Yacht barnacle inhibitor system

Abstract

A defouling system for pleasure yachts and the like. An oxygen-depleting gas is bubbled into the water in close proximity to the hull. Various barriers in the water can be positioned to reduce diffusion of oxygen to the hull surface.

1 . A method for inhibiting growth of fauna on a ship hull, comprising the step of: 
 (a.) bubbling a gas which reduces the oxidation potential of water, in proximity to the hull.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said gas is nitrogen-enriched air.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said gas is nitrogen.  
   
   
       4 . A method for inhibiting growth of fauna on a ship hull, comprising the step of: 
 (a.) bubbling a nitrogen-rich gas into water in proximity to the hull.    
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said gas is nitrogen.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said gas is nitrogen-enriched air.  
   
   
       7 . A demountable anti-fouling system, comprising: 
 bubbler hoses having a gas-permeable surface;    gas-supply connections which provide, to said bubbler hoses, a gas composition which is less oxidizing than atmospheric air; and    mechanical supports which hold said bubbler hoses in proximity to the outer surface of a vessel's hull.    
   
   
       8 . A hull-mounted anti-fouling system, comprising: 
 a vessel hull have a fluid network emplaced therein;    bubbler outlets mounted in said hull and connected to said fluid network; and    a controllable source of a non-oxidizing gas connected to said fluid network.    
   
   
       9 . A slip-based anti-fouling system, comprising: 
 a flexible fluid network having slip-based bubbler outlets therein; and    flotation units connected to lift said bubble outlets when gas pressure is applied thereto, and to position said bubble outlets in close proximity to a vessel's hull.