New Technology Makes Stabilization A Reality For Small Boats
Until now, owners of smaller boats put up with a rolling vessel in rough weather, or simply stayed ashore. With the recent launch of the state-of-the-art Seakeeper 5, they now enjoy the comfort and safety of gyro stabilization, in a wide range of sea states.
Based on the same technology found in more than 2,000 larger Seakeeper installations worldwide, the scaled Seakeeper 5 reduces resonant boat roll by up to 90% on boats 30’–50′. The unit uses a built-in computer to actively control a powerful gyro. Spinning in a vacuum environment, it produces powerful righting forces to stabilize the boat. While underway or at rest, the innovative unit dramatically lessens boat movement. And unlike traditional fins, nothing projects outside of the hull to diminish a vessel’s performance.
Builders of smaller boats are quickly recognizing the benefits Seakeeper delivers. Intrepid, MJM, Scout and several other leading brands are already offering the newly released Seakeeper 5 as standard or optional equipment.
MJM Yachts first offered Seakeeper as standard on its 50z. “MJM took an industry-leading role in making this technology standard,” said Robert Johnstone, founder of MJM Yachts. In response to strong positive feedback on the 50z, the gyro is now being offered on the company’s 40z. “Once you know that such technology exists, you wonder why you ever put up with the discomfort of rolling before,” noted Johnstone.
Scout Boats will debut its 420 LXF with a Seakeeper 5 as an optional feature at the Miami International Boat Show. “The gyro is going to add a lot of comfort for our buyers,” said Alan Lang, Scout Boats sales manager. “It will definitely enhance the performance and overall ride of our boats.”
Only a few years ago, Seakeeper was educating consumers and builders on the merits of gyro stabilization. Now, with its newly revised line of five models, the company is bringing this innovation to the helms of small boats everywhere.
The Seakeeper 5 requires a mere 1,500–2,000 watts to operate, depending on sea state. Weighing only 790 lbs, the unit is 30″ L x 30″ W x 25″ H and can be installed off centerline. It is extremely quiet and nearly maintenance-free. It has a retail cost of $29,900.
Seakeeper’s OBX 345 Express caught much attention during its summer demo tour. “Demos aboard our OBX were extremely successful in pre-sales,” said Andrew Semprevivo, Seakeeper VP of sales and marketing. “We sold 50 units before we even officially launched the Seakeeper 5.”
The boat is currently in Florida where it introduces people daily to the comfort and safety of gyro stabilization. It will continue to be available to the public throughout 2015 for sea trials along the US east coast.
Contact Seakeeper, 44425 Pecan Ct., Ste. 151, California, MD 20619. 410-326-1590. marketing@seakeeper.com, www.seakeeper.com.
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