Hot Trend: Gyro Stabilizers
The Transformative Benefits of a Gyro Stabilization System for Your Boat: The difference is amazing!
By Andy Adams
It was just 17 years ago that Seakeeper introduced their first gyro stabilizer system to the recreational boat market.
Seakeeper alone has now sold thousands of units, and several other brands have entered the market. It’s no wonder that people are asking for a stabilizer system on their new boats or upgrading their existing boat. A gyro stabilizer system is a great benefit in many ways and it’s no surprise that sales are growing. The difference between a boat that is rolling 10 or 11-degrees compared to only 1-degree is a major improvement in comfort for all.
Safety is the number one benefit
As well as comfort, I feel that the biggest benefit is safety—reducing the risk of a fall or losing your balance and knocking into something. And consider the benefit when cooking onboard. When the boat is stable, things don’t fall off the counter or spill.
Fishing and navigation benefits are big too. Sonar systems return much better results when the boat is stable, and stable conditions are also better for radar and other signal-based communications. When the crew is comfortable and can accurately read the instruments and displays, you can run the most accurate course, saving time and fuel, and auto helm systems won’t work so hard to steer the course. It helps a lot to keep downriggers and outriggers steady.
A stable boat also prevents cargo shifting and equipment damage, especially during activities like launching or retrieving a dinghy or a life raft. By the same token, it’s also safer for swimming or diving because the boat is more stable for climbing on and off, especially in heavy scuba gear on a wet swim platform.
