Until recently, stabilising systems were the preserve of large vessels due to their bulk, weight and complexity. No more.
Seakeeper has developed gyroscopic stabiliser systems that are compact and lightweight enough to install in smaller craft, including trailer boats, greatly enhancing their comfort and handling. Recognising the potential – and with a customer keen to explore the benefits of a Seakeeper gyroscopic stabiliser system, especially for offshore sport fishing – Haines Hunter installed one in his SP725 trailer boat. With the success of this project, Seakeeper gyro stabilisers are now an option across the 725 range.
Boating NZ experienced the benefits first-hand on a recent outing to the Hen and Chicken Islands north of Auckland. By leaving the shelter of the islands and heading into open water, we were able to gauge the difference the stabilisers made in the sort of conditions offshore fishers commonly encounter. As is often the case, the sea state was sloppy and quite confused, which made for uncomfortable progress at trolling speed (7-8 knots), but with the Seakeeper engaged, comfort levels improved dramatically.
The compact, lightweight Seakeeper 1 gyro stabiliser applies the physics of gyroscopes to dampen a boat’s roll in rough or sloppy seas. A steel flywheel spinning at speeds of up to 9,750rpm in a vacuum contained within a sphere produces angular momentum to counteract roll. When turned on, it eliminates up to 95% of a boat’s roll – along with any associated fatigue, anxiety or seasickness.
The transformation between stabiliser off and stabiliser on was remarkable, particularly the reduction in roll, and while there was still some pitching, the four of us onboard were very comfortable and able to relax while trolling a spread of lures in the boat’s wake.
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Moving around the cockpit, deploying Haines Hunter’s bespoke game poles and setting the gear was also much easier from a steady platform rather than one rolling in the seaway.
The system works just as well at planing speeds, brilliantly dampening roll and ensuring an almost serene passage for the boat through the water. Every Seakeeper has a hydraulic braking system and active control – smart technology that automatically gauges the sea state and reacts instantaneously. This ensures optimal performance at different speeds and sea conditions.
Seakeeper 1 features a flush-mount design for easier installation, runs exclusively on 12V DC power, and can be installed virtually anywhere. Haines Hunter installs it aft in the cockpit, where it takes up very little space under a custom-made cover.
The Seakeeper draws 45 amps on spool up, which takes 20 minutes, and between 15- and 35-amps during operation, depending on the sea state. The vessel’s lead-acid house battery has been supplemented by a Mastervolt lithium battery which provides power for the Seakeeper 1. The lithium battery is charged with an onboard DC to DC charger while at sea and an AC charger when ashore.
The Seakeeper unit weighs around a 160kg, which equates to another couple of people onboard, but the 725 has no issues carrying the extra mass, which sits low in the boat at the level of the cockpit sole. Haines doubled the stingers aft and added a stainless-steel plate to support the Seakeeper, but everything is hidden away behind a moulded cover and it barely impacts on cockpit space, if at all. There’s a control panel for the Seakeeper aft, but we monitored and controlled its operation from the Simrad MFD at the helm.
There’s no doubt fitting a Seakeeper I Gyro Stabiliser system has made this Haines Hunter SP 725 an even more comfortable and competent sea boat. When the boat’s engaged in its owners’ favourite pastime of game fishing, the Seakeeper makes long days of trolling much less fatiguing and reduces the likelihood of seasickness. As we found out, when the boat’s mostly on an even keel, the offshore experience is just that much more enjoyable.
