FAQ | Ultrasonic Marine SE

FAQ

Ultrasonic Marine Sweden AB / UMSAB systems

Do UMSAB systems need to be on all the time?
Yes. UMSAB systems must operate continuously to maintain protection against marine growth.

Will UMSAB systems remove existing fouling?
No. UMSAB systems function as a deterrent and prevents new fouling from attaching or spreading on the hull surface. The hull must be cleaned prior to installation.

Will I still need to clean my hull after installing a UMSAB system?
Less Frequently. UMSAB systems function to extend the time between hull maintenance and cleaning.

Can UMSAB systems work with my existing boat batteries?
Yes, UMSAB systems are designed to integrate into your existing boat battery system.

Will UMSAB systems cause electrolysis?
No. UMSAB system transducers are isolated from all other parts of your boat while also operating with AC (alternating current) which will not functionally produce sustained electrolysis reaction.

Will UMSAB systems ultrasound damage my boat?
No, the ultrasound produced by UMSAB systems is perfectly safe for your boat's structure and will not cause any damage or harm to your boat.

Do UMSAB systems make noise?
UMSAB systems function by producing ultrasound which cannot be sensed or heard by people. You may hear a slight clicking sound when very close to a transducer. A click is produced after a frequency transition and confirms the transducer is operational.

Do UMSAB systems require drilling holes in my boat?
No. UMSAB systems do not require any through-holes to install. Boats that contain composite or foam cores may require the removal of the foam layer depending upon the installation method.

Will I need shore power to use UMSAB systems?
No. UMSAB systems draw very little current and will operate on battery systems connected to standard battery maintainers and trickle chargers. Systems can also be sustained with Solar and Wind power.

Do UMSAB systems work with Solar Power?
Yes. UMSAB systems can be operated on battery systems sustained by solar power. The solar system must be able to sustain a continuous 1-2Ah draw, even during periods when the solar panels are not charging the batteries.

Will UMSAB systems drain my battery and leave me stranded?
No. UMSAB systems monitor the available battery voltage and adjust current draw based on the available supply. The system will automatically switch to a “no-drain” sleep mode when battery levels dip below 50% capacity.
Will I still need bottom paint?
This depends on your circumstances. UMSAB systems function the same whether you have bottom paint or not – by extending the time required between cleaning. UMSAB systems, when used in conjunction with a soft ablative bottom paint, will require less maintenance and cleaning than if no bottom paint is used. Boats using UMSAB systems without bottom paint will still benefit from extended periods between cleaning compared to having no protection, however, removal of fouling will be more difficult. Having a bottom paint coating, even a non-toxic paint, will limit staining, and fiberglass blistering, and aid in the easy removal of any accumulation.

Will I need to clean my hull after installing a UMSAB system?
Yes, UMSAB systems function as a deterrent to future growth – it will not retroactively remove existing barnacles or fouling. Please note that small barnacles can survive up to a month while out of the water. It is imperative that all barnacles are completely removed from submerged surfaces to ensure proper results.

Are UMSAB systems harmful to the environment?
Absolutely not. UMSAB systems operate by producing ultrasound pulses that are then absorbed into the hull surfaces. UMSAB systems will not interfere with marine fauna that is not in direct contact with the boat hull.

My boat rests on the bottom at low tide - will a UMSAB system still work?
No. The hull surfaces must be able to conduct the generated ultrasound. When the hull is grounded, the ultrasound will be absorbed into the ground. More importantly, barnacles and other marine fauna are concentrated on the sea floor, thus creating an ideal environment for infestation.