Anti-Rolling Gyro or Stabilization Fins

Yachtguy · 01-13-2006, 05:41 PM

I am looking for information on the Mitsubishi or similar ANTI ROLLING GYRO or ARG. This is not an active fin stabalizer system.
I understand it is under demo with Ferretti group yachts now.

YachtForums · 01-14-2006, 10:08 AM

Here's a press release on the ARG...

http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/ne...light=arg+gyro

It's not a new technology, but a new application of the same. It's a mechanical gyro that for all practical purposes, should produce better "static" results than traditional fin stabilizers, i.e. at anchor or docked.

As for anti-roll properties underway, I'm sure it adds a level of stabilization, however I don't believe it would be as effective as active fin stabilization, especially as speed or wave height increases.

The combination of both systems would produce the best results, however this would be expensive and would add additional weight. The added weight of the ARG is not be a bad thing, as this can improve stability at speed or at rest, given it's low CG placement within the hull.

The real upside to the Mitsubishi ARG is simplicity, as this removes hydraulics, plumbing or servo motors from the equation. It also means nothing is protruding from the hull, which decreases drag and eliminates the possibility of damage due to protruding fins.

Yachtguy · 01-14-2006, 10:35 AM

I wonder if it is available on the market as I think Ferreti group had an exclusive on it. I under stand they use 4 on the ferretti custom line 94 and each one is about the size of compact washing machine.

Yachtguy · 01-14-2006, 10:37 AM

I wonder if 4 washing machines set on spin cycle would do the trick.? A lot cheaper. HaHa

YachtForums · 01-14-2006, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yachtguy

I wonder if it is available on the market as I think Ferreti group had an exclusive on it. I under stand they use 4 on the ferretti custom line 94 and each one is about the size of compact washing machine.

I think the best person to contact, with respect to answers and feedback, would be Tom Houliaries, vice president of Marine Max. Tom is one of my oldest friends and he was interviewed on the ARG in this Popular Science article...

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/051110/cgth025.html?.v=34

PM me for contact details. I don't like to post e-mail addresses or phone numbers on the forum because of webcrawlers.

catmando · 01-15-2006, 12:23 AM

ARG matey

lwrandall · 01-15-2006, 09:26 AM

There is a great video on Ferretti's web site demonstrating ARG. They show you video of before and after. It is pretty amazing technology.

www.ferretti-yachts.com

go to MENU (bottom right corner) > NEWS AND EVENTS > VIDEO GALLERY

Yachtguy · 01-15-2006, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lwrandall

There is a great video on Ferretti's web site demonstrating ARG. They show you video of before and after. It is pretty amazing technology.

www.ferretti-yachts.com

go to MENU (bottom right corner) > NEWS AND EVENTS > VIDEO GALLERY

Thanks for the link. I am not totally convinced. Take a look at the video why would they have the boat with the non active running more perpendicular to the passing boats wake. Very obvious that it would exagerate the roll effect. To boot they are over rotating the reference angle on the screen to exagerate the roll. I don't doubt that it has some improved effect but there is no doubt they are exagerating a bit. At least in this video. Maybe they didn't have to but they felt for marketing purposes they needed to "enhance" things a little. I am sure there is merit to this however I think it will take a bit more to convince me.

Yachtguy · 01-15-2006, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yachtguy

Thanks for the link. I am not totally convinced. Take a look at the video why would they have the boat with the non active running more perpendicular to the passing boats wake. Very obvious that it would exagerate the roll effect. To boot they are over rotating the reference angle on the screen to exagerate the roll. I don't doubt that it has some improved effect but there is no doubt they are exagerating a bit. At least in this video. Maybe they didn't have to but they felt for marketing purposes they needed to "enhance" things a little. I am sure there is merit to this however I think it will take a bit more to convince me.

The over exagerated screen reference is just before half way through the video. I would post a screen clip copy of it here but that may be a copywright issue they may not appreciate.

YachtForums · 01-16-2006, 05:44 PM

In viewing that clip... I would have to concur, sir.

Which prompted me to take a second look at the image supplied in the link above, seen here...

http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/at...g?d=1131716994

It wouldn't be difficult to create this imbalance if the boat on the right was swinging around the transom of the boat on the left, pulled a fast stop, add a little port bow thruster, reverse a gear and... voila! One could also question "why" the boat on the right has been presented with an instability, when the surrounding conditions appears to be calm.

Not insinuating this was done, by any means. Just speculating on how this could be staged. That being said, Mitsubishi is a reputable company and I'd be hard pressed to believe they would gear up for production if the unit didn't offer some benefit. To what degree... remains a question.

Sorry to refer to these Custom Lines as boats. Just using them for reference.

Yachtguy · 01-16-2006, 10:22 PM

OK I see we are allowed to use pictures from others. Attached is a snap shot from the Movie link refered to which really shows the exageration.!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by lwrandall

There is a great video on Ferretti's web site demonstrating ARG. They show you video of before and after. It is pretty amazing technology.

www.ferretti-yachts.com

go to MENU (bottom right corner) > NEWS AND EVENTS > VIDEO GALLERY

PequodII · 08-12-2010, 09:32 AM

Hi all,

I'm doing a bit of research. I was wondering if you could tell me what the functional difference is between high-end, zero-speed fin and gyro stabilizers. If price was no object, which would you choose, and why? Is one better than the other in port or while underway? Is one hardier than the other - why exactly are zero-speed fin stabilizers so much more expensive than gyro systems like Seakeeper or ARG?

Thanks a lot! (And I'm sorry if this discussion has already been had... I couldn't find it if so!)

Capt. Bill11 · 08-12-2010, 11:03 AM

The functional difference is one uses fins moving water for stabilization and the other has a very fast spinning gyro attached to the hull on the inside of the bottom for stabilization.

I have not used the gyro system yet myself. But I really like the concept and have research them for a friends new build and perhaps to retro fit on the boat I'm currently on. After checking them out my friends boat owners are going to use them in their new boat.

As to why there is such a large cost difference between the two, I'm not sure. But as I recall you could get two Seakeeper systems for the cost of a Zero Speed upgrade to an existing system alone.

As I mentioned, I like the gyro concept. No fins sticking out to hit or catch on anything. Less drag. And no bearings or leaky seals to deal with or replace from time to time.

MaxPower · 08-12-2010, 01:05 PM

I had the Mitsubishi ARG's on my Ferretti 630 & have to say that they did make a difference when switched on. It took approx. 20 mins to spool up to full speed but worth the wait. The could be used at anchor or while underway.

The other difference Capt. Bill11 has not mentioned is that (in my understanding) the fin type can only be fitted on large yachts due to the amount of hardware involved.

PequodII · 08-13-2010, 05:18 AM

Thanks for the prompt answers, folks. Much appreciated!

My research entails looking into Riva vs. Wally; any insights more generally? Which would you choose if you had to buy one or the other, and why?