Seakeeper launches smallest gyro stabiliser

The company’s smallest stabiliser to date, the innovative Seakeeper 1 boasts a number of design features aimed at making it particularly suitable for use in smaller open vessels such as fishing boats and smaller workboats in sizes from 6 to 10 metres in length. The unit measures just 58.2 cms in length by 59.8 cms in width and with a height of just 39.8 cms and with a weight of 165 Seakeeper claims that this is the most compact unit ever. Unlike previous Seakeeper models, the Seakeeper 1 uses a new flush-mount design that allows it to be installed easily under seats, in a range of control consoles with the unit being bolted directly to the deck or even mounted under the deck.

Designed to eliminate up to 95% of boat roll on vessels up to 5.5 tonnes, the Seakeeper 1 runs on 12V DC power drawing 55 amps. The device’s smaller envelope and unique flywheel design allow it to spool up in just 15 minutes. Featuring an integrated top window, the Seakeeper 1 can be controlled from a control pad on top of the unit, or remotely from the helm. It uses a fully hose-less design and self-contained single cylinder active control to facilitate installation and ensure long-term reliability, according to the company.

Seakeeper claims that their innovative cooling system allows the gyro to rotate at a very high speed which helps to reduce the size of the unit and because it is vacuum sealed the flywheel weight can be reduced by a half and this also allows a considerable reduction in the power requirements. Since the gyro is actively controlled it can still operate in the roughest conditions unlike passively controlled units and so it can remain effective in the sort of conditions that might be experienced by workboats.

A new dashboard display unit shows the angle of heel that the boat might be experiencing and this can be used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the unit. It is anticipated that this new stabiliser will be of considerable benefit to survey craft and to small fishing boats that have to operate in challenging conditions.

Visit Seakeeper Inc at Seawork stand PO95