How do Fishing Boat Stabilizers Work?

A Look at What These Devices Have Done for the Marine Industry

For centuries boats have taken humans across the vast reach of oceans and smaller bodies of water, but one ongoing problem that has plagued the fishing industry is the stability of the boat. An unstable boat causes discomfort such as seasickness leading to many owners and guests being unable to enjoy the experience of marine travel and fishing. Stabilizers work to improve the experience by reducing roll and offering a stable platform to fish from.

Standard Fishing Boat Stabilizers

The general option for stability for a fishing boat is external devices that protrude out from the hull of the vessel such as fins or even extra pontoons to provide some stability. These devices, although effective, merely address the standard rocking motion of the vessel. They do reduce roll, but only by an average of 35%. It is their bulky and cumbersome nature that often turns fishermen away from their use.

Other devices used in the marine industry include large tanks that allow water to move from one tank to another thereby stabilizing the vessel. These devices are not practical in standard fishing boats as they take up a considerable amount of cargo space and add tremendously to the overall weight of the vessel. SeaKeeper has recently revolutionized the fishing boat stabilizer industry by producing a gyro based stabilizer that is easy to install and can be utilized on boats with an LOA of over 30’

How SeaKeepers Work

SeaKeeper provides stabilizers for vessels of all sizes, but lately their focus has been on smaller vessels. The device utilizes a centrally located flywheel that rotates afore and aft to provide optimal torque to stabilize the vessel. Although the brand houses many models, it is their SeaKeeper 3 that has gained most of the attention. This device specifically targets smaller fishing boats ranging from 30’ to 40’ LOA.

The weight of the SeaKeeper 3 has been reduced by 30% and the size reduced by 25% to better fit within the confines of the standard center console fishing vessel. A reduction in available rpms have further enabled the SeaKeeper 3 to be adaptable to any smaller fishing vessel. Standard SeaKeepers work with rpm levels at a max of 10,700, but the smaller version has dropped its rpm rating down to 6,400 for a better fit with smaller boats.

Installation

One of the major concerns for those seeking to have fishing boat stabilizers installed is the impact the system will have on fishability and movement onboard. Up to 25% of all SeaKeepers are installed aftermarket and space can already come at a premium on many boats, so this is truly a concern. SeaKeeper, however has worked to make this even easier with their compact models that can be retrofitted to virtually any fishing vessel

Most installs merely call for a small box just a few feet in length to be cut out beneath the hem station seating area. The system is then placed into the deck and the helm seating area replaced over top. This form of installation in no way impacts the fishability and storage of the vessel on most boats. When the captain engages the system it shows a remarkable difference in roll and access to the SeaKeeper is easy. With the push of a button, the helm seating area is lifted to provide access for maintenance.

Looking for Fishing Boats with Stabilizers for Sale?

Finding the perfect fishing boat is a dream for many, but it no longer has to be a dream when you use the expert services of Vessel Vendor. We have a vast inventory including boats of all styles including popular fishing boats with stabilizers. If you are looking to maximize your fishing potential and keep the entire crew comfortable and happy, we have the boat for you.

Our inventory is always expanding and Vessel Vendor has become known as the largest online boat classified site in Florida. We maintain our high level of inventory with a focus on our listers. Sellers with Vessel Vendor are able to enjoy the easiest format for self posting any boat and we keep their fees low with the cheapest listing fees in the state.

At Vessel Vendor, we believe in educating boaters as well. While browsing for your perfect boat, you will notice many articles pertaining to the boating industry from simple maintenance tips all the way to an in depth look at the inner workings of individual boat styles in our comparison articles. Vessel Vendor is always looking to improve our customer’s experience, so while you are with us, should any questions or concerns arise, fill out our online contact form. Visit Vessel Vendor today and Happy Boating.

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