SHOCK-WBV suspension unit reduces vibration
SHOCK-WBV launched its under-seat suspension unit to reduce whole body vibration at Seawork 2018.
The C-series comes with three shock absorber options. C1 has the FOX Float EVOL Shock, C2 features the DNM Air Shock and C3 includes the DNM Spring Shock.
Graham Brown, managing director of SHOCK-WBV, said: “The key benefits are safety and comfort in an economic package.
“The whole product line started off with the geometry. We’ve added features to it. You can see the C-series is much wider, with side bracing etc.
“Other types of shock mitigation – all they’re worried about is going up and down. So, they don’t support the sideways movement.”
Lightweight but tough
Developed and manufactured in Southampton, UK, by parent company Sea Sure for new or retrofitting commercial and large leisure boats, the C series is made from aerospace grade aluminium and 316 stainless steel to make it both lightweight and tough.
Water jet aluminium tooling plate is used throughout the C-series as it has no flaws in the material, said SHOCK-WBV. This means that the C-series can be manufactured to much tighter tolerances than cast aluminium, eliminating ‘play’ (unwanted lateral movement and twisting).
Due to the width of the C-series units, a dedicated water jetted aluminium bracing plate has been added to increase stiffness and further reduce any twisting.
Contracts so far include a deal with the Swedish coastguard and there are various other designers and boatbuilders who have shown interest, said SHOCK-WBV.
The original unit is now being used worldwide in countries including Indonesia, Japan, Poland, Germany, Sweden, the US and Italy.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
