Nordhvn 51 stabilisers

[Retriever]

I have to update my previous comments about Humphree fins. In fall 2023, we replaced a set of Naiads with Humphrees on Starr, a Northern Marine 77. The primary purpose of this was to gain effective, quiet, generator-free stabilization at rest.

Initially the fins performed well, but they have since turned into an unmitigated disaster. Humphree seems to think delay and deny is the appropriate path for failing systems, rather than working with owners to sort out their engineering shortcomings.

After the first trip out to Hawaii, the stabilizers were producing occasional-but-significant clunking sounds. For nine months, through growing frustration, Humphree insisted they knew what the problem was and would make it right. Finally they came to the boat and spent three days replacing parts in the servos. They were quiet again, but only briefly.

Since then, Starr has traveled to Fiji, Saipan, and Japan. Upon arrival in Japan, one of the servos was leaking seawater into the boat. The main shaft seal had failed at two years, despite a service interval of four years.

Humphree claims that both this failure and the clunking are a result of overload and overheating because our system was not connected to the autopilot for their "coordinated turn" function. They have now modified their instruction manual and warranty language to require this connection, although it didn't exist when we installed our system.

Frustratingly, support is difficult to come by. As far as I can tell, only two guys in Sweden are actually able to get parts and open up the servos to make repairs. There's no repair network like you'd find with Naiad or ABT/TRAC. Language barrier and time zones create additional troubleshooting challenges.

I believe the system simply is not up the task of stabilizing larger boats in real-world ocean conditions. It will be removed from Starr and replaced with a new set of Naiads or ABT/TRACs at the next opportunity.

Put simply, if a boat had Humphree stabilizers, I would not buy it. They are the worst marine company I've ever dealt with.

 

[READY]

Thank you for sharing this valuable feedback. We're they involved with the installation?

Would they agree to repair to "as new" if you integrated with the auto pilot? It seems this would be worth the effort so both parties could be satisfied. Not to mention it would clearly show whether this was the root cause. Otherwise they are likely to lose many future customers. The cost of one new set of stabilizers would pale in comparison.

 

[mvweebles]

I have to update my previous comments about Humphree fins. In fall 2023, we replaced a set of Naiads with Humphrees on Starr, a Northern Marine 77. The primary purpose of this was to gain effective, quiet, generator-free stabilization at rest.

Initially the fins performed well, but they have since turned into an unmitigated disaster. Humphree seems to think delay and deny is the appropriate path for failing systems, rather than working with owners to sort out their engineering shortcomings.

After the first trip out to Hawaii, the stabilizers were producing occasional-but-significant clunking sounds. For nine months, through growing frustration, Humphree insisted they knew what the problem was and would make it right. Finally they came to the boat and spent three days replacing parts in the servos. They were quiet again, but only briefly.

Since then, Starr has traveled to Fiji, Saipan, and Japan. Upon arrival in Japan, one of the servos was leaking seawater into the boat. The main shaft seal had failed at two years, despite a service interval of four years.

Humphree claims that both this failure and the clunking are a result of overload and overheating because our system was not connected to the autopilot for their "coordinated turn" function. They have now modified their instruction manual and warranty language to require this connection, although it didn't exist when we installed our system.

Frustratingly, support is difficult to come by. As far as I can tell, only two guys in Sweden are actually able to get parts and open up the servos to make repairs. There's no repair network like you'd find with Naiad or ABT/TRAC. Language barrier and time zones create additional troubleshooting challenges.

I believe the system simply is not up the task of stabilizing larger boats in real-world ocean conditions. It will be removed from Starr and replaced with a new set of Naiads or ABT/TRACs at the next opportunity.

Put simply, if a boat had Humphree stabilizers, I would not buy it. They are the worst marine company I've ever dealt with.

I note that Wesmar is conspicuously absent for replacement options (Naiad or ABT). Wesmar is on my list of "Never Again" vendors. Wondering if you can comment whether their absence is intentional or oversight?

Sorry for your troubles. Getting stuff like this resolved outside of major yachting centers is difficult and frustrating.

Peter

 

[Shrew]

I'm probably naeive here, but I would think that hydraulic would be substantially easier to deal with. With Electric, I would assume you would need to be running a generator. Don't the hydraulic work off of PTO from the main engine?

 

[Mambo42]

I have to update my previous comments about Humphree fins. In fall 2023, we replaced a set of Naiads with Humphrees on Starr, a Northern Marine 77. The primary purpose of this was to gain effective, quiet, generator-free stabilization at rest.

Initially the fins performed well, but they have since turned into an unmitigated disaster. Humphree seems to think delay and deny is the appropriate path for failing systems, rather than working with owners to sort out their engineering shortcomings.

After the first trip out to Hawaii, the stabilizers were producing occasional-but-significant clunking sounds. For nine months, through growing frustration, Humphree insisted they knew what the problem was and would make it right. Finally they came to the boat and spent three days replacing parts in the servos. They were quiet again, but only briefly.

Since then, Starr has traveled to Fiji, Saipan, and Japan. Upon arrival in Japan, one of the servos was leaking seawater into the boat. The main shaft seal had failed at two years, despite a service interval of four years.

Humphree claims that both this failure and the clunking are a result of overload and overheating because our system was not connected to the autopilot for their "coordinated turn" function. They have now modified their instruction manual and warranty language to require this connection, although it didn't exist when we installed our system.

Frustratingly, support is difficult to come by. As far as I can tell, only two guys in Sweden are actually able to get parts and open up the servos to make repairs. There's no repair network like you'd find with Naiad or ABT/TRAC. Language barrier and time zones create additional troubleshooting challenges.

I believe the system simply is not up the task of stabilizing larger boats in real-world ocean conditions. It will be removed from Starr and replaced with a new set of Naiads or ABT/TRACs at the next opportunity.

Put simply, if a boat had Humphree stabilizers, I would not buy it. They are the worst marine company I've ever dealt with.

Before you thrown on ABT/TRAC's you may want to look at CMC stab 25 or Stab 30. I have them on my boat, they are electric, don't use a lot of electricity, keep us fully stabilized while underway, but also on anchor and on the dock. Don't need to run a generator to operate them.
In the two years we have them onboard we have put 10.000+ hours on the clock, we have them on 24 hours per day, no need to switch them off, so we leave them on all the time. Currently we are lying on a pontoon and have other boats next to us. It is a stormy day, boats next to us are rolling heavily, we have our stabilizers on and are lying solid as a rock.
Before I made my choice I spoke with lots of operators and all the captains of those vessels loved them. And then we are talking charter vessels in the 90 and 100' range. In fact, we are one of the smaller yachts with CMC stabilizers installed.
Since there are no hydraulics, but just an electricity cable to power the electro motor you have basically nothing that can break down while underway.

The only negative part so far was that CMC thinks everyone is a superyacht operator and prices for maintenance are accordingly. However, I was able to find a CMC dealer who did the maintenance for a normal price and after seeing how it is done I came to the conclusion that anyone can do that maintenance, you don't need to be Einstein. All you need to do is change 2 seals and then use new bolts to lock them in place.

 

[Retriever]

Thank you for sharing this valuable feedback. We're they involved with the installation?

Would they agree to repair to "as new" if you integrated with the auto pilot? It seems this would be worth the effort so both parties could be satisfied. Not to mention it would clearly show whether this was the root cause. Otherwise they are likely to lose many future customers. The cost of one new set of stabilizers would pale in comparison.

Frankly, they were surprisingly uninvolved in the installation and never came to commission the system, despite being asked questions along the way and informed of when we were launching. They were responsive by email and phone.

At this point, they don't seem willing to make any further repairs.

 

[Mambo42]

I'm probably naeive here, but I would think that hydraulic would be substantially easier to deal with. With Electric, I would assume you would need to be running a generator. Don't the hydraulic work off of PTO from the main engine?

In fact it is the other way around.
In order to run hydraulic stabilizers you will need a PTO and that normally runs of the engine or generator. You can also have a large electric hydraulic pump to provide the hydraulic power, but that thing would guzzle electricity.
Then you have all the hydraulic lines, reservoir, seals, pistons etc and each one of those parts can create problems.

My electric fins are basically an electric motor and the fins are directly attached to that motor. There is no gear box, no reduction and no shaft. The fins are light weight and are bolted with 8 bolts to the motor.

The motor itself is 220 V AC (for Europe) and that means just a normal cable from the stabilizers to the control box. Since the motors are not that high you can squeeze them in anywhere, hydraulic fins are more bulky and easier to damage. There is absolutely nothing in the electric motors of my fins that you can damage. As long as you have power they will function.

In the two years that I have them I have put 10.000+ hours on the clock and that is much more than any normal boat owner (who uses the boat only seasonally) will ever do. In all I had one slight failure (if you can call it a failure). I had a problem with the small gyro on the fly bridge, but was still under warranty. So they sent a new gyro (small box), plugged it in myself and problem was solved.

They don't use a lot of electricity, so I can run them off my batteries while on anchor and when I am underway the generators will charge the batteries, thereby provide all the electrical power to the boat.

CMC is the company that invented the electric stabilizers and they also patented a lot of their equipment. Humphree came late to the electrical fin show and had to come up with a different way of operating the fins (so as not to breach patents). And basically all other electrical fin suppliers are running into the same problem, they cannot breach the patents of CMC.
I am 100 % happy with the performance of my stabilizers and for me it is clear that any new boat will get them as well. Even if that new boat has stabilization, it will come off and I will put CMC stabilizers on that boat.
I also believe the future is electric fins, the days of hydraulic fins are over. Anyone installing hydraulic fins on a yacht now is basically installing Windows 3.0 on a modern computer.

 

[Retriever]

I note that Wesmar is conspicuously absent for replacement options (Naiad or ABT). Wesmar is on my list of "Never Again" vendors. Wondering if you can comment whether their absence is intentional or oversight?

Sorry for your troubles. Getting stuff like this resolved outside of major yachting centers is difficult and frustrating.

Peter

Your negative experience with Wesmar certainly is a factor!

Both Don (the owner of Starr) and I have a lot of experience with Naiad, so there's a comfort factor there. The central hydraulics on Starr for thrusters and windlass are already ABT, so that's an advantage. Both are well-proven and very serviceable.

 

[Retriever]

I'm probably naeive here, but I would think that hydraulic would be substantially easier to deal with. With Electric, I would assume you would need to be running a generator. Don't the hydraulic work off of PTO from the main engine?

Underway there's not much practical difference between hydraulic and electric...DC electric run off batteries and alternators, hydraulic run off a main engine PTO. At rest there is a substantial difference. Hydraulic systems often make some whining noise, and they usually require a genset to either power a 220v hydraulic pump or a directly-driven hydraulic pump. The promise of Humphree was they could run off the 24v battery bank. Unfortunately, they can't do it reliably.

 

[Retriever]

Before you thrown on ABT/TRAC's you may want to look at CMC stab 25 or Stab 30. I have them on my boat, they are electric, don't use a lot of electricity, keep us fully stabilized while underway, but also on anchor and on the dock. Don't need to run a generator to operate them.
In the two years we have them onboard we have put 10.000+ hours on the clock, we have them on 24 hours per day, no need to switch them off, so we leave them on all the time. Currently we are lying on a pontoon and have other boats next to us. It is a stormy day, boats next to us are rolling heavily, we have our stabilizers on and are lying solid as a rock.
Before I made my choice I spoke with lots of operators and all the captains of those vessels loved them. And then we are talking charter vessels in the 90 and 100' range. In fact, we are one of the smaller yachts with CMC stabilizers installed.
Since there are no hydraulics, but just an electricity cable to power the electro motor you have basically nothing that can break down while underway.

The only negative part so far was that CMC thinks everyone is a superyacht operator and prices for maintenance are accordingly. However, I was able to find a CMC dealer who did the maintenance for a normal price and after seeing how it is done I came to the conclusion that anyone can do that maintenance, you don't need to be Einstein. All you need to do is change 2 seals and then use new bolts to lock them in place.

Thanks for the feedback, we'll look into CMC. That said, after being burned by new tech with the Humphree system, it's comforting to go back to a hydraulic system that we're more familiar with.

 

[Mambo42]

Frankly, they were surprisingly uninvolved in the installation and never came to commission the system, despite being asked questions along the way and informed of when we were launching. They were responsive by email and phone.

At this point, they don't seem willing to make any further repairs.

So who commissioned your stabilizers ?
I had my CMC stabilizers installed by an official dealer and after that they also did the commisioning, which meant going out at sea, performing all kinds of manoeuvres so they could program the software that would fit my boat.
Good part about CMC is they can also reinstall the software remote if that would be necessary in case of problems.

But if I understand it correctly your stabilizers were installed and that was about it, no tests, no sea trials, no programming, just have fun and off you go ?

 

[Retriever]

But if I understand it correctly your stabilizers were installed and that was about it, no tests, no sea trials, no programming, just have fun and off you go ?

Correct, we spoke with them throughout the installation and emailed them when the boat launched, but they never offered to commission the system. Of course, we went through the process described in the manual for commissioning the system, but they never offered to visit the boat to do it themselves.

After they completed their repair in Hawaii, they came out on the boat and went through their commissioning process. The clunking noises subsequently returned and the main seal failed.

 

[Mambo42]

Underway there's not much practical difference between hydraulic and electric...DC electric run off batteries and alternators, hydraulic run off a main engine PTO. At rest there is a substantial difference. Hydraulic systems often make some whining noise, and they usually require a genset to either power a 220v hydraulic pump or a directly-driven hydraulic pump. The promise of Humphree was they could run off the 24v battery bank. Unfortunately, they can't do it reliably.

Are your 24 V or 220 V (or 110 V) ?
I choose the 220 V version, which I run via the inverter off my batteries. Underway I am using max 500 - 600 W (for the both of them) and that is in a rough sea. On anchor or in a port I may get to 100 or 200 W (currently drawing 100 W in bad weather on a pontoon). In a very rough anchorage I may see 300 or 400 W (220V), so that is 2 amps or 20 Amps at 24 V.

 

[Mambo42]

Correct, we spoke with them throughout the installation and emailed them when the boat launched, but they never offered to commission the system. Of course, we went through the process described in the manual for commissioning the system, but they never offered to visit the boat to do it themselves.

After they completed their repair in Hawaii, they came out on the boat and went through their commissioning process. The clunking noises subsequently returned and the main seal failed.

Wow ! That is what I call being desinterested.
I was not even allowed to switch them on before commissioning and they flew out a technician 2 times. First time was for all the tests he had to do while the boat was still on the dry and to install the software itself. That took a total of 2 days. Second time (we were already in a different port) for the sea trial and commissioning, which took a full day on the water. We went through numerous speed tests, slow turns, fast turns, self induced roll, natural stability of the boat etc etc. It was a long list with items he had to go through and only then were we allowed to use them.
I spoke with CMC in the US a few times, very friendly guy. He gave me the names of several of the users in the US, which I then called to ask them their experience with the CMC fins. He was also very helpful in identifying a dealer that would do the maintenance for a normal price. CMC in Italy wanted 15.000 euro for a 1 day job, the dealer in Croatia did it for 1700 euro, also in 1 day (but 4 guys working the whole day). Next time I will do it myself, made a video of how they did it, so no need to take the boat to a location of their choosing anymore. The 4 seals and 16 bolts themselves cost about 1400 euro total.

 

[Retriever]

Are your 24 V or 220 V (or 110 V) ?
I choose the 220 V version, which I run via the inverter off my batteries. Underway I am using max 500 - 600 W (for the both of them) and that is in a rough sea. On anchor or in a port I may get to 100 or 200 W (currently drawing 100 W in bad weather on a pontoon). In a very rough anchorage I may see 300 or 400 W (220V), so that is 2 amps or 20 Amps at 24 V.

24V, which was a big part of the appeal.

I believe that Starr is just too big and used in too rough of conditions for the Humphree system. The boat is a little over 100 tons, round chine, and most of the at-rest use is in Hawaii, basically anchored off surf breaks. It's demanding use, to be sure, but Humphree knew that when we bought the system.

 

[Mambo42]

24V, which was a big part of the appeal.

I believe that Starr is just too big and used in too rough of conditions for the Humphree system. The boat is a little over 100 tons, round chine, and most of the at-rest use is in Hawaii, basically anchored off surf breaks. It's demanding use, to be sure, but Humphree knew that when we bought the system.

If you have an inverter onboard you could have gone for the high voltage version. I had the option to go for the 24 V DC as well, but the advantages of the 220 V AC were so much bigger that it became my choice. I have a Victron 24/8000/200 in my boat, so more than enough capacity to run them off the inverter. I had seen the specs of the electric motors and it stated 2 Kw each, so I was thinking that they would drain the battery, but in 2 years of continous operation I have never ever seen a draw larger than 900 W for the 2 of them combined. If I would need 4 Kw while being on anchor............I am in the wrong anchorage.

Before you switch to hydraulics, just give CMC a call. I spoke with the captain of a 40 mtr yacht (so well over 100 tons) in D-Marin Didim. Was a charter vessel, they had the fins on for 4 years at the time, they had to come in since they had hit a log in the water, one fin had broken off (which will then float so you can retrieve it). Next day the CMC dealer was repairing the fins, was back on the boat within 2 days and off they went again.
The captain told me his guests love them and the Aegean is one of the roughest seas there is, so they need to work hard in that area. Weather can change from 1 Bft to 12 Bft in 5 min and the Aegean is known for a short high wave, coming from all directions. We hate the Aegean, but there are so many nice islands to visit (Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Kos etc etc) that you simply need stabilizers to be able to do it.

But the strange part is that also Humphree should know that the electric fins put most stress on the hull while on anchor, so that is why the hull needs to be reinforced drastically. They added about 2 inches of reinforcement over an area of roughly 15 square feet in my boat.
While we are underway, even in a following sea, we are perfectly stabilized. Just recently we were in seas of about 2 - 2.5 mtr with a period of perhaps 1 to 1.5 sec, when suddenly a 4 mtr wave came from the starboard rear quarter and overtook us, it took us by surprise. It turned the boat beam on to the waves, made us heel over, but within no time the stabilizers righted the boat again. We were wondering what would have happened if we would not have had stabilizers, probably we would have been scraping everything off the walls and floors for the rest of the day.
Electric motors can react much faster than hydraulic pistons, can apply instanteneous power and max torque (like in an EV), so the righting moment is so much more, which means more safety at sea.

I am getting the idea that Humphree produced an inferior product and they know it, but don't want to stop selling it. If I remember well they also have a pneumatic system which is even a bigger nightmare. No idea why Humphree does not improve their products or why they won't provide service and assistance, it sounds very strange to me.

 

[tonykool]

@Mambo42 Not sure if you saw this video that Selene just posted. It is an interview with the Head of CMC Marine and the talk about installing CMC stabilizers on new Selene yachts. Seems like Selene has standardized on them moving forward.

 

[Mambo42]

@Mambo42 Not sure if you saw this video that Selene just posted. It is an interview with the Head of CMC Marine and the talk about installing CMC stabilizers on new Selene yachts. Seems like Selene has standardized on them moving forward.

I have not seen this video, will take a look, but it is a smart move by Selene. Offering zero speed stabilization, plus the most important part..............being able to run them off your batteries instead of a hydraulic pump, is a massive advantage.
Many have seen the video of 71 % (underway from Australia to the US in a Selene) where the main engine had to be shut down and instantly all stabilization was lost. That would never happen with electric fins and just for that reason alone it is a good decision.

 

[JRZ1]

Just watched that video today and was going to post a link until I got to the end of the thread and saw it. I'm thinking electric is way to go for stabilization while at anchor and for simplicity. Seems like a nice system.

 

[sunchaser]

Personally, I would listen very carefully to Retriever and what has been the experience from his and Starr's travels. Stabilization while at rest is not always the deciding factor IMHO, unless of course you spend a lot of time anchoring in those open sea conditions.

Decades ago we intentionally chose boating in the PNW as our "last chance" chosen cruising locale, especially after boating in SA, Aus, SoCal and MX. In the PNW one has to look hard to find areas where 0 speed is a requirement, especially with the numerous safe harbors an easy course adjustment. Even when cruising the open Pacific waters of AK and BC, calm waters can be found.

For many vessels that have a good genset with associated top notch electrical design why not a Seakeeper or two when doing a new build? When cruising and anchoring in the warm climates, running AC is sure a nice add on, thus a genset requirement anyway.

 

[JRZ1]

I don't know how much you would actually need it but having the option if possible is important especially to make things as comfortable as possible for spouse or other guests. The gyro option is cool but not the power requirements. Don't want to be forced to run a genny at all times using it. If I do new build or refit/upgrade will do significant lithium battery bank and some solar panels to try and maximize off grid/genny capacity. The new electric stabilizers use little power and some even have power save modes that extend it further albeit at less effective stabilization levels. It wouldn't be a "must have" for me but it is a goal.

 

[Mac2]

@Mambo42 Not sure if you saw this video that Selene just posted. It is an interview with the Head of CMC Marine and the talk about installing CMC stabilizers on new Selene yachts. Seems like Selene has standardized on them moving forward.

Very interesting video. It caught my attention that they are planning on incorporating electric rudder control into the system. The rudder and fins will work together to keep the boat straight and level. The other aspect that was appealing, was the amount of space saved in the engine room without the need for a hydraulic system. I can see why Selene is going to this system.
Mambo42: You might have mentioned this already, but what do you think the cost difference is between the two on a new build?

 

[cfr]

How about sleipner vector fins, i just try to compare them with cmc...they look interesting too.
To Mambo : who did calculate the reinforcement , do you have a photo ? I like to install them next to the engine stringers which will be a solid basis

 

[Mambo42]

How about sleipner vector fins, i just try to compare them with cmc...they look interesting too.
To Mambo : who did calculate the reinforcement , do you have a photo ? I like to install them next to the engine stringers which will be a solid basis

I installed my fins with BTS Marin in Turkey and they have maritime engineers. They came to my boat, made the calculations and based on that they strenghtened the ull, added about 5 cm thickness (in hard wood and epoxy over an area of about 1.5 - 2 m2).
The stabilisers need to be about 1/3 to max 1/2 the distance from the stern to the bow (calculating from the stern) and for me that means that they are in the most forward spot of the ER. I had space between the tanks and the bulk head, that was re-inforced and after that the motors were installed.

 

[cfr]

OK thanks, i have seen the Installation in my sisterships and they seemed very small but will check with the yard twice....but they are between the engine and Tank stringers, seemed a solid area

 

[Mambo42]

Very interesting video. It caught my attention that they are planning on incorporating electric rudder control into the system. The rudder and fins will work together to keep the boat straight and level. The other aspect that was appealing, was the amount of space saved in the engine room without the need for a hydraulic system. I can see why Selene is going to this system.
Mambo42: You might have mentioned this already, but what do you think the cost difference is between the two on a new build?

The amount of space saved is indeed enormous. The motors of my Stab 25 are about 10 cm high (in total) and then I have some electrical cables, that is all, so space wise it is very efficient.
I don't think I would need electric rudder control, even in a following sea the stabilisers keep me very well stabilised and the boat does not move a lot. I guess it is mostly for boats without a keel, for them it would be benificial to have an electric rudder which helps in those conditions.

As for the cost difference between hydraulic and electric. At the time I was researching stabilisation the cost difference was absolutely nothing. In fact the electric stabilisers were cheaper than the hydraulic ones and quite a bit cheaper than the gyros. The acquisition cost of the gyro were lower, but the installation costs were much higher. I actually had the idea that all these manufacturers are looking at eachother and decide their prices based on who has the biggest market share.

 

[Mambo42]

Personally, I would listen very carefully to Retriever and what has been the experience from his and Starr's travels. Stabilization while at rest is not always the deciding factor IMHO, unless of course you spend a lot of time anchoring in those open sea conditions.

Decades ago we intentionally chose boating in the PNW as our "last chance" chosen cruising locale, especially after boating in SA, Aus, SoCal and MX. In the PNW one has to look hard to find areas where 0 speed is a requirement, especially with the numerous safe harbors an easy course adjustment. Even when cruising the open Pacific waters of AK and BC, calm waters can be found.

For many vessels that have a good genset with associated top notch electrical design why not a Seakeeper or two when doing a new build? When cruising and anchoring in the warm climates, running AC is sure a nice add on, thus a genset requirement anyway.

If you cruise in an area where it is always calm, you won't need zero speed stabilization. I fully agree with you on that one.
Unfortunately we don't cruise in that area, we are in an area where the sea is always rough to very rough and since my boat has the tendency to roll violently I had no other option but to put stabilizers on her.

One of the reasons why I decided to go for electric fins instead of a gyro was the fact that i can run the fins off the batteries at night, while I cannot do that with a gyro. A gyro absolutely guzzles electricity and I would need to have the generator running 24/7, which is something I am not prepared to do. Having had 2 fire scares onboard I won't sleep when a generator is running. Too many things can go wrong, so am not gambling on that. A gyro requires a generator to run all the time, which is fine when you have a crew onboard, but I don't have a crew onboard, so that was one of the reasons why the gyro was not an option. Other reasons being the maintenance cost, the complicated installation (loss of a lot of space) and total lack of expertise in the area where we are sailing.

 

[sunchaser]

Mambo
Many cruise on vessels where a genset is a continual thing, or starts and stops on demand. Yes it is vessel specific and depends on other electric demands. For these vessels stabilizer choices abound.

MJM offers Seakeepers on their vessels, even with outboards. As with so many things marine, stabilizer choices abound.

 

[Mambo42]

Mambo
Many cruise on vessels where a genset is a continual thing, or starts and stops on demand. Yes it is vessel specific and depends on other electric demands. For these vessels stabilizer choices abound.

MJM offers Seakeepers on their vessels, even with outboards. As with so many things marine, stabilizer choices abound.

I know there are people who leave the generator on while everyone is asleep, but I am not one of them. I don't like the risks and on top of that, a generator uses fuel. Batteries with solar power topping them off is more or less for free, I like that much better.