Seakeeper gyro available globally

by Jeni Bone on 18 Feb 2009 Since its commercial launch in late 2007, yacht builders and owners worldwide have been clamoring for the proven Seakeeper Gyro Stabilization System. Now that Seakeeper's state-of-the-art manufacturing center is online and the exclusivity agreement with Azimut Yachts has ended, it is now within reach.

Seakeeper, the leader in internal stabilization technology, has already shipped more than 130 of these innovative units in the past year and expects to more than triple that number in 2009.

The high-tech Seakeeper Gyro Stabilization System employs the principles of gyro-dynamics to exert a powerful righting force that virtually eliminates boat rock and roll. The advanced Seakeeper Model 7000 Gyro is a control moment, marine-grade gyro similar to those used to position spacecraft.

A forged, high-strength steel flywheel spins at 10,000 rpm in a near-vacuum to produce an unmatched 7,000 Newton meter seconds of angular momentum. The near-vacuum enables much higher speeds that produce much higher angular momentum or righting force than traditional gyros for increased roll reduction performance. With air friction decreased, the sophisticated unit also weighs significantly less and has much lower power consumption than comparative products.

Actively controlled by state-of-the-art motion sensors and computer processors, the Seakeeper Model 7000 Gyro optimizes torque and is more effective over a range of conditions. Ideal for planing or displacement boats, the unit is completely internal and has no drag-producing protrusions from the hull to snag seaweed or be damaged from impact.

Unlike fin-based, roll stabilization systems that have to balance fin size with projected cruising speed to minimize drag, the gyro is speed independent and works as well at anchor as it does underway. At low and zero speeds, traditional fin-based systems have little effect and performance decreases sharply at less than cruising speed.

Special zero-speed fin systems are loud, power-hungry, easily damaged and dangerous for swimmers. The dependable Seakeeper Model 7000 Gyro remains effective from zero through planing speed, including in rough waves when the boat has to slow down and it's most needed.

Requiring minimal maintenance, the Seakeeper gyro's main components are sealed inside a near-vacuum, cast aluminum enclosure and not susceptible to the harsh marine atmosphere or corrosion. With no air resistance, the unit produces less heat and demands less cooling. Built to last, it also features an active hydraulic brake, heavy-duty gimbal shafts and bearings and cast aluminum saddle beams.

A single Seakeeper Model 7000 Gyro is designed for boats up to approximately 18m in length and/or 27,216kg displacement. Larger craft are fitted with multiple units. Simple to mount, the compact gyro can be easily installed as the boat is being built or retrofitted into an existing vessel with sufficient structural support. Employing a unique sphere shape, it measures just 977mm L x 778mm W x 671mm H and weighs only 455kg.

Using 3 kW at 230V AC during flywheel spin-up, the economical Seakeeper Model 7000 Gyro's power requirement drops to 1.5 kW after 40 minutes as it reaches full operation speed. The gyro's status and diagnostic information can be accessed from the display panel and keypad mounted in the bridge.

More at www.seakeeper.com