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Technical Information

What is the Hullguard Weight and Dimensions?
  • Diameter: 115mm (4.5in)
  • Height: 80mm (3.15in)
  • Weight: 1.72kg ( 3.8lbs.)

What is the power consumption and voltage of Hullguard
  • Power Supply: 12V @ 3 amps
  • 36 watts is the maximum power consumption,
    in real world situations Hullguard can consume much less.
    The reason for this is that Hullguard is Self-Calibrating.

    Hullguard only outputs the signal strength required for the size of your boat.
    This gives us a greater range per Hullguard, and a smaller power consumption on smaller boat.

What is the range of Hullguard?
  • Each Hullguard unit has a range 15m (49ft).
  • Multiple Hullguard can be combined to achieve greater ranges.
  • For multi-hull construction boats, one Hullguard is required per hull.

Is Hullguard water-tight?
    Yes. Hullguard is water-tight.
    As a matter of fact, we have installed Hullguard for an underwater application, the trash skimmer.
    Please see our testimonial section for more information on the application.

Will Hullguard work on my boat?

    Hullguard works on fiberglass boats of all types and size.

  • Flat Bottom Hull
  • Deep Vee Hull
  • Round Bottom Hull
  • Multi-Hull

Will Hullguard work on sandwich/foam cored constructed hull?
    Yes. Installation on these types of hulls requires removing a section of the inner core,
    so that Hullguard can be fixed directly on the outside skin.
    It is important that the section you cut is slightly larger than the
    diameter of hullguard so that Hullguard is free.

Is Hullguard installed on the inside or on the outside of the boat?
    Hullguard is installed on the inside of the Hull , about 1/3 from the rear of the boat.
    For more information we refer you to the installation section of our site.

How is Hullguard calibrated?
    Hullguard is self-calibrating.
    To achieve maximum performance, Hullguard is able to read back the signal it sends out.
    It then adjusts for your boat's effect on the frequency and signal strength.

How do I know if my Hullguard is working?

    Hullguard is equipped with an LED indicator light.
    If the light is on, then Hullguard is working.

    LED Status:
  • ON: power, calibrated to expected frequency.
  • OFF: No power, reverse connection or a defective unit.
  • Flashing: poor adhesion to boat interior.

Does Hullguard need to be turned on all the time?
    It is preferable.
    Hullguard prevents barnacles from attaching to the boat by eliminating algae growth.
    There is no way to guarantee how much growth will have accumulated in the periods Hullguard is turned off.

Benefits and Maintenance

How quickly will I see results?
    Some of our customer have seen results within minutes after installation.

    The algae will only shake off when the boat is in motion. If the barnacles on the boat are set, the may not come off.
    Therefore, we recommend installing Hullguard on a clean boat.

Will I still need to Anti-foul?
    No. Once Hullguard is installed there is no need for anti-fouling.

    For aesthetics reasons, it might be worthwhile to paint the boat every so often.

Does Hullguard require any Maintenance?
    No. But checking the LED occasionally is never a bad idea.

What is Hullguard's life expectancy?
    Hullguard is designed for long life well beyond our 2 year warranty.

Will Hullguard reduce my fuel consumption?
    Yes, Algae and barnacle growth causes Hull drag which increases fuel consumption and decreases efficiency of your boat.

    Hullguard will eliminate Hull drag leading to savings in fuel and increasing the effiency of your boat.

Will the system protect stern drive units?
    Yes. Hullguard can keep the stern clean, but positioning is important.
    You see, the effect of Hullguard on the stern tends to be secondary.
    The sound waves emitted by Hullguard have trouble transmitting through the stern.
    The effect of Hullguard on the stern comes from the protective barrier around the hull of the boat.

Safety and Concerns

Are the ultrasonic frequencies audible?
    No. Hullguard operates at a frequency outside of human and animal hearing.

Can the ultrasonic frequencies damage or weaken my boat over time?
    No. The frequencies emitted by Hullguard will have no impact on the materials of your boat. Hullguard is perfectly safe.

Is Hullguard harmful to humans, animals, fish, or aquatic life?

    Hullguard does not harm any fish or aquatic life. And unlike Zinc or copper coatings, no harmful substances are leaked into the ocean. Hullguard effects only the algae, the food source of barnacles. Without this food source, barnacles won’t attach to the boat.


Does Hullguard interfere with other electronics on board?

    No.
    The frequency used by Hullguard does not interfere with electrical systems found on boats


Will Hullguard have any effect on anodes?

    No.
    Hullguard emits sound waves.
    There is no electical current.
    There will be no effect or wear on anodes

Installation

Manuals for Download

English Manual
French Manual
Danish Manual

Online Instructions

General Guidelines
  • Prior to installation, you should read the manual carefully.
  • Although Hullguard is water-tight, do not submerge the unit in water.
  • Never pull the connecting cable to remove or disconnect the transducer.
  • Regularly check whether the cabling, or the Hullguard unit has been damaged.
  • If you notice any damage to the Hullguard unit, discontinue use of Hullguard
    and contact your dealer, or e-mail us at info@hullguard.com
  • Repairs should only be performed by your dealer
  • Do not power up Hullguard until 24 hours after bonding.
  • Hullguard draws 3A and needs to run continuously, therefore
    shore power is recommended while the boat is moored.
  • A 5A fuse is recommend upon installation

Safety Guidelines
  • Do not permit children to play with the device
  • Do not extend the cable yourself; contact your dealer.
  • Do not hold Hullguard to your chest or head during operation.
  • Do not pull at the cabling to disconnect Hullguard from its power supply.
  • Only use accessories recommended by Hullguard or a Hullguard dealer.
  • A 5A fuse is recommend upon installation

Operating principle
  • Hullguard is fixed to the inside of the hull of the boat.
  • Hullguard sends an ultrasonic signal through the hull of the boat.
  • The ultrasonic signal creates a hostile environment to prevent algal growth.
  • Without the algae, the barnacles’ food source, no barnacles will attach themselves to the boat.
  • A single Hullguard unit is good for boats up to 15m.

Benefits
  • Environmentally friendly. Anti-fouling coatings leak toxic chemicals into the environment. Hullguard is harmless to humans, animals, and aquatic life.
  • Avoids the need for anti-fouling coatings, beyond the initial coating.
  • Keeps the hull, and other surrounding equipment clean
  • Maximizes speed
  • Improves fuel economy
  • Easy to use
  • No maintenance costs

Maintenance

    Hullguard requires no real maintenance. However, you should occasionally check the LED indicator light located near the end of Hullguard wire.

    How to read the LED indicator
    LED Light REASON
    OFF No power. Check power connection.
    Blinking Initial calibration.
    Bad contact: Contact dealer/installer.
    Steady On Operating normally.

What you need
    1.Hullguard unit
    2.Bonding agent (included)
    3.Sandpaper (150 to 200grit) (not included)
    4.12V power supply, Usually the ship’s battery.
    Hullguard uses 12V, so if your boat uses 24V,
    you will also need a DC converter.(not included)
    5.A 5A fuse (not included)
    6.Non-alcohol based cleaning solvents. ( not included)

Installation Steps

Step 1. Cleaning the Boat

    Hullguard only prevents algae and barnacles from attaching to your boat. If you attach the unit to an already fouled boat, some algae but no barnacles will fall off as a result of Hullguard. Therefore a clean boat is required before installation.


Step 2. Determine unit placement

    Hullguard is placed on the inside of the Hull of the boat. With the assistance of your dealer or installer, you must determine the best spot for the Hullguard unit to be installed.

    When using a single Hullguard, the placement will vary slightly depending on the size and type of boat. However, the best placement for Hullguard is generally about 1/3 of the length from the back of the boat.

    Hullguard should be placed on even surface as close to the centerline of the boat as possible.


Step 3. Cleaning the placement Area

    For Hullguard to properly bond to the placement area, it must be a clean and even surface. This will require sanding and cleaning the placement area.

    DO NOT USE ALCOHOL BASED CLEANING SOLVENTS.

    The transducer, the metal part sticking out of the bottom of the Hullguard unit, must also be cleaned before placement.

    It is imperative that this is done to create a proper contact between Hullguard’s transducer and the hull of the boat.


Step 4. Bonding Agent Mixing Instructions
    Warnings!
  • Potential skin irritant.
    Contains epoxy resins and amine which may cause irritation to sensitive skin.
    Gloves are recommended when using this product.
    Wash hands with soap and water after use.
  • Eye irritant.
    In case of eye contact, flush with water and contact a physician.
  • May be harmful if swallowed.
    • KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

    In case of chemical emergency, spill, leak, fire, exposure, or accident,
    Call local chemical emergency agency.

    Mixing Directions
  • We recommend that you wear gloves when using Mighty Putty.
  • For best results clean and sand bonding area prior to application.
  • Use supplied quantity.
  • To mix knead with fingers until putty becomes uniform in color.
    If putty feels tacky on hands, wet hands slightly.
    For best results, knead putty on a hard surface.

Step 5. Setting the Unit
    Make sure you have good ventilation in your wokring area when using epoxy compounds

    Within 2 minutes of mixing, apply putty to the bonding agent to the transducer, the metal part sticking out of the bottom of the Hullguard unit. (The mixed putty will appear to be just lying on the surface at this stage and will not yet exhibit full bonding strength.) Force putty into any cracks or holes to be filled and remove excess material. Then, place Hullguard unit on the clean, sanded area.

    Remove any excess material before hardening begins.

    After 20-30 minutes the epoxy will harden and form a firm bond, but for Hullguard to properly bond with the Hull of the boat, we strongly recommend that you let the bonding agent cure set under Hullguard’s own weight for 24 hours after placement.


Step 6. Wiring Hullguard
  • Hullguard operates on 12V DC.
  • if your boat uses 24V, you will also need a DC converter.(not included)

  • The white wire is the positive.
  • The black wire is the negative.

    • We recommend installing a 5A fuse in conjunction with Hullguard.

    Simply connect Hullguard to the boat battery or another 12V DC power source. (For other voltages connect via a DC converter.)

    Once connected, the LED light will start blinking until Hullguard is calibrated.

    If the LED light keeps blinking for a substantial period of time, this may indicate a poor contact between the transducer and the hull. Please contact your dealer/installer.


Step 7. Calibration

    Hullguard is self-calibrating. Hullguard does not simply emit an ultrasonic signal, it reads back that signal and continuously adjusts itself to environmental factors, such as the construction material of the boat, to operate most effectively.


    The initial calibration will take about 2 minutes. The LED will be blinking during this time. If the LED light keeps blinking for a substantial period of time, this may indicate a poor contact between the transducer and the hull.


    Hullguard does all of the expensive and time consuming testing and tweaking all on its own.

    You can now enjoy your foul free boat.

Applications

While the principal design of Hullguard is for fiberglass leisure crafts, Hullguard can be used on any number of surfaces where algae or barnacle growth is a concern.

Hullguard can be used on boats, or other surfaces for up to 15m(49ft.). Multiple Hullguard units can also be coupled to achieve greater ranges.

  • Leisure crafts
  • Small commercial boats
  • Floating docks
  • Other

The trash skimmer is a marina trash collection system developed by a customer of ours. Our customer was having issues with algae and barnacles clogging his system. Hullguard eliminated the algae and barnacle growth on floating bins.

This is just one example of how Hullguard can be used on more than just boats.


Testimonials

March 2010

An e-mail from a customer of ours:


Mark, Here are the pictures of the skimmer before and the skimmer after the Hull Guard. On the before pictures we pressure washed the top just below the waterline it was all covered like the bottom up to the waterline before, but it was so heavy we had to remove some of the weight. And that was just 6 weeks in the water at Long Beach California. The last picture is after 90 days with the Hull Guard working huge difference. We are very pleased with the results and more important our customer is pleased. We are planning on installing one on every skimmer we sell.


Thank You, and have a great day!


Troy L Talbot / Outside Sales Marina Accessories, Inc.

Media

Videos

See the effect of Hullguard on of our customer's boats in Australia.
Australia is known to have some of the worst problems with barnacles.

Contact

E-mail: info@hullguard.com
Toll-free: 1877-EZALGAE
Tel: +1 819 470 8629

NEWS

March 2011: New Distributor
    Hullguard is proud to anounce Beck Trading as its distributor
    for Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.
November 2010: New Hullguard Design
    Over the last year we have been trying to find ways to make Hullguard more effective and reliable.
    1.The first change that was made is the use of a new epoxy compound which simplifies installation by reducing the chances the seal is not formed correctly.
    2.The top of the Hullguard unit now features a metal plate for better heat dissipation. We found that in cases were there was a bad seal between the unit and the boat that Hullguard could overheat.
    The metal plate is more forgiving of cases where the installation, and therefore the seal, is not perfect.