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Old 10-13-2016, 11:28 PM   #1
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Active fin stabilizer retrofit - I have pushed the 'button'

Hi everybody,

After reading many helpful threads here about active fin stabilizers, and following one trip to Sydney and two trips to the Whitsundays (all from home port in Brisbane), I have succumbed and ordered a set of active fin stabilizers.

I got quotes from Trac and Naiad. The Trac quote was about AUD45k higher, so I opted for Naiad (Model 252, 7.5sq foot fins and the new Datum controller). Cost estimate is around AUD75k installed, including the 'pads' which the stabilizers attach to. All work done by the Naiad Australian rep and a shipwright in Brisbane.

I will update this thread with progress/tips/suggestions on the way through, in case others are considering a similar project at some stage.

H.
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Old 10-13-2016, 11:37 PM   #2
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Dear H.
I think you've made a great choice. I too retrofitted my 46 EU with Naiad 252 system. S3 Maritime in Seattle did the work. Has worked very well for approx. 200 hours of service.
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Old 10-14-2016, 01:02 AM   #3
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H
You won't regret it or begrudge even $1 of the cost. My Naiad's were installed in the US in mid 2013 and have been flawless. Over 700 hours now. Mine are the same model as yours, but I have the MultiseaII controller. Not sure how much improvement the Datum will bring - my unit is very good. Once I get back to Brisbane from the Reef I'll be hauling out and Naiad seals (3 yearly service) will be done.

Your prices seem in broadly line with what I obtained prior committing to a US install before importing my boat, after allowing for exchange rate variations over the period.
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Old 10-14-2016, 07:18 AM   #4
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They are a great addition. I installed them (ABT in my case) in my Grand Banks 47 EU which is essentially the same boat. Here's a series of blog entries documenting the installation. You might find it interesting to see what your boat will go through.
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Old 10-14-2016, 07:27 AM   #5
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Don't leave home without them!!
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Old 10-14-2016, 11:11 AM   #6
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I have the same model Naiads with the datum controller. The datum features an adaptive setting that automatically adjusts to the sea state so there is no further input needed. There is also a setting that allows manual adjustment, but I never use that.
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Old 10-14-2016, 11:17 AM   #7
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Here is a pic of my Datum controller. Click image for larger version

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Old 10-14-2016, 07:47 PM   #8
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Thanks for the great replies guys, I will post updates as the work progresses.

Twistedtree, I read the blog on your 47 some time ago with keen interest thanks.

Brian, I passed Insequent in Mackay marina on the way up to Hammo this year, and again at Nara Inlet one day in late Sept. You have done a great job bringing Insequent up to spec - she looks like new.

Hamish.
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Old 10-14-2016, 10:02 PM   #9
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Thanks Hamish
Glad the $$$ spent hasn't been wasted, and that folks do notice!
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Old 02-09-2017, 06:34 PM   #10
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And so the work at last begins...
Attached Thumbnails
Stabs 1.jpg   Stabs 2.jpg   Stabs 3.jpg  
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Old 02-09-2017, 07:20 PM   #11
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W O W. Major surgery.
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Old 02-09-2017, 07:27 PM   #12
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The ABT Tracs are tge best thing about our boat. Worth every penny the PO paid.
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Old 02-09-2017, 07:36 PM   #13
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Hope it all goes smoothly.

What have you chosen as the pump for the cooling water for the hydraulic oil tank?

I ask as I am running an Oberdorfer electric unit. The motor is fine but I had to replace a pump seal. At the time of instal the guys said an hydraulic pump would be the best option as they basically never need maintenance.
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Old 02-09-2017, 08:01 PM   #14
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Curious if you considered the Seakeeper Gyro. There are pros and cons, one of which is a less invasive retro.
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Old 02-09-2017, 10:06 PM   #15
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I'd like to hear Hamish comments on that.

In my case I did. There was one available in Seattle when I was there, cost was about the same as Naiad's. But the only place to put it was where the Onan genny sat. Nowhere else to move that big lump, and if you have a Seakeeper you need a genny to get the most out of it. ie at anchor.

Subsequently I ditched the Onan and completely re-fitted the ER. During that process the Seakeeper and a genny could have been well positioned, but by then the Naiad's were already installed.
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Old 02-09-2017, 10:13 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NewbieFromNJ View Post
Curious if you considered the Seakeeper Gyro. There are pros and cons, one of which is a less invasive retro.
It is less invasive. Just dop in in for the most part.

The only problem is finding room for the unit. It's about the size of a generator.

So look around your bosat and think serously about where you'd fit another generator. Not an easy thing for allot of boats including mine.

I'd probably have one if I could figure out where to put the blasted thing!
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Old 02-09-2017, 10:52 PM   #17
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Hi Guys,

Re the gyro option, I did consider it (I liked the Seakeeper brand) and have nothing at all against them, its just that we could not easily/conveniently fit it anywhere. If we left the engines and gen where they are, the only location would be to put it right in the middle of the walkway between (and hard up against on either side of) the engines. Thereafter any kind of access to the forward part of the engines would be a contortionist nightmare.

And as my boat is a late 2006 model, the engines and gen are all still fairly 'new', so I didnt want to go moving any of that.

Hence we came back to fins.

I suspect both gyros and fins would be less work to install as part of a new build, but on a retro the gyro is a much easier solution (if you can find somewhere clear to fit it).

Brian, I will find out about the pump for the cooling water for the hydraulic tank. Thanks for the tip.

H.
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Old 02-09-2017, 11:27 PM   #18
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On my 7ft Wesmars there is no separate cooling water pump. Cooling water is supplied as part of the RW loop. Never had a heating issue, knock on wood.
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Old 02-10-2017, 07:17 AM   #19
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On my OA456, the cooling pump is installed in the most remote corner of the ER and is a real pita to get to. As you look at installs, consider how you will get to it to change the impeller. Also, the hydraulic fluid reservoir wad placed about 3-4 inches below the ER ceiling. Topping-off hydraulic fluid, should you ever need to, requires a funnel and hose. Another pita.

Even with the couple of pitas, the best feature in the boat.

Gordon
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Old 02-10-2017, 07:19 AM   #20
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Me likee

Quote:
Originally Posted by sunchaser View Post
On my 7ft Wesmars there is no separate cooling water pump. Cooling water is supplied as part of the RW loop. Never had a heating issue, knock on wood.
I wish the PO on my boat would have thought of this one. Would have simplified the whole mechanism.

Gordon
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