Depth sensor covered with anti-fouling - ANY PROBLEMS

[cmedsailor]

Hello,
I am sorry for my horible English but I hope you will be able to understand my guestion and answer!!
If you paint the depth sensor (or whatever is called; that plastic "eye" through the hull that measures depth - by the way it is connected to a ST40 tridata) with antifoul will it still work properly? Or do you need to be careful to clean it (scratch it off) afterwards?
Thanks

 

[narooma]

Hi,
It should still work, but not as well. If you clean it do NOT scratch it or damage the surface.

 

[[2574]]

Apply one thin coat only. Excessive build up of anti foul (over a number of seasons) will eventually cause problems.

rob

 

[boatmike]

Your English is better than many others on here, don't worry! Most depth sounders will work OK with antifoul on the transducers. It's better than barnacles! As others have said though, don't put too much on, try to keep a smooth coat without bubbles in and only use one coat. If you need to remove it use an antifouling solvent rather than a chisel!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

[jwrhind]

Also worth remembering that the antifoul may possibly damage the plastic of the transducer, so check with the maker's instructions!

For example, from http://www.airmartechnology.com/uploads/InstallGuide/17-274-01%20r03%20ps.pdf

Quote from the above document ...

Antifouling Paint
Aquatic growth can accumulate rapidly on the sensor’s surface
reducing performance within weeks. Surfaces exposed to salt
water must be coated with antifouling paint. Use water-based or
mineral spirits based antifouling paint only.
Neveruse ketonebased paint, since ketones can attack many types of plastic possibly damaging the sensor.

CAUTION: NEVER USE SOLVENTS!
Cleaners, fuel, paint, sealants, and other products can
contain strong solvents, such as acetone, which attack
many plastics greatly reducing their strength.

 

[gsturgeon]

My depth sensor (Navman) is epoxied to the inside of the hull so obviously it fires through the antifoul, works perfectly. Must admit I was a bit worried when I recently had the hull Copper Coated but it made no difference either.