Antifouling Paints
Pollutants and toxins
Antifouling paints usually contain a biocide, or toxin, held within the structure of the paint. The coating is designed to leach biocide slowly into the marine environment preventing any organism adhering to the paint by poisoning the attaching organisms. At the same time, it has quite a pollutant effect on the environment to which it is being released because the nature of a biocide can have a potentially harmful effect, not only on the fouling organism it is designed to deter, but also on other marine life unconnected with fouling activity.
The UltraSystem is completely pollutant free and offers a much more environmentally friendly way to keep the hull clear from fouling by extending the usable life of the paint, so re-painting every year is not necessary and this can be extended to as much as once every 3 to 5 years depending on its condition and regional water conditions. Although after a short period of time the effectiveness of the paint is dramatically reduced, an ageing paint will continue to naturally erode and leach what little toxins are left and when used in conjunction with the UltraSystem, this makes a significant difference in preventing growth on the hull.
A new antifouling paint will provide a higher level of fouling protection when used in conjunction with the UltraSystem during the first part of the season. In most cases, with today’s paints being less effective due to new legislation against the use of harmful substances, an antifouling paint is just not enough to keep the hull clear, and it will soon begin to foul. While ablative coatings rely to some degree on the hull moving through the water to release fouling, the Ultrasonic Antifouling system is working during the critical time for growth when the yacht is at berth.
The UltraSystem is effective and specifically developed to help the cause, and that is to help keep the hull free from growth and maintain the yachts performance.