Stabilized sport fish

[Scott Mather]

How do stabilizers affect speed on a sport fish, have see a couple of 52 to 60 sport fish that claim to have stabilizers.

Scott,

 

[saltshaker]

I have them on mine. I've always heard they cost you 1-2kts. My 65EB runs a bit faster than others I've talked to with the same engines so not sure how accurate that is. I'm running Radice 3 blades which have a large DAR while others I spoke to are running 4 or 5 blade wheels. Seen a couple of 55C with stabs and the owners claim similar speed compared to those without. Big difference on the size fins used on a SF. Mine are very small compared to what you'd see on a similar sized MY.

 

[rsmith]

Depends on how rough it is. The energy used to stop the rolling will be deducted from the forward motion.

 

[saltshaker]

Depends on how rough it is. The energy used to stop the rolling will be deducted from the forward motion.

Good point. For me they only seem useful when going slower.

 

[Texastailboard]

When we were shopping we looked at many with the stabilizers, and after comparing the two set ups. Sure they would be nice, but not a deal breaker. Which boats are you looking at? We decided to opt out of the boat with them. The mechanical equipment takes up some room in the engine room and after sea trail I did not see a major difference. We also decided that the seakeeper would be a better performer since the lazerette on the 52C is so large, according to the installers it would be a breeze to mount on there. That is on out list possible this fall. My wife enjoyed the sea trail at the Miami boat show, but it was also not very rough. There is a boat in out area I think it is a 60+ spencer that one had been installed very recently, the owner raves about it and its abilities.

 

[jim rosenthal]

I've only been on one boat with the gyro, and the water wasn't very rough at all. I thought it performed well, but I don't think that was a good test of it. For what it costs, though, you can buy an awful lot of Dramamine.

 

[Boatsb]

Good point. For me they only seem useful when going slower.

Kinetic energy stabilizes the boat when on plane. That and the water moving over the lifting surfaces.

I guess trolling would be better with them but unless your cruising slow I dont see a big need in a convertible.
.

 

[Scott Mather]

So, do the stabilzers reduce cruising speed or top end?

scott,

 

[Boatsb]

So, do the stabilzers reduce cruising speed or top end?

scott,

Yes. They take a kt or so of fwd speed.

 

[Spellbound]

Seakeeper reduces forward drag??

 

[Boatsb]

Seakeeper reduces forward drag??

Ok fins not gyros.

 

[luckydave215]

Seakeeper reduces forward drag??

It should, in theory......assuming the hull form presents the least drag when straight upright instead of rolling over side to side.