Anyone who has spent time on the water knows that it can get quite uncomfortable on a boat, once the wind and waves kick in. While some find the rocking movements on the water pleasant, for many people it causes fatigue, dizziness, nausea or even seasickness. Especially during longer trips on the high seas, the desire for more comfort and stability is strong among yacht owners.
While stabilizer systems were previously used mainly on large passenger ships and superyachts, they are now also widely used for leisure yachts. After all, more stability and less rocking of the ship means that now, even people who suffer from seasickness can finally enjoy the benefits of a yacht. That means fun on the water thanks to a quiet boat – even in wind and waves.
Stabilizer basics
In general, a stabilizer creates a force that counteracts the motion caused by waves. The principle is quite simple:
The stabilizing force is determined by the weight, diameter and speed of the flywheel and is measured in Newton meters. As with cars, higher torque in ships leads to stronger acceleration. The stronger acceleration, in turn, leads to more anti-rolling energy, which ensures the stabilization of the ship.
Advantages of stabilizers
Stabilizers come with numerous benefits. As a result, they have already become as indispensable to many boat owners, just like ACs in cars. After all, stabilizing a yacht does not only serve to prevent seasickness. Other benefits include:
- slower fatigue of passengers and crew
- possibility of higher speed
- higher general safety
- lower fuel consumption
The different systems for stabilizing a ship
There are several options for ship stabilization. Fin stabilizers, for example, create dynamic buoyancy and thus, reduce drag. Depending on the speed of the boat, they create counterforces in two ways.
In order to stabilize the boat and generate counterforces during anchoring, the fins move relatively fast in this situation and are limited only by the maximum possible radius of rotation. During cruising, fins generate counterforces by the angle at which they move into the waves. Depending on the speed of the boat, corresponding force can be generated.
In contrast, gyro-stabilizers are installed inside the boat. Rolling is reduced by the precession motion. In this design, the counterforce generated is not dependent on wave period or boat speed. Instead, the stabilization is dictated by the limit of precession motion.
Nowadays, gyro stabilizers can be found on the equipment list of all major yacht manufacturers. Regardless of yacht type or brand, one manufacturer has managed to establish itself as an absolute favorite and bestseller on the market: the US company Seakeeper.
The Seakeeper systems
The two founders of Seakeeper, Shep McKenney and John Adams, had a vision to develop a practical and modern gyro stabilizer that would revolutionize the yacht and boat experience.
The company’s manufacturing facility is located in a former textile mill in Mohnton, Pennsylvania. From there, dozens of machinists craft spherical, high-tech structures that resemble a beach ball made of solid metal.
Thanks to their state-of-the-art technology, it is possible to install Seakeeper’s gyro stabilizers on yachts ranging in length from 23 to more than 85 feet. Regardless of whether the vessel is at anchor or sailing, the roll caused by waves is successfully eliminated.
This video clearly illustrates the system’s operation and technology:
The demand for gyro stabilizers for yachts has increased tremendously in the years since the company was founded. This is true both for new vessels and for retrofitting used boats. A major advantage of the technology used by Seakeeper is its compact design, which allows the installation of several connected units, as well as placement outside the keel line.
Stabilization for large and small boats
Seakeeper offers a range of models for different needs and types of boats. The most popular model on the market is one with active control, which has advanced cooling technology and high performance (9700 rpm). More information about Seakeeper and the individual models can be found here
Seakeeper prices vary depending on the design. The smallest model, the Seakeeper 1 (for boats from 23-30 feet), costs around 13,000€ (excluding installation costs). “Heavy Duty Line” models, designed for use in excess of 1,000 hours/year, start at just under 70,000€.
Merk & Merk – Exclusive Seakeeper dealer in Croatia
Merk & Merk has been the exclusive Seakeeper Dealer in Croatia for three years now, covering the entire coast from Istria to Cavtat. The yachting specialists have already re-fitted numerous yachts and boats with Seakeeper stabilizers in these past three years.
For most boat owners, a stabilizer system has become an absolute must-have for comfortable stays on the water. The good news here is, that there is no vessel that cannot be re-fitted with gyro stabilizers.
How does a refit installation with a Seakeeper work?
If an owner is interested in refitting the boat with stabilizers, the first step is a consultation with specialists. The number and configuration of the devices to be installed are defined in more detail. The order is confirmed within 24 hours of ordering the selected model. Delivery, on the other hand, can take up to a month, as all of Seakeeper’s units are imported from the States.
Once the ordered model arrives, a Merk & Merk specialist can install the units in about ten days. The actual duration of the installation always depends on the type of vessel as well. After the installation is successfully completed, the boat is ready for a first sea trial.
Basically, Seakeeper’s gyro stabilizers are installed on top of the superstructure. The lower they are placed, the better roll can be prevented. Once installed, regular inspection and maintenance of the units is required.
Merk & Merk experts claim, that testing and maintenance is key to keeping the gyro in a proper working condition. This is a point that is often missed, especially on new yachts up to 50 feet. Inspection is recommended after every 1,000 hours of operation or at least once a year.
More information on Merk & Merk’s maintenance and yacht services can be found here
Seakeeper maintenance and service
Basically, Seakeepers are designed to require minimal maintenance. Most critical components operate in a sealed casing that protects them from corrosive moisture.
CAUTION! This does not mean that Seakeepers do not require regular maintenance. To extend the life of your Seakeeper and ensure proper functionality, it must be serviced at least once a year. After the summer season, it should also be prepared for winter.
These points are essential in the maintenance and care of a Seakeeper
- Inspection of the hydraulic oil chamber of the zinc anodes
- Inspection of the heat exchanger and the cooling system
- Inspection of all electrical connections, cables and components
- Inspection of all fasteners/bolts
- Flushing of the hydraulic oil
- Flushing of the cooling system
Is the investment in stabilizers worth it?
Regarding this point, both the yachting experts at Merk & Merk and the boat owners agree. No one who upgrades his yacht with Seakeeper gyro stabilizers ever wants to go without them again. Because even if the system is mainly used at anchor, a quiet sleep, undisturbed by waves is priceless.
Get advice from Seakeeper experts now
As the exclusive dealer of Seakeeper in Croatia, you are well advised by the experts at Merk & Merk. Based on your requirements and boat type, we will determine your individual needs and ensure professional installation. Thus, nothing stands in the way of rocking-free trips and quiet nights on board.