Your comprehensive resource for optimizing performance and solving common challenges
Your HullSonic ultrasonic antifouling system is designed to provide years of trouble-free operation. However, like any marine system, understanding how to optimize its performance and address occasional issues will ensure you get maximum protection for your hull. This guide covers everything from initial setup optimization to seasonal adjustments and troubleshooting.
Understanding Normal Operation
Before troubleshooting, it's important to know what normal looks like:
Indicators of Proper Function
- Control unit LED: Steady green light or regular pulse
- Power draw: Consistent 3-5 watts averaged over time (check with multimeter)
- Transducer warmth: May be slightly warm to touch when operating
- No error codes: Display shows normal operation mode
- Clean hull: Visible results within 2-4 weeks of installation
Expected Timeline
- Days 1-7: System operating, no visible changes
- Weeks 3-4: Noticeable improvement in hull condition
- Weeks 4-8: Hull maintains optimal cleanliness
- Ongoing: Maintains protection with very minimal new growth
Common Questions and Solutions
"I Still See Growth After Installation"
This is the most common concern for new users. Here's what you need to know:
Existing Growth Doesn't Disappear Overnight
- Ultrasonic enhances your bottom paint's ability to prevent NEW growth
- Existing barnacles and hard growth need physical removal
- System prevents their spread but won't remove established colonies
- Schedule one cleaning if needed 30 days after installation
Check Your Bottom Paint
- Ultrasonic systems require proper antifouling paint to work effectively
- Areas where paint has worn away may still experience growth
- Consider touching up bare spots for optimal protection
- The system extends paint life but doesn't eliminate the need for paint
- If paint has no effective biocide/coating life, consider new coating
Soft Growth May Take Time
- Algae and slime release gradually
- Movement through water speeds the process
- Stationary boats may need light brushing initially
- Once clean, the hull stays clean with the paint/ultrasonic combination
Check Your Coverage
- Verify transducer spacing (4-5 m diameter of coverage recommended, transducer spacing ~4m)
- Ensure transducers are on flat or gently curved sections where possible
- Ensure transducers are not installed close to depth sounders, stringers or solid objects monolothic with the hull
- Add units for complex areas (keels, skegs, trim tabs)
- Consider additional transducers for stern and bow thruster thruster tunnels and intake grates
"The System Was Working, Now I See Fouling"
If protection seems to have decreased:
Power Supply Issues
- Check voltage at control unit (should be 12V or 24V depending on system)
- Verify connections are clean and tight
- Test inline fuse or circuit breaker
- Check for corroded terminals
- Ensure dedicated circuit isn't overloaded
Transducer Problems
- Check control module display for error or warning messages
- Inspect cable connections at control unit
- Look for damaged cables (chafing, cuts, corrosion)
- Verify transducers are still firmly bonded
- Ensure transducers in bilges are not submerged
- Check for delamination around edges
- Test individual transducers (swap connections to isolate)
Environmental Changes
- Moved to warmer water? May need power adjustment
- Marina construction stirring nutrients? Temporary increase in growth
- Seasonal spawning events? Some periods have extreme fouling pressure
- Changed slip location? Different water flow affects fouling rates
Antifouling Paint Check
- Ensure that the antifouling paint is still useful
- Once the antifouling paint has lost all effective antiouling properties it will need to be re coated.
"My Power Consumption Seems High"
Normal consumption is 3-5 watts continuous. If higher:
- Measure actual draw with ammeter
- Chec system display is there any warnings?
- Check for short circuits in wiring
- Verify correct voltage (12V system on 24V?)
- Inspect for water ingress in connections
- Ensure transducers aren't damaged
"Can I Hear/Feel the System Operating?"
Normal Operation
- No audible sound to humans
- Slight vibration if touching transducer directly at the time of blast/output
- No vibration felt through hull while aboard
- Pets may occasionally react (rare)
If You Hear Buzzing or Humming
- Check control unit mounting
- Verify transducers aren't touching other objects
- Ensure cables aren't acting as sound conductors
- Tighten any loose panels near installation
If You Hear Occational High Pitched Squeling
- Check transducers are mounted properly
- Most likely is faulty transducer installation with loctite 515 NOT on the face as it should be.
"The LED Is Flashing Red/Orange"
Error codes vary by model, but common indicators:
Red Flash Every 2 Seconds
- Low voltage condition
- Check battery charge and connections
- Verify voltage at control unit
Orange (Warning)
- At least one Transducer issue is detected
- Check system display for Transducer status.
- H = High Power, L = Low Power, X = Disconnected, - = Channel Disabled, S = Channel Short Circuit, D = Detached from hull
- Check all cable connections
- Look for corrosion issues
Red (Error)
- System fault detected
- check system display for error message
- Power cycle the system
- Contact tech support if continues
Seasonal Adjustments and Optimization
Spring Commissioning
- Clean any winter growth before activating
- Check all connections for corrosion
- Verify power supply after winter layup
- Test each transducer (automated on startup)
Summer Optimization
- Increase power setting in warm water (Set to BOOST)
- Monitor closely during peak spawning seasons
- Check monthly in high-fouling areas
- Document any growth patterns for adjustment
Fall Preparation
- Reduce power in cooling water (Set to STANDARD or ECONOMY)
- Inspect transducer bonds before winter
- Protect exposed cables from ice damage
- Consider haul-out inspection opportunity
Winter Operation
- System works year-round (no winterization needed)
- Reduces spring cleaning dramatically
- Prevents zebra mussel establishment (freshwater)
- Maintains protection even under ice
Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques
Using a Multimeter for Diagnosis
Testing Power Supply
- Set meter to DC voltage
- Test at battery/source (12.6V or 25.2V nominal)
- Test at control unit input
- Voltage drop shouldn't exceed 3%
- Check while system is operating
Testing Current Draw
- Set meter to DC amperage
- Connect in series with positive lead
- Normal/Average over 1 minute draw per Transducer: 0.25-0.42 amps (12V) or 0.13-0.21 amps (24V)
- Peak draw (during high output !BLAST!) ~100W: MAX 8.3 amps (12V) or 4.16 amps (24V)
- Higher indicates possible short
- Lower suggests disconnected transducer
Transducer Testing Procedure
Visual Inspection
- Look for cracks in transducer housing
- Check epoxy bond completely surrounds base
- Verify no air gaps or delamination
- Ensure cable entry is sealed
Electrical Testing
- Disconnect transducer from control unit before testing
- Test resistance across transducer leads (should be infinite resistance)
- Test capacitance across transducer leads (should be ~4-6nF)
- Infinite resistance indicates no short circuit in cable
- Any resistance suggests short circuit or partial short circuit in cable
Coverage Mapping
If experiencing localized fouling:
- Create a hull diagram marking transducer locations
- Note areas with growth after 60 days operation
- Calculate coverage gaps
- Identify shadow zones (behind keels, skegs, etc.)
- Add transducers to eliminate dead spots if spares available
System Integration Challenges
Battery Monitor Conflicts
- Some monitors may show false alarms
- Ultrasonic pulses can confuse certain meters
- Install filtering if needed
- Consult both manufacturers for compatibility
Solar/Wind Systems
- Excellent compatibility with renewable power
- Size panels for 1.5x daily consumption
- Include dedicated battery if possible
- Monitor voltage regularly in low-sun periods
When to Contact Support
Call technical support immediately for:
- Control unit won't power on
- Visible damage to transducers
- Error codes not in manual
- Growth patterns suggesting system failure
- Any other concerns beyond standard troubleshooting
Have ready when calling:
- Model and serial number
- Installation date
- Boat type and length
- Hull material
- Description of issue and when it started
- Photos of growth patterns or damage
Maximizing Your Investment
Best Practices for Long Life
-
Annual Inspection
- Check all connections
- Verify transducer bonds
- Update firmware
- Document hull condition
-
Protect the System
- Use surge protectors
- Maintain proper voltage
- Keep connections dry
- Avoid impact to transducers
-
Monitor Performance
- Monthly visual checks
- Note any changes
- Address issues promptly
- Keep maintenance log
Performance Enhancement Tips
- Run continuously - Never turn off the system
- Maintain power - Even during storage
- Document settings - Note what works in your waters
Understanding Limitations
No antifouling system is 100% effective in all conditions. HullSonic performs best when:
- Used in combination with quality antifouling paint
- Properly installed with adequate coverage
- Supplied with consistent power
- Operating in normal fouling conditions
- Combined with occasional maintenance in extreme areas
The ultrasonic system enhances your bottom paint's effectiveness but doesn't replace the need for paint. Areas without proper antifouling coating may still experience growth.
Challenging conditions include:
- Extremely warm, nutrient-rich water
- Areas with heavy industrial runoff
- Locations with unusual fouling species
- Boats that never move
- Damaged or shadowed zones
- Areas where bottom paint has worn away
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I turn it off when sailing? A: No, best to keep it running 24/7 for best protection. Power draw is minimal.
Q: Will it interfere with my fish finder? A: No, ultrasonic frequencies don't overlap with sonar systems.
Q: Can I paint over the transducers? A: Yes. Transducers are installed inside the hull so painting over them is not really beneficial.
Q: Do I still need bottom paint? A: Yes, HullSonic systems work WITH your antifouling paint to provide enhanced protection. The combination extends paint life 2-3 times.
Q: Should I haul out for inspection? A: Annual inspection is recommended for anodes, running gear and general maintenance but is up to the owner and may not be required if performing well or a diver can perform the inspection for you.
Q: Can I move transducers? A: Yes, but use fresh epoxy and prepare surface properly.
Q: Does it work in freshwater? A: Yes, excellent against zebra mussels and freshwater algae when combined with appropriate antifouling coating.
Q: What about ice damage? A: System components are freeze-resistant, but protect cables from ice movement.
Your Direct Line to Support
We're here to ensure your complete satisfaction with HullSonic:
Email Support: support@hullsonic.com
- Detailed responses within 24 hours
- Send photos for diagnosis
- Access to senior technicians
The Bottom Line
Your HullSonic system is engineered for years of reliable operation. Most "problems" are minor adjustments that you can handle yourself with this guide. When you need help, our support team has seen it all and can quickly get you back to enjoying a clean hull.
Remember: A protected hull is a happy hull, and we're committed to keeping yours that way.
This guide covers most common situations. For model-specific information, consult your owner's manual or contact technical support. Your satisfaction is our priority.
