to hull areas ✓ Want to save on installation costs ✓ Have time for careful installation ✓ Own a straightforward, smaller vessel
Choose Professional If You:
✓ Value warranty and guaranteed results ✓ Have a complex or large vessel ✓ Need system integration ✓ Prefer to focus on sailing, not installing ✓ Have limited hull access ✓ Want it done quickly and correctly
Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds
Some owners choose a hybrid approach:
- DIY the transducer installation (saving labor costs)
- Professional electrical connection and commissioning
- This can save 40-50% on installation costs while ensuring proper setup
Finding a Certified Installer
If you choose professional installation:
- Check credentials: Ensure they're factory-certified
- Read reviews from other boat owners
- Get written quotes including all costs
- Verify insurance and warranty coverage
- Ask about experience with your hull type
Post-Installation: Regardless of Method
Whether DIY or professional, after installation:
- Document transducer locations with photos
- Keep installation records and warranty information
- Register your system for warranty activation
- Schedule your first inspection after 30 days
Technical Support Is Always Available
Remember, choosing DIY doesn't mean you're alone:
- Video tutorials: Step-by-step visual guides
- Email support: Detailed responses within 24 hours
- Virtual assistance: Video call support for tricky spots
The Bottom Line
Both DIY and professional installation can deliver excellent results. DIY saves money and gives you intimate knowledge of your system. Professional installation provides peace of mind and expert optimization.
The best choice is the one that gets your HullSonic system properly installed and protecting your hull. Either way, you're just hours away from joining thousands of boat owners who've eliminated bottom maintenance forever.
Ready to Get Started?
[Download Installation Guide] - Complete DIY instructions [Find an Installer] - Locate certified professionals near you [Watch Installation Videos] - See the process in action [Contact Tech Support] - Get your questions answered
Installation complexity varies by vessel. Always consult your manual and don't hesitate to contact support if you encounter any challenges.
