Seakeeper vs Smartgyro

[Bob Bradley]

After getting the ever loving snot kicked out of me on a 3 day trip offshore last month, I'm considering making a significant upgrade to Ambrosia Mae. My research seems to be pointing me to either a Seakeeper 6 or a Smartgyro 20 unit. I'm looking for knowledgeable feedback on the two systems. The subject boat is a 1986 Hatt 45C. 45' length, 14' 3" beam, 45,000#. Any chance someone here knows somebody who has one installed in a similar vessel? My main goal is eliminating or seriously reducing snap rolling while drifting.

 

[cww]

You have a 53MY right?

I don't think Seakeeper would install a 6 in that boat, you need the next size up and they're super bitchy about the sizing, if they don't agree with the calculations they won't sell it to you. Tbh they're pretty bitchy to deal with all around. If they didn't make the best product in class, nobody would deal with them. Last time I asked about it, the 6 is for boats with max weight of 48,000lbs. The 53MY is 57,000lbs dry, more with fuel, water, and stuff onboard. You need the next size up. They're also going to want you to pay for a marine architect to do the sizing calulations. The good news is there is space for a Seakeeper under the master stateroom bed in the boats with the queen size bed, so it's doable, but I don't think the 6 is big enough, or at least that's what they told me.

Oh and just wait until you get the estimate from one of their authorized installers $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. As I'm sure you've probably guessed by now, I went through this with them and just never moved forward once I saw the price.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Original post says 45C

 

[Bob Bradley]

Yes, 45C 45,000lbs. Seakeeper 6 is recommended for 44 to 52 ft vessels.

https://www.seakeeper.com/seakeeper-products/seakeeper-6/

One of you smart guys must know someone who has one. The dealers all claim that they're a miracle device. I'd really like an impartial opinion from a knowledgeable owner.

 

[carolinacoast]

I don't have one, but my friend does. He sold a custom 38 sf that he had built at Jarrett bay, because family didnt enjoy offshore. He spec'd out a Valhalla with a seakeeper. He is still a bit surprised that it has been such a gamechanger. The comment was 'I won't get this time back, and it's awesome.'
Spins at aircraft gyro speeds.

 

[Bob Bradley]

I don't have one, but my friend does. He sold a custom 38 sf that he had built at Jarrett bay, because family didnt enjoy offshore. He spec'd out a Valhalla with a seakeeper. He is still a bit surprised that it has been such a gamechanger. The comment was 'I won't get this time back, and it's awesome.'
Spins at aircraft gyro speeds.

Thanks. I just pm'd you my number in case he's open to having a conversation.

 

[Cricket]

Been waiting to learn about Roush Engineering's line of gyro's called Wavetamer. Other than a pretty bland website the only thing I can really find is lots of litigation from Seakeeper vs Roush which tells me they must have a very good product.

 

[Bob Bradley]

Been waiting to learn about Roush Engineering's line of gyro's called Wavetamer. Other than a pretty bland website the only thing I can really find is lots of litigation from Seakeeper vs Roush which tells me they must have a very good product.

I'm not impressed with them. Their website is pathetic as you noted. No phone number to make inquiries.That said, I did try filling out their online window that supposedly sends them an email. That was about a week ago. The response has been not unlike your screen name... nothing but crickets

 

[Cricket]

Curious where you're going to mount your gyro??
Have been on a few Seakeeper boats and it's a game changer for sure.
With that said we will be installing an omni sonar before getting a gyro.
Still trying to figure out where to place the huge frp tube, don't have a place on center so might end up just outboard of the inboard stringer in front of one of the engines.......

 

[Bob Bradley]

I'd install it under the center of the cockpit.

 

[Cricket]

Good that it will fit under the cockpit as most retrofit installs end up between the engines. Have a friend with a 60' custom carolina boat that now has 2 Seakeepers and an omni sonar tube in the engine room on centerline, it's like crawling over an obstacle course now.