Anti- fouling

[Derek - Raymarine - Moderator]

Where local regulations allow, it is recommended that you coat your transducer using a water-based anti-fouling paint. This will help prevent the build up of organic growth, which can reduce the performance of your transducer, note that in some geographical regions, marine growth can also aggressively attack underwater fixtures and anti - fouling is essential to prevent physical damage. Please also refer to this FAQ for further advice.

Important:
• Before applying water-based anti-fouling paint, check that local environmental rules and regulations do not prohibit the use of anti-fouling paint.
• Never use copper-based anti-fouling paint as this can impact transducer performance.
• Never use keytone based anti-fouling paint as this can attack the transducer’s plastic, damaging the transducer.
• Paint your transducer using a brush, do not use a spray can or a sponge roller as these methods can cause tiny air bubbles to be incorporated in the paint, which will also reduce transducer performance.
The anti-fouling paint should be applied in a thin and even coat covering all externally exposed transducer surfaces.
You should clean your transducer regularly and re-apply anti-fouling paint every 6 months, or sooner depending on how rapidly organic growth builds up.

Transducer cleaning
You must clean your transducer regularly to remove organic growth. Organic growth can build up quickly on the bottom face of your transducer this can impact transducer performance in a matter of weeks

Important:
• When cleaning growth from an anti-fouled transducer take care not to let paint dust and scrapings enter the water as this can have an impact on aquatic life.
• Take care not to scratch the surface of the transducer as this can impact transducer performance.
• Do NOT use harsh cleaning solvents such as acetone as this will damage the transducer

Follow the guidance below to clean growth from your transducer:
• use a soft cloth and a mild household cleaning detergent to clean mild growth build up.
• use a scouring pad, such as a green Scotch Brite™ pad and a mild household cleaning detergent to clean moderate growth build up.
• you may need to use a fine grade wet and dry paper and a mild household cleaning detergent to clean severe build up.

Re-applying anti-fouling paint
Follow the instructions below to re-apply anti-fouling paint
Important:
• Following environmental best practise, preparation and re-application of the anti-fouling paint should be performed using suitable washdown facilities, which ensures paint particles do not enter the water and impact aquatic life.
• Take care not to scratch the transducer face as this may impact transducer performance

1. Remove your vessel from the water.
2. Clean your transducer, ensuring all organic growth is removed.
3. Remove any flaking anti-foul paint.
4. Use a soft dry cloth to remove any loose bits of paint.
5. Re-apply a water-based anti-fouling paint.

RAYFAQ#