HULL SHIELD
The Original Recreational
Ultrasonic Antifouling System
Some products may look similar — but only Hull Shield delivers true engineering, proven reliability, and global support.
Competitors come and go. Don’t be left unsupported or in the dark.
The Hull Shield Difference
We pioneered ultrasonic antifouling for recreational vessels. Hull Shield has become the go-to trusted by over 20 brands of boat builders (Aquila, Ocean Alexander, Hinckley, Outer Reef, Balance, Lazzara, Vanquish to name a few) and boaters worldwide.
Proven Worldwide
Thousands of vessels protected in salt and brackish waters.
True 12V & 24V
Purpose-built PCBs for stable, efficient power delivery.
Marine-Grade Quality
Electronics QC-tested on every unit; backed by warranty.
Side-by-Side Comparison
How Hull Shield stacks up against recreational look-alike products.
| Feature | Hull Shield (Original) | Generic Imitation |
|---|---|---|
| Proven Track Record | Thousands of vessels, trusted worldwide | Unproven new entrants — frequent rebrands, minimal time in market, copies of Hull Shield’s branding, and even some that have already exited within a year |
| PCB Design | Purpose-built true 12V & 24V systems | Two 12V boards stacked and labeled “24V” |
| Engineering Quality | Marine-grade components, QC on every unit | Lower-quality internals, little validation |
| Features & Functionality | Full feature set engineered for performance & longevity | Reduced features to cut costs, compromising functionality, performance, and long-term effectiveness |
| Warranty & Support | Full coverage + global dealer network | Warranty does no good when a company comes and goes within a year or two, no network |
| Long-Term Value | Extends paint life, reduces haul-outs & hull cleaning fees, cleaner hull increases fuel efficiency | Risk of failures, less effective, and hidden costs |
Why True 24V Matters
Stable power handling means consistent ultrasonic output and reliable protection — especially on larger vessels and 24V banks.
- Lower heat, higher reliability
- Cleaner signal delivery
- Designed for marine electrical systems
FAQ
Is Hull Shield really different from cheaper alternatives?
Yes. The differences are in the engineering: true 12V & 24V PCBs, marine-grade electronics, rigorous QC on every unit, and an established dealer support network.
Do competitors reduce features to save costs?
Some look-alike products remove features to reduce price, which can compromise functionality, performance, and long-term effectiveness compared to purpose-built systems like Hull Shield.
What warranty and support do I get?
Hull Shield is backed by a full manufacturer warranty and a global dealer network for installation and post-sale support.
Why does “stacked 12V” matter?
Stacking two 12V boards to claim 24V can create heat and stability issues. True 24V boards are designed for reliable operation on 24V systems.
Competitor Comparisons
When considering ultrasonic antifouling, it’s important to separate proven innovation from copycats and shortcuts. Hull Shield pioneered this technology for recreational vessels and has spent years refining it through real-world testing, engineering advancements, and industry partnerships. While others try to imitate, Hull Shield continues to lead with purpose-built systems, trusted dealer support, and unmatched reliability.
More Questions
What’s the difference between Hull Shield and Seaflo?
Seaflo has imitated certain aspects of our designs, though much of what they’ve replicated resembles our first-generation systems. Credit to Hull Shield—our Gen 1 was groundbreaking at the time—but we’ve advanced far beyond that. Over years of innovation and real-world experience, our third and fourth-generation systems are on an entirely different level. Seaflo’s product simply does not measure up to Hull Shield’s engineering, testing, and performance. Hull Shield isn’t just the original and trusted ultrasonic antifouling brand for recreational vessels—we remain the leader, setting the standard that others can only try to follow.
Extended FAQ
Will this work with bottom paint?
Yes. Hull Shield is designed to complement bottom paint—helping it last longer while preventing hard growth like barnacles from attaching.
Does Hull Shield replace bottom paint?
No. Ultrasonic antifouling reduces hard growth and keeps the hull cleaner between haul-outs; it works alongside bottom paint for best results.
How many transducers do I need?
It depends on hull length, geometry, and problem areas (strakes, keels, tunnels). We’ll recommend a layout to ensure even coverage.
What’s the power draw?
Systems are designed for efficient, continuous operation on 12V or 24V banks, with purpose-built boards for each voltage to ensure stable output.
Is it noisy or harmful to marine life?
Ultrasonic transducers are bonded to the hull and designed for antifouling use. Onboard, they are silent; in-water sound is localized to the hull surface.
How is it installed?
Transducers are epoxy-bonded inside the hull; controllers mount in a dry, accessible location. Certified dealers can handle assessment and installation.
What maintenance or savings should I expect?
Cleaner hulls help extend paint life and reduce haul-outs and hull cleaning fees—plus a cleaner hull can improve fuel efficiency.