Stabilizers

[rourkeh]

The 61 CPMY I just bought had the Naiad stabilizers removed and I am trying to replace the system.
The Finn actuator assemblies are in need of replacement, and the control is shot. I started to get quotes from Wesmar, Naiad, and ABT. I am in St Maarten so the install will need to be done here and the cost for that is between $15k and $20k including all new hydraulic lines and fittings. I have the fins, reservoir, mahogany blocks, and the pump running off the port PTO on the engine. It seems Naiad wants to sell me a whole new system rather than the parts I need as the quote for the parts is $34,000 and a whole new system is about the same. Wesmar quoted me $36,000 plus install and commissioning, and ABT is $43,000 plus, plus. It would seem to be my best option $$$ wise to use my existing parts and try and find the parts I need for the Naiad system some where else used. If possible upgrade the control system to the current model. Maybe from a take out where an owner upgraded their system to something newer. Anyone have any ideas on where I might be able to find used parts for an older Naiad 252 system?
All the newer systems have a three axis gyro, and the control systems are much more refined due to the advent of computer programming and electronic boards that did not exist in 1982 when my system was installed. Before I make a decision to go with all new equipment and big $$$ I thought I would check all my options.

 

[Walter P]

Decisions, decisions..... Every so often someone removes and replaces the older Niiad systems and it
becomes available. You need to be patient for a while and search. Perhaps even an ad in ebay or craigslist
would get some action. Pascal replaced his stabs last year with I believe a used recon system. Perhaps
he would be able to advise you. There are marine bone yards such as Sailorman in Ft. Lauderdale that
may have what you are looking for as well. Give them a call.

Unless you absolutely need to have stab's now, patience may pay off. All that being said, as you stated
the cost from Niiad for the parts you need are close to the same as a brand new system. To me it's a
no brainer....I'd bite the bullet and get the complete new system.....if all your other efforts fail to bear
fruit. Good Luck and keep us posted.

Walt

 

[Scarlett]

The old Naiad systems were reasonably simple and worked pretty well, the newer systems are so complicated that there are to many things that can go wrong. I was helping deliver a newer boat with the new Naiad system in it and we could not get them to start operating until we got to 14 knots and then we could back down to about 12 knots before they would shut off. We had 1000 mile trip in the ocean and needed to run at about 10 knots. Got ahold of Naiad tech who had me upside down with a volt meter in the control box changes dip switches, basically bypassing a lot of the newer electronics. They were set up to automatically center when the speed dropped to 4 knots or you shifted into reverse. The tranny switch had stuck so we bypassed it so we could finish the delivery. They try to dumb proof these systems to the point where they don’t work. I’ll take simple. John

 

[Pascal]

Most systems indeed have safety features like auto center in reverse as well as a minimum speed below which they will not be active.

On the Trac, that is set at about 10 or 11kts but only in automatic speed mode. Below that I set the speed manually to 10kts and they work fine. It sure if Naiads have a manual mode

Same if the speed sensor sticker on the shaft coupler is removed. In manual mode they bypass the speed sponsor

 

[oceanjake]

Why would they not be active below 10kts? I get that more water flowing over the fins yields more control, but I travel at night at 8kts (amazing the fuel economy you get) and use my fins with good result even at that speed. More than that, Nordhavn's travel at 6.5-7 frequently using active stabilization.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Nordhavn might specify different control computer settings from the factory for their boats, since they run at hull speed or t hull speed.

 

[Pascal]

It a the way they re set up but it can be adjusted. I called trac a couple of years ago and they guided me on the phone tweaking the settings. They re set for 10kts but sometimes it s still not low enough so I just switch to manual speed setting

 

[Scarlett]

The Naiad system we were using also had a bypass for the auto speed setting but the failure of the tranny switch caused that to not work either so we had to change the settings in the brain box to bypass a lot of the auto features so we could get the boat home. The Naiad tech that talked me through the changes was great by the way.

 

[scottinsydney]

Here is the installation story of our Vetus stabiliser system. Choose the largest fins possible for your maximum cruise speed.

Now two years old, they have been rock solid. There is no maintenance and no removal required for the fin seals except for a yearly in hull squirt with a grease gun. The potentiometer (or digital gyro like in an iPhone) connected to the brains box makes it plug and play.

https://www.samsmarine.com/forums/s...ew-Stabilisers-1984-61MY&highlight=stabiliser

The most difficult part of the project was removing the old Naiad system.

 

[R D Young]

Rourkeh - I just sent you a PM with a possible connection.