Hull Shield HD4 Ultrasonic Antifouling System

As part of the new HD series, The HD4 offers an increased efficiency profile that is capable of delivering nearly double the power directly to the transducers when compared to prior versions. Additionally, all HD series products feature our latest hardware technology that boosts overall effectiveness while providing more than twice as many ultrasound frequency bursts in key targeted ranges.

The HD4 is a four-transducer system engineered as a stand-alone system that can add antifouling protection to hulls, drives, rudders, stabilizers, and more. This single system can provide ultrasonic antifouling protection for hulls up to 50ft in length or can be combined with additional systems for larger vessels. The HD4 can also be tasked with protecting drives and can provide coverage for two drives and two rudders simultaneously.

Not just for hulls – Hull Shield can protect your drives and running gear too! Drives are isolated from the hull by motor mounts, gaskets, seals and other insulative materials that block ultrasound from passing to shafts, props, and rudders. Because of this, the drive system requires dedicated transducers to gain the most benefit from ultrasonic anti-fouling. Inboards, pods, sterndrives, and sail-drives can all be fitted with a transducer to enable full anti-fouling protection. Rudders are isolated from the hull in the same way as the drives and also require a dedicated transducer.

Ultrasonic antifouling works by using sound waves to physically repel fouling organisms away from the surface before they can permanently attach. As a bonus, the higher frequency band of ultrasound also disrupts the reproductive cycles of certain types of bio-fouling.

Hull Shield systems operate similar to a stereo and speakers. The controller sends ultrasound signals to transducers attached to the hull or running gear, the transducers receive the high-frequency signals, transforming them into ultrasonic pulses.

Each pulse creates a microscopic shockwave that runs across the hull and drive gear. These ultrasonic waves work to ablate, loosen, and repel fouling which is contacting the hull and drive surfaces. When used in conjunction with an ablative bottom paint, Hull Shield systems are the most effective and long-term antifouling solution available.

The Hull Shield HD4 controller is the brain behind the brawn. HD4 controllers generate signals for up to 4 transducers and consume about 1Ah of current at maximum potential (when the battery system voltage is at or above 12.7V). The controller is mounted in an accessible location near the 12V battery system supply. The transducer signal cables are routed back to the controller. The HD4 enclosure is IP68 and NEMA rated for waterproof installation, and all connections are IP67 rated or above.

HD series controllers operate on 12VDC battery systems. Please contact us for alternate options on 24VDC systems.

This system is equipped with four transducer emitters used to generate the ultrasonic signals which disrupt marine fouling.

The HD4 controller is designed for optimum efficiency and ultrasound power delivery. The system is engineered to provide stable operation, even when powered from solar and wind supported power systems with fluctuating battery cycles. The controller will actively adjust the output power to match the current charge-state of the battery system – conserving power when necessary to preserve battery power and extend the length of time the system can operate.

The controller actively monitors system voltage levels which allows it to automatically enter  power conservation mode (PCM) when the system batteries are not being maintained. PCM is a completely automated process which reduces the average system power consumption to as low as 5 watts depending on available battery power.

This system features an automated sleep mode where it will automatically shut down to conserve system battery capacity for important tasks such as cranking motors and operating bilge pumps. The SLEEP MODE is activated when the HD4 detects that the battery voltage has dropped to 50% capacity (approximately 12.1V). When SLEEP MODE is activated, the Hull Shield halts all ultrasonic output and powers down; power consumption drops to near zero. The HD4 will automatically awaken when battery levels have returned to operational levels.

HULLS – each transducer provides approximately 200sqft of protected underwater surface area. A rough estimate of your underwater surface area can be calculated by doubling your draft, adding it to your beam, then multiplying by your LWL (length at water line).

• 1x Hull Shield HD4 Control Module with Integrated Power Cable
• 4x Submersible Ultrasonic Transducers with 15ft of Cable
• 2x Additional 15ft Extension Cables
• 1x Epoxy Kit
• 1x Printed Installation and Operation Manual

All Hull Shield Ultrasonic products are fully covered under a Lifetime Warranty for the original purchaser. The warranty protects against defects in materials, workmanship, and parts issues.

Please Note: Hull Shield HD4 kits are provided with transducers having 15ft of attached cable. HD4 kits also include two 15ft signal cable extensions. Depending on boat size, you may require additional transducer signal cable to span the distance between the transducer mounting location and the controller. Extra signal cables can be added to your order by clicking HERE.

This unit can also be combined with other Hull Shield systems to extend protective range and/or antifouling intensity.