Gyro Stabilizer

NelsonP · 09-12-2009, 11:00 AM

Dear Members,

I am considering upgrading to a Manhattan 70 from Sunseeker. Not having experience with Flybridge boats, currently owning a Predator 68, and being owner of only open boats, the rep we have discussed, proposed a gyro stabilizer, possibly from Seakeepers. I have several questions:

a) Does it worth the investment? I am doing a lot of anchoring although in sheltered waters.

b) Is it noisy? A possible position would be to place it underneath the crew bank, located aft, however with all sound insulation possible, I am still worried that the deckhand will not get any sleep due to the noise of the thing, if its on all night.

c) Does it provide any stabilization, on cruising speeds? I am under the impression that it does not.

I had a look at the Seakeepers site. Although it does answers the questions above, I am looking for a more independent opinion.

Thanks a lot for your assistance in the above,

Capt J · 09-12-2009, 07:57 PM

I was on a 74' Manhattan. It was a pretty stable boat at rest. I don't think stabilizers are worth the money if you're anchoring in 1 foot seas (.3 meters)or less. I cannot comment on the noise as the boats I've been on that had gyro stabilizers were 160' +.

CODOG · 09-13-2009, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NelsonP

...I am looking for a more independent opinion

If at all possible I'd suggest pushing the dealer to get you aboard one with and one without so you can make up your own mind. Contacting existing owners (whilst not always possible) is a logical step too. However good a dealer or however considered the advice from others is, get a feel for the affect at rest and underway compared to one without yourself if you can.

K1W1 · 09-13-2009, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt J

I cannot comment on the noise as the boats I've been on that had gyro stabilizers were 160' +.

Hi,

Do you mean this Seakeeper Gyro system by this or the more traditional Vosper/Quantum type fixed fin system with it's multi axis gyro controller?

The two are very different in construction and operation.

NelsonP · 09-13-2009, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by K1W1

Hi,

Do you mean this Seakeeper Gyro system by this or the more traditional Vosper/Quantum type fixed fin system with it's multi axis gyro controller?

The two are very different in construction and operation.

Thank you all,

Indeed a personal visit to similar boats with/without is by all means the best option. Hopefully the dealer can arrange it.

onnohuizer · 09-22-2009, 11:42 AM

Best choice out there by far.

This is not a toy! It works really well.It's an ancient ..super ancient principle and does not need water speed to increase efficiency.
It's probably too good and that's why seakeeper have gone for a version with a hydraulic actuator/damper.

It works best away from the center point of inertia.That would be the best start to try and fit it.
Also have the generator power on board to run it.
It will need cooling water. think of those three things and I believe the noise to be a lot less then a fin setup.

They're modular as well.Very nice system and no need to pull them apart after 5 years in dry-dock!!

Good luck..

Onno

Captain J · 11-04-2009, 10:41 AM

The way to go is at present with Seakeeper, but look out there will be other manufacturers coming to market soon with similar possibly better sytems both underway and at anchor performance. Have two seakeepers on new Marlow 72E, they are not noisy but do take a bit of time to spool up and shut down, they are working to get these times down though.