Electronics Review

C-MAP BY JEPPESEN ELECTRONIC CHARTS PROVIDE NEW 2012  SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MARINE PROTECTED AREA BOUNDARIES

With the Latest C-MAP Cartography and Compatible Chartplotters, Anglers Can Stay On the Fish & On the Right Side of the Law.

Southern California’s new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) went into effect January 1, 2012, closing or restricting a total of roughly 354 square miles (or about 15%) of coastal waters to both recreational and commercial fishing. Jeppesen’s newest Fall 2011 release of C-MAP 4D, MAX and NT+ cartography for Southern California helps saltwater anglers with one of the most important obstacles to obeying these new rules: knowing precisely where the closures are. The boundaries of both existing and new Southern California State Marine Reserves (SMRs) are marked clearly on C-MAP by Jeppesen charts as “Fishing Prohibition Areas” displaying “X-d out” fish symbol wallpaper inside the boundaries. New and existing State Marine Conservation Areas (SMCAs) — which allow limited recreational and commercial fishing — are encoded as Fishing Restriction Areas and are displayed as a red boundary on the chart.

In addition to graphically showing saltwater anglers where new MPA boundaries are, the chart’s “Info” icons let boaters pull up specific restrictions for a given area. This is important in following the law, as certain SMCAs allow for specific angling activities/take and not others.

Crystal Cove, CA

The complete list of South Coast MPAs includes 18 new or modified SMCAs that allow limited recreational and commercial take (plus two pre-existing SMCAs at Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands), 11 new “No-Take” SMCAs, eight new “No-Take” SMRs (plus 11 pre-existing SMRs around the Northern Channel Islands and Santa Barbara Island), and two pre-existing special closures at San Miguel and Anacapa Islands.

Having this complex information at your fingertips for display on today’s accurate GPS/chartplotters is a big advantage for anglers. In addition to important MPA boundaries, C-MAP by Jeppesen charts can provide boaters with important navigational data and unique features such as aerial images of harbors and inlets, Dynamic NavAids and Dynamic Tide/Current Predictions, ideal for pinpointing/timing water movement that often spurs West Coast fish species to bite.

Central and Northern California anglers can also benefit from having the latest MPAs in their regions — together with a range of exclusive fishing Value Added Data — in a special Coastside Fishing Club offered by Jeppesen for C-MAP MAX and NT+ compatible chartplotters. Developed in cooperation with the popular Coastside Fishing Club, this chart covers waters from Point Conception, California to Coos Bay, Oregon, including the San Francisco Bay, California Delta and Sacramento River.

Point Dume, CA

C-MAP by Jeppesen cartography is compatible with a wide range of existing and new chartplotters from leading OEM partners, including Furuno, Standard Horizon, SI-TEX, Geonav, Interphase and others, as well as leading PC navigation software systems. In addition, the latest changes to Southern California’s network of protected areas will soon be added to C-MAP by Jeppesen MapMedia charts for the popular Furuno NavNet 3D navigation system.

“Saltwater anglers need the most up-to-date cartography to make sure they don’t run afoul of any of these marine protected areas,” said Roger Brudenell, North American Channel Manager, Light Marine. “Considering the stiff penalties for non-compliance, upgrading to a new C-MAP compatible chartplotter or updating existing C-MAP compatible chartplotter is an easy way to let Jeppesen sort through the closures for anglers so they can focus on fishing,” added Brudenell.

To learn more about compatible navigation systems and upgrading to the latest C-MAP by Jeppesen electronic chart offerings for Southern California anglers, visit www.jeppesen.com/lightmarine

About Jeppesen: Jeppesen is a market-leading provider of vessel operations services and digital navigation solutions, based on worldwide vector chart data type approved to ISO19879, meteorological information and transmission technologies. Jeppesen offers a wide range of navigation and operations products and services to both recreational and commercial marine markets. Safety-conscious boaters and operators of vessels ranging from coastal to SOLAS class, rely on Jeppesen for innovative navigation solutions that improve safety and efficiency.

Jeppesen is a subsidiary of The Boeing Company. Jeppesen corporate information is available online at www.jeppesen.com

 

Yacht Spotting and New Launches

 

SEAKEEPER GYROS STANDARD ON NEW HEESEN 65M DESIGN

When a yacht builder premieres an extraordinary engineering advance, other components must be equally revolutionary.  Twenty years in development, Heesen Yachts’ Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) debuts on its new 65m yacht, the first of which will launch in 2013.  To provide underway and at anchor stabilization for this unique design, Heesen has chosen Seakeeper M21000 gyros as standard equipment.

Heesen's Fast Displacement 65m Yacht

Nearly a year into its construction at the Heesen shipyard, this is the world’s first fast displacement yacht.  The recently-delivered Seakeeper gyros, 5 units for this 65m craft, will be installed with the assistance of Seakeeper’s Dutch distributor, Kemper en Van Twist Diesel.

Heesen’s FDHF incorporates features that affect hydrodynamic resistance over the entire speed range, such as the limited immersed transom, bulbous bow, trim control and spray rails for a 30% increase in hull efficiency.  When paired with the yacht’s MTU M93L engines, it will have a 4,200 nm range with 20 knot cruising speeds and a top speed of 27 knots.

Seakeeper M21000 Gyro

With such a unique hull design, it’s not possible to use external appendages, such as stabilizing fins, that could affect performance.  Housed completely inside the lightweight, efficient Heesen hull, the Seakeeper gyros will provide power-saving stabilization while the yacht is underway, at zero speed or at anchor.  The powerful righting torque of each M21000 gyro results from a steel flywheel spinning at high speeds in a vacuum, within an aluminum housing.  Drawing a miserly 3 kW at full speed, each gyro delivers 21,000 Newton meter seconds of angular momentum to achieve up to 80% roll reduction.  This ensures owners and guests are comfortable, and safe, onboard in varying sea conditions.

Luxurious amenities on this remarkable Heesen design include a duplex beach club, glass-bottom swimming pool, 10 sq. m side balcony, a vast sundeck, and accommodations for up to 12 guests in custom-built quarters.  Seakeepers’ steadying force will be particularly appreciated on the touch-and-go helicopter deck and in the multiple tender garages. For more information on the Heesen FDHF yacht, or any of the other available designs, visit the company Website at www.heesen.nl

Contact Seakeeper, 44425 Pecan Ct., Ste. 151, California, MD  20689.  410-326-1590; Fax: 410-326-1199.  sales@seakeeper.com, www.seakeeper.com

 

BoatUS Report

TowBoatUS is ready to assist in any way they can. Photo Credit: TowBoatUS Cape Coral.

TowBoatUS Cape Coral Earns “Tower Of The Year” Award

An on-the-water towboat company that helps Southwest Florida boaters get home safely was singled out for its professionalism at the BoatUS Towing Services Annual Conference recently held in Tampa, FL. Tower of the Year honors went to TowBoatUS Cape Coral, which is owned and operated by Capt. Richard Paul and Capt. Jay McMillin. The company has locations in Cape Coral, Ft. Myers Beach and North Ft. Myers. Services offered include jump-starts, soft ungroundings, tows back to launch ramps, marinas or home docks, and fuel drop offs.

Paul’s and McMillin’s locally-owned company is part of a nationwide network of 300 ports and fleet of 600 TowBoatUS and Vessel Assist towboats. The company was honored for its near-perfect towing dispatch operation, superior customer service and satisfaction, as well as towing case management. The company also ranked fifth in the fleet for new membership sales. Additionally, TowBoatUS Cape Coral was honored with the distinguished Dispatchers Choice of the Year Award for the Gulf Coast States region – for the second year in a row.

Award-winning TowBoatUS Cape Coral, Florida, crew.

Paul and McMillin first met over 17 years ago working at Publix Supermarkets, where both were former store managers before retiring and purchasing their first location, TowBoatUS Cape Coral, in 2005. Since then, they have expanded their operations to Ft. Myers Beach as well as North Ft. Myers. These additional locations have led to faster on-the-water response times, greatly decreasing the time it takes to arrive on scene. “With close to 2000 on-the-water tows annually, as well as un-groundings, adding these ports has been a huge complement to our business,” said Capt. Paul.

“What sets Paul’s and McMillin’s operation apart, is their deep commitment to marketing efforts that have really helped spread the word about our on-the-water towing services,” said BoatUS Vice President of Towing Services Jerry Cardarelli. “We are also very proud of their staffs’ professionalism and their deep commitment to providing Outstanding Customer Service.”

Much like an auto club, BoatUS Towing Services offers an “unlimited” towing plan for Florida boaters for just $149 a year, which includes BoatUS membership. Without a towing plan, the national average out-of-pocket cost for a tow is about $600. For another $14, those who trailer their boats on the road can also take advantage of BoatUS’ Trailer Assist program which will tow both a boat trailer and tow vehicle up to 100 miles to a safe location or home.

For membership and towing information visit http://towboatuscapecoral.com, or call 800-888-4869.

About BoatUS: BoatUS – Boat Owners Association of The United States – is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters providing over half a million members with government representation, programs and money-saving services.  For membership information visit www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628.

 

Products

Boat security, monitoring, tracking and surveillance systems supplier Global Ocean Security Technologies (GOST – formerly Paradox Marine) is adding some new products to its  quality, highly advanced security line up.

GOST Phantom
Heading up the offering is the next generation GOST Phantom Wireless Security and Monitoring System with built in quad band GPRS/GSM Module. This component replaces the GOST Marine Magellan head unit but will maintain compatibility with the full line of GOST wireless security & monitoring sensors, GOST Inmarsat Satellite GPS Tracking & GOST Watch Surveillance systems.

The system has a completely revamped sleek black design, a crisp blue LCD screen, and many enhanced capabilities – including the ability to report simultaneously via text message as well as traditional two-way voice. The unit can support up to 64 wireless sensors for security and monitoring and eight wireless relays to control virtually any AC/DC functions on board. Some of the wireless monitoring options available include high water in the bilge, Battery bank low voltage, loss of shore power, temperatures in bait/food freezers, smoke, intrusion and much more.

GOST Strobe Light
GOST is also offering the GOST Strobe Light. This ultra small, self contained, semi-hemispheric LED white light is designed for surface mounting on the exterior of a vessel to draw attention to a boat in distress. A scan-lock flash pattern includes a feature for alternating and synchronous flashing of multiple lamps. New lens technology enhances light distribution for optimum dispersion and intensity of the warning signal at critical angles.

The Strobe Light also features an advanced thermal heat management system for years of trouble-free service. Lamp and in-line lamp driver are fully encapsulated for moisture and vibration resistance. The omni-directional white LED light head mounts in any position, vertically or horizontally. It is compatible with any GOST security and monitoring system and can be triggered to come on for intrusion alarms, utility alarms, and/or panic scenarios.

You can see all the fine marine security products from GOST in person at the upcoming
Seattle Boat Show (January 27 – February 5, 2012) as well as the Miami International Boat Show
(February 16 – 20, 2012)

For more information about GOST Phantom, the GOST Strobe Light and other GOST boat security, monitoring, tracking and surveillance systems, visit www.gostglobal.com or call 1+954.565.9898
Global Ocean Security Technologies – 1200 NE 7th Ave – Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 USA

 

Products

Swobbit® Introduces Surface-Friendly Washing Tool

        Microfiber Strands Clean Without Marring Use on smooth fiberglass, plastic enclosures and acrylic.

Marine cleaning products manufacturer Swobbit® has introduced a microfiber washing tool specially designed to clean smooth fiberglass, plastic enclosures and acrylic without marring the surfaces.

The unique tool has hundreds of microfiber strands that hold more soapy water than other washing tools to clean surfaces faster and more efficiently. It is adapted to the Swobbit swivel plate that attaches to the patented Swobbit Perfect Pole. MSRP for the microfiber washing tool is $29.95.

For more information about the new Swobbit® microfiber washing tool and other Swobbit marine cleaning products including wash brushes, drying mops and complete boat cleaning kits, visit www.swobbit.com or call 1+203.453.3090.
Swobbit Products – 2415 Boston Post Road
Guilford, CT 06437

 

BoatUS Report

BoatUS Angler Will Assist Competitors in Need During
B.A.S.S. Opens

Traveling thousands of miles each year on the road and making it to weigh-in at the end of a tournament day are “givens” for today’s successful pro angler. But roadside breakdowns and on-the-water troubles can threaten a winning paycheck. That’s why it’s a perfect fit to announce that BoatUS Angler, which has provided both roadside and on-the-water assistance to boat and rig owners for nearly 20 years, has signed a sponsorship agreement with B.A.S.S. to be the Official Towing Service of the 2012 Bassmaster Open Series.

Young Jackson Smith's 2011 Winning Catch.

“On more than one occasion last year, we saw first-hand the goodness of BoatUS Angler being able to provide much needed assistance to our anglers during competition,” said B.A.S.S. Senior Tournament Manager, Chris Bowes. “Thus, entering a formal agreement to have BoatUS Angler towboats officially available to all Open competitors is a very logical relationship,” Bowes explained. “It’s a reassuring benefit to our anglers, as well as the B.A.S.S. staff who, first and foremost, want to see all of our competitors return safely to the dock each afternoon.” 

BoatUS Angler is the fishing division membership from the nation’s largest association of recreational boaters. They offer boat-owning fisherman services such as on-the-water breakdown and towing assistance provided by the largest fleet of towboats in North America, as well as roadside boat trailer and tow vehicle assistance through 20,000 specialized towing companies.

Another 2011 winner, this permit catch by Eric Pullen.

“Tournament anglers spend countless hours behind the wheel of their bass boat and tow vehicle,” said BoatUS Angler’s Steve Levi. “We’re offering a program that takes the hassles away with 24/7 dispatch assistance when either one breaks down, and gives you the chance with our Weigh-to-Win incentive program to make some extra cash when competing in nearly 300 professional fishing tournaments.”

“Our TowBoatUS Dispatch Service handles on-the-water breakdown calls on most of the nation’s major inland lakes, rivers and reservoirs,” added Levi. “If we don’t have TowBoatUS location nearby, our 24/7 dispatch centers can get you the help you need whether your engine fails, you’re out of gas, your battery dies or you run aground in shallow water.”

Sheriffs’ boats, camera boats, and other non-competitors have towed Bassmaster tournament anglers experiencing breakdowns safely to shore in the past, but this new agreement will mark the first time in history where B.A.S.S. has allowed outside help from a formal towing service for anglers during competition.

Services provided by towboats are free of charge with an affordable BoatUS Angler membership. Competitors who have not signed up for membership will be charged the standard cost of services provided by TowBoatUS.

Tournament anglers who buy a BoatUS Angler membership will also benefit greatly from their subsequent free participation in the BoatUS Angler “Weigh-to-Win” tournament cash bonus program.

Participation in BoatUS Angler’s “Weigh-to-Win” is as simple as signing up for any of the following invaluable programs. You choose which option appeals to you most.

The On-the-Road Towing package includes a BoatUS Angler membership for just $38 and is great for bass anglers concerned about breakdowns on the highway. Those who want on-the-water assistance would likely choose the On-the-Water Unlimited Freshwater Towing package for $58. Anglers that want their mind at ease, both on-the-road and on-the-water, would choose the combined BoatUS Angler membership for $72. All three offerings make you eligible to enter the “Weigh-to-Win” tournament cash bonus program at no additional cost.

Simply said, it pays to buy a highly affordable BoatUS Angler membership regardless of what B.A.S.S. events you compete in, including the Bassmaster Weekend Series – especially when you’re registered for the Weigh-to-Win cash tournament bonus program, and that’s why hundreds of anglers signed up last year. To make sure you are eligible in 2012, just dial (918) 742-6424 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. CST, and ask for Kendell, she’ll make sure you get signed-up. Or to learn more, please visit www.BoatUSFishing.com

 

BoatUS Report

Five On-The-Water BoatUS Towboat Captains Honored for Heroism

With over 600 tow boats spread across North America, the law of averages dictates that, eventually, BoatUS towing captains will be thrust into the middle of life-threatening emergencies. BoatUS Towing Services recently honored five of its TowBoatUS captains for their heroic actions with its annual BoatUS “Woody Pollack Lifesaving Awards” at a ceremony that capped off the group’s annual conference held in Tampa FL. The award is named after the well-respected towboat captain in the fleet who died at an early age.

“Sometimes the routine of normal day is interrupted by a life-threatening mayday call or an incident that unfolds in front of them, and our captains step in without hesitation,” said BoatUS Vice President of Towing Services Jerry Cardarelli. “They are not in the rescue business, but their actions save others. We are very proud of them.”

US Coast Guard Chief of Search and Rescue, Captain David McBride, who BoatUS also honored at the ceremony for his years of selfless and dedicated service to the nation’s boaters, presented the awards on behalf of BoatUS. Here are the details on the incidents:

One late, blustery summer night last year in July, Captain Kevin Freestone of TowBoatUS Big Pine Key, FL, responded to a mayday call from a 22-foot vessel with six persons aboard. After communications with the stricken boat fell ominously silent, Freestone desperately searched and found the swamped vessel, in which six passengers, standing in the semi-submersed boat, were precariously trying to balance to keep from overturning. Freestone took all aboard and safely returned them to shore and salvaged the vessel.

Capt. Kevin Freestone (L) of TowBoatUS Big Pine Key, FL, with US Coast Guard Chief of Search and Rescue, Capt. David McBride. Freestone was one of five BoatUS towing captains honored for heroism at the annual BoatUS Towing Services Conference.

When a late afternoon thunderstorm rolled in sheets of rain, 30 knots of wind, lighting and thunder, Captain Lee Eckler of TowBoatUS Tarpon Springs, FL was stunned at what he saw in the distance through the tempest: three heads bobbing in the water and an overturned kayak. Eckler immediately took aboard three girls, age 12 to 16, who only had one life jacket amongst them, and then safely deposited them and the kayak ashore at their nearby home. It was likely the luckiest break in their young lives.

One Friday last April, husband and wife Captains Rodney and Mattie Suggs of TowBoatUS Clear Lake, TX, raced to the scene of a disabled sailboat that had reported several persons in the water, but who were unable to swim back to the vessel as a swift current dragged them farther away. After finding one person and safely bringing them aboard, the Suggs’ were shocked to learn that six others were still missing. Searching, the captains soon found the remaining group – all of whom were severely exhausted, and one who had ingested a large amount of seawater. His friends said the young man would have soon drowned if it had not been for the Sugg’s fortunate actions.

On a Saturday afternoon Captain Mike Dunn of TowBoatUS Homosassa, FL, along with the local sheriff, arrived to a chaotic scene in which a 37-foot powerboat had violently overturned, ejecting its nine passengers into the water. While all had injuries, one 18-year-old was blue, not breathing, and had an exposed open wound to the head. After loading the young man aboard with the help of a Good Samaritan nurse and the boy’s mother, Dunn gunned the engines racing for shore while CPR was performed. At high speed, he then dodged dozens of boats along a narrow, constricted waterway, all the while making securite calls on the VHF radio and arranging to rendezvous with EMTs. The teen was life-flighted to the local hospital – and survived.

www.boatus.com

 

Yacht Spotting and New Launches

Fluid Motion, LLC, the designers and builders of the popular line of Ranger Tugs have introduced the newest model in the fleet—the Ranger 31. The new R31 will debut this month at the Seattle Boat Show in the Stadium Exhibition Center, January 26-Feburary 5. Hull #2 is expected to make the East Coast debut at the Miami International Boat Show, February 16-20 at Sea Isle Marina on Biscayne Bay.

Rendering of the trailerable Ranger 31.

The R31 shares many of the features and qualities of her smaller sisterships but some notable additions to this larger model make her ideal for extended cruising while still being a trailerable trawler. The R31 is the first Ranger Tug to feature a flybridge equipped with electronic controls at both the upper and lower helm. The flybridge also retracts to allow for trailering the 31′. The builders at Ranger Tugs also equipped the foredeck with seating and a table that can be raised or lowered depending on whether the boat is under way or at anchor or dock for entertaining. In addition to the extra seating now available on the flybridge and foredeck the 31′ allows for a larger cockpit area with wraparound seating and extra seating that folds out of the gunwale. When not entertaining, seats are folded leaving the cockpit unencumbered.The interior layout of the R31 features two staterooms—one large island berth forward with en suite head and a midship berth and day head. Those who are familiar with Ranger Tugs models will recognize the galley layout and lower helm station that maximize interior space. A starboard side door provides easy access from the lower helm to the side decks so crew can get to the bow for line handling.

“We’ve been working on the R31 for the last year,” shares Jeff Messmer, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Ranger Tugs. “While we do have owners that are eager to upgrade to a larger model, the R31 allows us to introduce Ranger Tugs to a set of boaters who prefer a mid-size cruising trawler. We’ve done well with our trailerable trawlers and we continue to increase sales of the R21, R25SC, R27 and R29. The R31 will help us grow even more.”

Like all Ranger Tugs, the new R31 comes essentially turnkey with standard features and equipment intended to make her owner’s experience hassle-free and allow for ease of handling and comfort under way. Standard equipment includes bow and stern thrusters, an optional aft steering station and a Volvo D4 300hp engine that achieves a 16 knot cruise speed.

Ranger Tugs are built at a dedicated facility in Kent, WA, where the company now also offers a new Factory Delivery program and a Destination Training Cruise for new owners. The first R31 will debut in Seattle Jan. 26-Feb. 5 and will be offered at a base price of $279,937. Ranger Tugs is now taking orders for the first R31s and the first boats will begin to ship to dealers this spring.

Ranger Tugs 31 (R31) Specifications: LOA molded 31′ LOA rigged (with swim & pulpit) 35’2″; Beam 10’0″;
Draft 28″; Fuel Capacity 180 U.S. gallons; Water capacity 80 U.S. gallons; Holding tank capacity 40 U.S. gallons; Weight (Dry) 10,500;. Engine Volvo D4 300hp.

  For more information, visit www.rangertugs.com or call 253-839-5213.

 

Yacht Spotting and New Launches

Canados Yachts to Launch 100 Flybridge Series of Superyachts

Italian yacht-maker Canados Yachts is set to launch the first superyacht of the Canados 100 Flybridge series.

Canados 100 Fly

The exterior of the vessel, which will be 104-feet/31.8-meters in length, designed by yacht designer Carlo Galeazzi, will be equipped with contemporary windows resembling horizontal slats in place of hull portholes or vertical windows. Her interior will incorporate four or five staterooms for guests. All the guest cabins will be situated on the lower deck and will possess a combined capacity to house a maximum of eight to 10 guests.

The superyacht will sport a living space on its foredeck, and ample relaxation and public spaces in its exterior part. Her bow will consist of a social zone fitted with tables, built-in seating facilities and sunpad. Among her various other features are built-in seating arrangements and loungers’ space aft on the flybridge, as well as a large Jacuzzi.

The superyacht will be powered by a pair of strong MTU engines. Her engines are expected to help it operate at a maximum speed of 31 knots and a cruising speed of 26 knots.

Delivery is expected in the Summer of 2012 at the Canados shipyard in Italy.

www.canados.com

 

Products

SEAKEEPER GYRO ENHANCES TIME ABOARD MIKELSON 43

The Mikelson 43 SF shows off her cockpit and salon.

The Mikelson 43 Sportfisher gracefully combines the fishing elements of a large flybridge and tournament station with a comfortable, spacious interior.  After fitting his boat with a Seakeeper gyro, the savvy owner of SAM I AM now better enjoys time spent aboard in comfort.

“There’s a definite trend toward putting gyros on smaller craft,” said Mike Elias of Mike’s Boatworks, the Seakeeper servicing dealer who installed the gyro.  “There’s really no way anyone would add stabilizing fins to boats this size, as there isn’t enough space and they’re not economically effective.  Seakeeper is opening up a market for people who want a smooth ride and stability, so they can spend more stress-free time on the water.”

A Seakeeper gyro (top) fits right in aboard the Mikelson 43.

With the help of The BoatYard in Marina del Rey, California, the gyro was mounted in a storage area forward of the engine compartment under the main salon.  Only a 30″ access hatch was needed.  “Although the gyro is underneath living space, it’s pretty much silent,” said Elias.  The owner agrees, saying, “I think I can hear the generator more than the gyro.”

“We didn’t have to tear the boat apart, and The BoatYard team was on top of it all.  I’d work with them again in a heartbeat,” said Elias.  “Turnaround time was phenomenal, just 4 weeks from the order date to sea trial.  It’s so simple, almost any boat owner could easily retrofit this gyro on a boat over 35 feet.”

On the day of the sea trial, “Whitecaps were crashing against the Marina del Rey breakwater and we had 6-8′ swells,” said Elias.  “The boat was getting tossed around, and when we turned on the gyro, she simply leveled out.”  The owner commented, “There was a small craft advisory, and the gyro did have a significant impact in reducing the boat’s rocking.”

Soon after commissioning, SAM I AM‘s owner had further proof of Seakeeper’s performance.  He hosted a cocktail party on the flybridge for 25 guests near Catalina Island.  “As usual the water was a little rough,” he said.  “The gyro kept us stable, especially compared to other boats that were rocking back and forth, and made launching the dinghy a lot easier.”

“What really impressed me was that after the party, we switched off the gyro, and it really made a difference.  Dishes up on the flybridge table that had been sitting there, stable, for 3 hours literally went flying moments after we shut it off.  That told me, ‘yes, this thing works.'”

He continued, “In previous years, even though conditions were pretty similar, a quarter of the guests fell ill, some sick enough to want to leave immediately.  This year the party was much more enjoyable.”

Based in San Diego, Mikelson builds custom sportfishing and pilothouse yachts from 43′ to 75′.  The 43′ and 50′ sportfishers are available with the Cummins Zeus Pod Drive engine package.

With no external appendages, Seakeeper Gyro Stabilization Systems produce a powerful righting force that virtually eliminates boat rock and roll.  The actively controlled units optimize torque, delivering unmatched stability at anchor, zero and low speeds, as well as while underway.

Contact Seakeeper, 44425 Pecan Ct., Ste. 151, California, MD  20689.  410-326-1590; Fax: 410-326-1199.  sales@seakeeper.com, www.seakeeper.com