We head out on the water to test the new Seakeeper 1 at the Miami International Boat Show. The new Seakeeper 1, designed to eliminate boat roll, features a flush-mount design and runs exclusively on 12V DC power. The price point of the unit is $14,900 plus installation and it weighs 365 pounds.
The Seakeeper tested was outfitted to a Sea Hunt 27.
By Steve Katz
Have you toured a new boat at a boat show or in your marina? Did all the bells and whistles make your current boat feel dated? It can happen fast. Technology moves so quickly these days that it can seem like your systems are outdated as soon as you take delivery of your new boat. Just as technology is moving rapidly, so is the ability to refit and refine your boat.
System upgrades are increasingly available in the form of refit packages that can make your current boat feel like the latest splash in the marina. There are plenty of boat yards and builders that will be glad to book you for a refit. I spent time at a few East Coast boat yards and there seems to be no shortage of major refits underway, mezzanines, paint, hardtops, towers, Seakeepers, electronics, water systems, re-power, etc.
As anyone with even a passing interest in boats knows, major refits are a timely and costly process. What if you do not have the time or budget for a complete refit? What upgrades can be made that are budget friendly and take
weeks instead of months? What upgrades are available to give you the best bang for the buck and make your boat feel new again?
I’m glad you asked. Here is a breakdown of a handful of trending upgrades that can bring your old boat new, without breaking the bank or keeping you on the hard during tournament season.
Potential system monitoring inputs that would cover the boat from top to bottom.
Digital switching describes the use of a touch screen or similar device to replace (or augment) the manual switch for electric accessories such as lighting and pumps. Common systems include the Carling Technologies’ OctoPlex® monitoring and control system, popular on larger boats, and CZone control and monitoring system often found on smaller boats. While systems like this were once only available on new high-end boats, these systems are now available for retrofit.
The CZone, in fact, is easily available in a modular system. A newly introduced line from OctoPlex®, OctoLite® is a distributed power control and monitoring system that can be easily complement a boat’s existing standard electrical system. The OctoLite® System is flexible-to-configure and includes devices such as multi-function touchscreen display, configurable keypad, multiplex switch module, solid-state power controller, bypass module, and AC distributed power module.
Digital switching systems are composed of a digital electrical junction module installed near the device to be controlled with a small data cable run to the helm or other location where data is to be displayed. The CZone can often save the time and expense of running wires where access is limited. Additionally, both of these systems integrate with multifunction displays (MFD) at the helm, allowing you to go to a digital switching page on the MFD and operate accessories without adding new switches at the helm or elsewhere. Th is functionality also travels through the MFD network, allowing control from most any networked MFD. With the system you can then switch control from the tower, cockpit, salon – wherever a MDF is installed.
OctoPlex control and monitoring now available on a Garmin OneHelm MFD display.
One place where a CZone module can be particularly useful is when installing new underwater lights. While many of the modern lights are LED, systems are getting so bright they use a lot of power. Getting large wires from a power source to the lights and back to a switch can be difficult. This is especially true when you have limited access or when your wire chases are jam packed. A CZone module can be installed near the transom, with all the lights and power connected into the module with just a small data wire run to the NMEA2000 backbone – instead of running numerous heavy-duty wires.
These systems can also monitor and report problems with on-board electrical systems. They can, for instance, monitor the voltage and amperage to a particular circuit and signal an alarm if the electrical power is out of a pre-programmed range. This is also useful in letting you know when you have a navigation light out (the circuit is drawing too little power) or a bad fixture drawing too much power.
Maretron’s N2KView® software displays vessel information on computer screen or on a Garmin OneHelm MFD using the Maretron MBB300C.
Modern sportfishers and yachts often have a large computer screen reporting the status of many shipboard systems – fuel, water, electricity, temperatures, engine data, etc. While the installation of complex proprietary system
may be out of the question for an older boat, using your existing MFD and off-the-shelf sensors can create a single monitoring source for many of your boat’s systems. The Maretron Company (partly owned by Carling Technologies) offers an array of sensors and devices that can be installed individually or combined for a whole boat system. Maretron products include user interface products, NMEA2000 gateways and bridges, tank monitoring, engine monitoring, power monitoring and control, general system monitoring and recording, navigation equipment, sensors and a myriad of NMEA2000 cabling and hardware products.
On a recent project, a customer added Maretron fuel tank level sensors to the aft tanks while installing a new mezzanine. This system complements the traditional sight gauges in the engine room (or the good old stick
in the tank method). These sensors monitor the fuel tank level ultrasonically, similar to a depth sounder, and report the fuel level to the NMEA2000 network. In this case, the system then displayed the fuel level gauges on
the Garmin MFD screens on the helm. Since there are no moving parts (or sticks), these fuel tank level sensors are reliable and provide an easy way to confirm tank level while underway or transferring fuel.
While many engine manufacturers offer fuel flow data, it is often a calculated value based on engine load, RPM, temperate, etc. Maretron also offers a positive displacement fuel flow system that measures fuel flow in and out of the tank – a very accurate way to measure fuel burn. Combining the fuel flow sensors and tank level monitoring, you can be confident of the fuel burn rate and available range.
The fuel example is an easily relatable use of digital system monitoring. Applications to other boat systems are just as easy and simple. They can provide an added level of confidence and make seeing system data quite a bit easier.
Even if you were in the Audio/Video Club, much has changed since you were in high school…
Someone who spends down time rigging hundreds of ballyhoo might accidentally forget about the needs and desires of owners and guests. When not fishing, many boats become a hotel. As one captain recently old me, “He runs an Airbnb that fishes, too.” Many sportfish boats that follow the fish also follow nice weather. Consequently, owners, friends and relatives may request to stay on-board and enjoy the amenities while not fishing.
One interior upgrade that is sure to please all is the audio/video system. The variety of audio/video content available is as varied as the guests. Updating your audio/video system to a modern flexible system that can stream content from the internet, connect to the guests’ smart devices and also connect to on-board satellite TV systems can help provide an enjoyable experience onboard for all. As not all of us were in the A/V club in school, the audio/video system needs to be simple but inclusive.
Besides, if the system upgrades are not simple and user friendly, the captain and crew will have to add “tech support” to their job descriptions. I have noticed a trend towards individual audio/video systems in each stateroom and main areas in lieu of a complex ship wide system. This provides simple total control for each area of the boat. Residential style audio video receivers can be used in the salon. These units have many desirable, modern features.
These home theater style receivers can switch between multiple HDMI, or even analog, sources. They often include front mounted inputs that permit easy connection of devices to the TV, without having to access the back of
the TV. The newest home theater receivers can connect to multiple sources of entertainment, including streaming content from the internet and also provide Bluetooth and or Apple Airplay connections. This allows your guests to use their own smart device for entertainment.
Replacing existing TVs with Smart TVs is a popular upgrade. The cost of high-end TVs has come down and the features they include have gone up. A Smart TV is a modern flat screen television that has built in applications (apps) and the ability to connect to the internet. This allows the TV stream content from popular services such as Netflix, Amazon, Spotify and dozens more. In order for these TVs to stream content, they need an internet connection from a wireless access point or a wired network.
Pro Tip – Outside Spaces: When it comes to areas exposed to the weather, residential audio/video equipment should not be used. As it is not designed for the outdoor marine environment, residential hardware won’t last very
long. Using a marine rated stereo, amplifier and speakers is the best way to ensure lasting outdoor performance. The newest marine stereos are very similar to home audio systems. They have many independent output channels (zones) and have many different input sources, including Bluetooth SiriusXM, and Apple Airplay. TV Tech Note 1: DirecTV is expected to make system changes in 2019 that will require subscribers to use the newest HD receivers.
This may render older KVH TV antenna systems (such as M1, M1DX, M3, M3DX, G4, G6, G8, 4, 6) incompatible – requiring antenna updates. Additionally, subscribers with late model hardware may find some changes in the channel lineup, since DirecTV is planning to eliminate SD (standard definition) transmission broadcasts from 101W and 119W satellites and only broadcast HD programing.
TV Tech Note 2: Modern TVs and audio/video receivers pass information in both directions through a single HDMI cable. Be sure you have cables that meet the latest standards to ensure proper operation. ARC (audio return channel) is a popular feature with modern
HDMI communications. ARC allows sound from the TV to pass back to the receiver/amplifier using a single cable to produce amplified sound from the system speakers in lieu of just the TV speakers – useful when using
Smart TV apps.
A network of engine room cameras can provide peace of mind between checks.
Keeping the boat safe and secure is one thing everyone can agree on. After all, captains are responsible for the boats they command 24/7. Owners are interested in protecting their assets. Crew and guests like to be notified as quickly as possible if there is an issue out of the ordinary. Automated remote monitoring systems are the best way to provide all interested parties real time information on the boat and its systems. Not only are these systems great, but competition in this market segment has resulted in a variety of reasonably priced systems to choose from.
GOST is one of the most popular and all-encompassing systems. GOST offers many modules and components, allowing you to build a system that meets your needs. Besides security and monitoring, GOST offers a camera system with a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) and streaming remote access. With the streaming access you can use your smartphone to connect to the on-board cameras to see live or recorded video anywhere you have an internet connection.
These video system can also be used to capture fishing action, especially since the cameras are recording 24/7. This is a great feature, since you’ll no longer need to remember to turn on the camera or charge
the batteries. If you don’t have a full DVR video system, a simple engine room camera system should be on the top of everyone’s list. This is often configured with multiple small cameras that send live image to monitors on the helm.
This is a great way for the crew to monitor the engine room in between routine checks. Some crew also like to have a unobtrusive camera in the salon. A salon cam is perfect way for the captain to ensure that guests are seated safely before getting underway. A salon cam is also a great way for watching for a guest or crew to signal the captain to slow down while they need to move around the cabin.
A salon cam is a great way to ensue that nobody is eating sausages on the couch before you throttle her up!
These systems are reasonably priced. Running the wires is often the most complex part of the system. Other companies, such as BoatCommand, Siren Marine and Yacht Protector offer security and monitoring systems. These systems are not just for tracking stolen boats or to act as a burglar alarm.
They provide remote access to the status of critical boat systems (such as battery voltage, shore power, temperature, bilge pump activity and high water to name a few). A monitoring system, for example, can notify the captain about the loss of shore power within seconds. Receiving a text message or push notification on a smart phone is a much better way to learn of lost shore power than what could be the alternative.
Maybe the shore power circuit breaker tripped, maybe the power cord pulled out of the receptacle. Either way, an unnoticed loss of shore power can lead to thawed bait, dead batteries, interior temperature rise, live well pumps shutting down and bilge pumps losing power. Tech Note – Wired vs Wireless Cameras: While wireless cameras are available, they often need a power source – therefore requiring some wires.
Since a wired system is more reliable on a boat, I currently recommend a wired camera system. There are some new battery powered residential camera systems that are fully wireless. These may prove to be acceptable on a boat, though many require an internet connection to operate.
Even if your boat is only a few years old, there may be new technology that can be easily tied into existing systems. Digital switching, system monitoring, entertainment and security/video upgrades can provide a satisfying upgrade for an older boat. These upgrades can often be completed within a reasonable budget and schedule.
Captain Steve Katz is the owner of Steve’s Marine Service Inc in Ocean City, Maryland. He is the Vice President of the National Marine Manufacturers Association and holds ABYC Master Technician certification, NMEA AMEI, NMEA2000 certificates along with factory training from many manufacturers. To contact Steve, email info@inthebite.com.
Seakeeper 2 Earns Gold Designation in Transportation Technology Category
CALIFORNIA, Md. (April 5, 2019) – Seakeeper, Inc., the leader in marine stabilization, received an Edison Award at last night’s Awards Gala for the Seakeeper 2.
The Edison Awards honor excellence in new product and service development, marketing, human-centered design and innovation. The Seakeeper 2 was chosen as a finalist in the Transportation Technology category earlier in the year and last night received a gold award, the highest available. Products were judged on their concept, value, delivery and impact and finalists were chosen by a steering committee and small group of industry experts where necessary. The finalists were then submitted to a panel of more than 3,000 judges comprised of senior business executives and academics who then cast ballots for gold, silver and bronze winners.
“We’ve been relentless at working to change a fundamental human experience by making boating more accessible and enjoyable for everyone, and the introduction of our smallest product, the Seakeeper 2, is a huge step in realizing that mission,” said Seakeeper President & CEO Andrew Semprevivo. “We’ve been pushing ourselves every day for 11 years to bring our best innovations to market, and we’re honored to be recognized as a leader and proud to stand next to the other incredible Edison Awards winners this year.”
The award was presented at the Edison Awards’ annual black-tie event at the New York Academy of Sciences in New York, NY. Events earlier in the day included a Meet the Innovators Forum and an Innovators’ Showcase where participating companies had the opportunity to connect with other finalists and innovators and share their product.
The latest launch for Winter Custom Yachts is a 46-foot walkaround. Hull no. 25 features a contoured deck that matches the sheer line offering 25 inches of freeboard from stem to stern. In the cockpit this boat features teak covering boards, decking, furniture and toe rail. The typical transom kill box has been plumbed for baitwell and insulated fish box. An in-deck fish box offers fish storage when using the transom bait well. The large helm station offers room for two 19” displays and accompanying equipment. The teak helm pod houses the palm beach controls with integrated bow thruster controls. The interior has a large galley, Subzero refrigeration, and abundant storage throughout. Twin bunks forward offer sleeping arrangements for overnight trips. The boat’s twin Caterpillar C12.9 1,000 horse power engines will push the boat to a cruise speed of 34 knots and a top end of 42 knots. Power generation is supplied from a single 17kW Northern Lights generator to the vessel’s systems including water maker, ice machine, refrigeration, and Seakeeper Gyro.
SPECIFICATIONS:
LOA: 46’1”
Beam: 14’11”
Draft: 38”
Fuel: 850 gal.
Water: 150 gal.
Weight fully loaded: 35,000 lb
Bayliss Boatworks is building another 62’ GameBoat, Gypsea. Begun in October of 2018, this project is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2020. She is designed for extended travel and exploration of remote billfish hotspots.
Gypsea is constructed with a custom layout consisting of three staterooms, two heads and a tackle room. The salon level will feature two sofas with easily accessible storage underneath, while the forward galley holds opposing bar tops located aft of the forward galley. Three Sub Zero drawer refrigerators, a four-burner Wolf induction cooktop with down-draft, and a Viking microwave round out the galley appliances.
The lower accommodations are drawn to include a day head and shower located at the base of the companionway steps. A full tackle room with a heavy-duty freezer, rod storage and a stacked washer/dryer will sit across from the day head. Gypsea features a forward master stateroom, with two extra-large bunks on each side, an en-suite head, and storage lockers. Two additional staterooms with upper/lower bunks will be located just aft of the master.
The cockpit is built to be clean and efficient, crafted around Benjamin Franklin’s quote, “a place for everything and everything in its place.” Custom Bayliss Boatworks stainless steel refrigerator boxes will be an integral part of the mezzanine layout. Gaff storage will be hidden, yet easily accessed. All of the essentials will be housed in the custom tackle lockers, located at port and starboard. Grain and color matched teak planking, as well as teak coverboards and coaming, will detail the fishing workspace.
Gypsea will be delivered with a Palm Beach Towers hardtop, extra-large center console on the bridge, white forward cabin windshield and faux teak accents.
Since all Bayliss builds are designed to travel, Gypsea’s mechanical and electrical systems are engineered to be bulletproof and faultless. The engine room and all machinery locations are incredibly accessible and designed for easy maintenance. Each vessel’s air conditioning is provided by a Dometic chilled water A/C system to reduce maintenance intervals and efficiently deliver cool air.
Specifications
Length: 62’9”
Beam: 18’2”
Draft: 5’3”
Fuel: 1,850 gallons
Water: 250 gallons
Power: (2) MAN 12V’s @ 1550 hp each
Genset: (2) Northern Lights 25kw
Stabilization: Seakeeper 9
Bayliss Boatworks has been building custom sportfishing yachts in Wanchese since 2002. Four builds are in progress at the company’s facility in Wanchese, including a Bayliss 75’, a 78-footer named Blue View, and two 62’ GameBoats – Gypsea and Tarheel.
For more information on Gypsea and all other builds, past and present, visit our website.
www.baylissboatworks.com
Captain Devin Silas hosts a walk through of the new 75 Spencer, Shoe. Equal parts work of art and high performance fishing machine, the Shoe is highly customized for comfort, class and fishability. With a fuel capacity of 5,000 gallons and a top speed of 45 knots, she is a sight to behold.
Bayliss Boatworks is building a new GameBoat, sized at 62’ and named Tarheel. This build began in March of 2018.
Tarheel features the V.2 GameBoat layout – a healthy synergy of the first two GameBoats built by Bayliss; she combines the practicality of Mama C with the custom lower level layout of GameChanger. Bayliss Boatworks’ first demo boat, she will be fished heavily on the east coast tournament circuit and will eventually wind up in Costa Rica.
Exterior features include a variety of faux teak components, including a faux teak toe rail transom and drip molding. She will have a sleek profile, hard top, and white windshield. It’s all about symmetry on Tarheel: the flybridge will have the classic center console arrangement. A center door will orient the salon, and two peninsula cabinets will be featured in the galley for refrigeration and storage.
The lower level will be comprised of a simple three stateroom/two-head layout, along with an easily accessible dayhead and tackle room, each situated just off the main companionway. Systems will include two 20 kw Northern Lights generators, an FCI 1,800 gallon per day watermaker, and a Dometic Chilled Water A/C system (now standard on all Bayliss builds).
Specifications
Length: 62’
Beam: 18’ 2”
Draft: 4’ 8”
Fuel: 1,850 gallons
Water: 300 gallons
Power: Twin MTU M96L 10V @ 1600 hp each
Stabilization: Seakeeper 9
Tarheel will deliver in summer of 2019. Bayliss Boatworks has been building custom sportfishing yachts in Wanchese since 2002. Four builds are in progress at the company’s facility in Wanchese, including a Bayliss 75’, a 78-footer named Blue View, and two 62’ GameBoats – GameChanger and Tarheel.
For more information on Tarheel and all other builds, past and present, visit www.baylissboatworks.com
Bayliss Boatworks is building a second GameBoat, sized at 62’ and named GameChanger. This new project began in the spring of 2017.
Exterior features include a variety of faux teak components, including a faux teak toe rail, transom and drip molding. GameChanger will be fished far and wide, a welcome addition to an already-robust fishing program. The interior is a simple three stateroom/two-head layout; the lower level lends itself well to a focused fishing program with an easily accessible dayhead and extremely spacious tackle room, each situated just off the main companionway.
Systems will include one 20 kw Northern Lights generator, a Seakeeper 16, two 1,000 pound-per-day icemakers, a 1,200 gallon-per-day water maker, and plenty more.
GameBoat 62’ will deliver in late 2018.
LOA: 62’
Beam: 18’ 2”
Draft: 5’ 1”
Displacement:
Fuel: 1,500 gal.
Water: 250 gal.
Power: Twin MTU M96L V12 @ 1920 hp each
Elliott Stark
Editor-in-Chief, InTheBite Magazine
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