Barret Stabilizers?

Looking at a boat that has them installed but the owner is not sure if they work. Neither is the captain who runs her. The boat has not left the slip other than back and forth to storage or for a sightseeing cruises in the last bunch of years. Are they obsolete or still serviceable? How can one tell if they are working if it’s calm seas? The surveyor I was considering on using hasn’t had many dealings with stabilizers at all. Obviously I’m looking for other surveyors who might have better knowledge but thoughts from any of you experienced folks? This will be our first Hatteras so we are just babes in the woods. The boat in question is a 1988 60MY with 892’s. Thank in advanced for the help!

These boats were generally equipped with Bennett Trim Tabs on the transom of the boat. Did you mean Bennett?

Trim tabs are not the same as stabilisers and have a different purpose to the big fins protruding from the hull under the engines.

If the surveyor has not dealt with stabilisers before, find another who surveys bigger and more complex boats.

If you are in Southern California contact forum member Scarlett for a survey.

Never heard of them.

I don’t buy the not knowing if they re working. Even in a short sightseeing trip the captain would have turn the stabs on, just to use then or in case of a wake.

Stabs will react to even a sharp turn... easy to see if they work

If you cannot leave the dock, you can look at the top of the actuator while a couple of people walk back from side to side quickly on the top deck so the boat will rock a little. If you get it rocking they should move a little if the system is functioning. John

Also if you can take the boat out even in Smith water and get beam on to your own wake they should move. John

Darn spell check that’s smooth water

I think he's referring to Wilcox Sea Brace.