Products

SEAKEEPER GYROS STABILIZE FERRARI CHAIRMAN’S YACHT

If anyone can understand the importance of unhindered speed and beauty, it’s the man behind luxury automaker Ferrari.  Seakeeper gyros deliver superior roll reduction in many sea conditions, without drag-producing appendages.  Their quiet operation and low power consumption make them the stabilization choice over fins, including for underway use.

The multiple benefits of gyro stabilization were greatly appreciated by Ferrari chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo who during the last two seasons rented the Ocea 108 Commuter, Marhaba, recently fit with two Seakeeper M21000 gyros. A “Control Moment Gyro,” it employs the physics of gyro-dynamics to deliver a powerful righting force that stabilizes a yacht.  The gyro’s flywheel spins at high-speed in a near vacuum, inside an aluminum spherical housing.  This virtually eliminates air friction, which allows Seakeeper gyros to weigh much less, and consume very little power.

“The Seakeeper gyros’ performance has been really satisfying.  The feeling onboard Marhaba has changed dramatically, during navigation, due to an important reduction in roll.  This allows everyone on board, even the more sensitive people, to fully enjoy the experience of Marhaba,” said Montezemolo.  “We recommend Seakeeper gyros because the effective roll reduction has been very important, more than expected.  And also, all the technical requirements that we have taken into consideration for our choice have been completely satisfied.”

Montezemolo experienced the power of Seakeeper gyros himself during a side-by-side comparison of a fin and gyro-type stabilizer on yachts off the coast of Viareggio, Italy.  “We considered the Seakeeper gyros’ high rotational speed, which created a high value of angular momentum.  Also, they produced limited noise and added limited weight,” said Montezemolo.

Seakeeper gyros also include an active control mechanism which optimizes the gyro’s performance over a wide range of sea states.  A passively controlled gyro must be turned off in the roughest conditions to keep from damaging itself, whereas the Seakeeper Gyro can continue to operate when it is most needed.

A pair of retrofitted M21000 Seakeeper Gyros were able to help keep Marhaba on an even keel.

The M21000 gyros were retrofitted in the lazarette, one port and one starboard.  Marhaba already had a hydraulic fin system in place.  Subsequent sea trials 2 miles off the coast of Genoa, Italy, verified the performance of the Seakeeper gyros, both underway and at zero speed.

Though seas were relatively calm on day one for underway testing, with light winds and short, choppy waves with estimated maximum heights of 0.4m, when compared to the performance of the yacht’s stabilizing fins, Seakeeper proved its capabilities extremely well.

With Marhaba travelling at 10 knots in beam seas, the gyro and fins were engaged separately, and then used together.  The Seakeeper gyros, operating alone underway, reduced the standard deviation of the roll rate from more than 1.2 degrees to 0.8 degrees.  The gyros also reduced the standard deviation of the roll angle from nearly 1.0 degrees to 0.6 degrees, producing results very similar to those achieved by the fins alone.

Zero speed trials performed aboard Marhaba further prove the versatility of the Seakeeper gyro’s stabilization capabilities.  On day one, even in such calm conditions, the combination of waves and the yacht’s natural roll at zero speed produced uncomfortable motion.  The Seakeeper gyros achieved an impressive 76% resonant roll reduction.

On day two of the sea trials, a storm blew in, creating breaking waves with maximum heights of approximately 1.25m.  Those onboard even witnessed a waterspout nearby.  Again, with the Seakeeper gyros engaged, a powerful 77% zero speed resonant roll reduction was achieved aboard Marhaba.

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

 

Products

RETROFITTING INCANDESCENT NAV LAMPS WITH LED BULBS IS UNSAFE, ILLEGAL

With all the power-saving and longevity benefits of LED lights, it’s easy to see why boat owners replace traditional light bulbs with LEDs.  But doing so with navigation lights can violate the fixture’s certifications.  This has serious consequences, as US Inland Navigation Rules and International Navigation Rules carry the force of federal law.

“A certified navigation light fixture is a combination of a specific lens, a specific bulb and the necessary foundation and wiring.  The boat owner or operator must ensure that when bulb replacement is necessary, only the original type bulb is used,” said Phil Cappel, chief of the US Coast Guard’s Recreational Boating Product Assurance Branch.  “Any substitutions can result in the light no longer meeting the Navigation Rule requirements.”

Making sure you have the properly certified and approved bulb, lens, and wiring for any navigation light will mean safer boating for everyone.

A wide variety of replacement bulbs are available, including LED bulb conversion kits.  Simply finding one that fits the fixture won’t assure the boater of a properly certified navigation light, unless the lamp manufacturer has third party-certified it for their own lamp.  Cappel notes that compliance with the Navigation Rules is the boat operator’s responsibility, not the bulb manufacturer’s.

Industry specifications and certifications are in place for safety.  Though seemingly simple, the red, white and green navigation lights are thoroughly tested by a third-party for light intensity, color, angles of visibility, corrosion and temperature.  “The lamp assemblies are designed and tested with a specific light source,” said Brian Goodwin, technical director for the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC).

Precise tests determine if light reaches nautical mile requirements.  Light output must also be sharp at the edges and smooth across the arcs of visibility.  This prevents light from appearing to flash like a buoy rather than project consistently when the boat rotates and rocks.

Goodwin notes that there are other causes of failure if the owner replaces a bulb with one other than the original type.  For example, LEDs installed in a housing intended for a hot bulb may dim unexpectedly.  “Unless approved and tested by the light fixture manufacturer, LED retrofit bulbs do not belong in navigation lights,” he said.

“Flaunting the law risks lives, insurance and liability,” said Jeremy Singleton, Hella marine global manager.  “The USCG and ABYC take navigation lighting very seriously.  They are considered life-saving devices to avoid collisions at sea and on inland waterways.”

The simple solution for owners wishing to upgrade to LED navigation lights is to replace the entire light assembly with a certified product.  This ensures their navigation lights are safe, and legal.

Contact Hella marine Inc., 201 Kelly Dr., Peachtree City, GA  30269.  770-631-7500; Fax: 770-631-7560.  SOE.sales@hella.com; www.hellamarine.com

 

Dock News

Helix makes history: First new Feadship arrives in Asia

Feadship is taking a brand-new superyacht to Asia for the first time this spring. A dedicated tour by the 45-metre Helix will take in Hong Kong in March and the Hainan Rendezvous in early April before heading off to the Singapore boat show at the end of the month.

Feadship has an unrivalled pedigree in the superyacht market and a history that goes back to 1849. Although the Dutch experts were building large yachts for Middle Eastern and European royalty in the 1930s, many maritime historians point to the 1951 New York Boat Show as the defining moment in the Feadship success story. This was the first time that Feadship had displayed its yachts to the American public, which expressed immediate admiration for the quality and craftsmanship. More than half of the 250 Feadships launched have since been created for sophisticated owners in the United States. And now, with the arrival of Helix in China, Feadship is set to embark on a new phase in super yacht history.

“Each Feadship is totally unique and each reflects our commitment to set new standards in terms of perfect craftsmanship and superior technology,” comments Feadship director Dick van Lent, who will be among the senior Feadship managers accompanying Helix on this Asian tour. “Feadships are seen as the benchmark for the entire superyacht industry and we are convinced that the time is right to personally introduce UHNWIs in China with the ultimate yachting lifestyle.”

Helix will be on tour in Asia from 18 March through 29 April: The yacht will be staying at the Gold Coast Marina in Hong Kong from March 18 to 31. She will then head for the third Hainan Rendezvous, which is being held at the Visun Royal Yacht Club from April 5 to 8.

The yacht will also attend the Singapore yacht show from April 27 to 29.

Helix will showcase to the public how Feadship is able to combine a timeless design and fine detailing with a classic bow to ensure the most comfortable of seagoing performances. Invited guests and potential clients will also be given a personal tour of an interior that synthesises light-fabric-covered walls in mahogany wooden frames with contrasting materials and tasteful furniture. With four suites and a master stateroom on the main deck, all guests enjoy phenomenal views from their cabins. Helix also has a wealth of outdoor entertainment and dining options, reflecting a beach house on the water philosophy.

“Helix is an exceptionally refined superyacht that is sure to hold her value,” adds Van Lent.

“And, like all Feadships, the building experience was great fun for all concerned. Feadship representatives have visited the Far East on a number of occasions and we have built several Feadships for owners from this region. But to now have the opportunity to present a brand-new Feadship to a dedicated Chinese audience is a landmark moment and there is a sense of history being made.”

www.feadship.nl

 

Yacht Spotting and New Launches

Sunreef Yachts Launches Its First Yacht of 2012:
The Sunreef 70 POMAIKA’I

Sunreef Yachts is delighted to announce its latest launch, the Sunreef 70 POMAIKA’I, which means “Blessed, good fortune” in Hawaiian. This is the eight unit of this yacht model, the most successful of the past year. Two more units are currently awaiting construction.

POMAIKA’I is a stunning owner-version yacht with the port side hull housing just the spacious master cabin comprising a queen-size bed, desk, sofa, extended storage, and a superb bathroom with a full-size bathtub with a Jacuzzi option and his and hers sinks.

The starboard hull houses two double guest cabins and one crew cabin accessible from the cockpit. The saloon comprises a dining area for 8 and a fully equipped galley. The navcom equipment is by Furuno and audio-video by Harman-Kardon. The modern interior design combines light anegre wood with wenge and dark grey upholstery.

The yacht will soon depart for the Caribbean where her owners will sail for a couple of months, after which she will head to Hawaii.

About Sunreef: Founded in 2000 by two French entrepreneurs full of energy, innovative ideas and passion for boating, Francis and Nicolas Lapp – father and son -, Sunreef Yachts has seen consistent growth with new models launched regularly every year. The family-run business, based in the famous seafaring city of Gdansk, Poland, has revolutionised the yachting world after the introduction of its new product on the market, the custom made, large-sized luxury catamaran the likes of the Sunreef 74 CHE.  Within 10 years, thanks to a team of inventive naval architects and interior designers and top quality professional facilities at its Poland yard, Sunreef Yachts has become a success in the demanding market of luxury yacht building.

In 2011, more than 60 Sunreefs, both owner-operated and in the charter fleet, are sailing in ports of call around the world. In order to provide its clients with a full range of services and the most professional and personal approach, the company has gone a step beyond designing and building by establishing its own comprehensive charter agency – Sunreef Yachts Charter – and the Yacht Management department.

Reception Desk Tel.: + 48 58 769 77 77 Sunreef Sales Office Tel.: +48 58 769 77 76 
Mobile: +48 607 730 094              
 Sunreef Yachts USA Tel.: +1 954 999 5121
http://www.sunreef-yachts.com

 

Products

THE SCIENCE BEHIND MICROFIBER TOWELS

The debate of using regular cotton towels versus microfiber towels on painted surfaces, fiberglass, vinyl and plexiglass has been long-standing. Shurhold Industries is a solid supporter of the microfiber choice.

The softness of microfiber towels comes from their composition of polyester and polyamine, which are thinner than human hair. They absorb 98% of water, whereas cotton can only absorb 70% at most. Microfiber also picks up dirt, oil and other contaminants and locks them away in the tiny hooks of the fabric until it’s washed or rinsed. Regular cotton just pushes the dirt along the surface, increasing the chances of scratches and imperfections.

Microfiber towels are elastic, resisting tension and returning to their original state. They are safe to use with most chemicals and are easy to wash either by hand or in the washing machine, as long as fabric softener isn’t used.

Shurhold’s microfiber towels are available in a 3-pack for $18.98 or a 12-pack for $49.98. They’re great for washing, waxing and polishing a boat, car, RV or house.

Dedicated to educating boat owners, Shurhold offers a free guide of 5 key tips for boat value preservation at www.shurhold.com/tips.  Inventor of the One Handle Does It All system, Shurhold manufactures specialty care items and accessories to clean, polish and detail.

            Contact Shurhold, 3119 S.W. 42nd Ave., Palm City, FL 34990.  800-962-6241; Fax: 772-286-9620.  www.shurhold.com

 

Yacht Spotting and New Launches

Noting the continued demand for the unique Nordhavn 35 Coastal Pilot, PAE has been quietly working on a new Coastal Pilot of 52 feet. Designed as an elegant, highly capable coastal cruiser, the new 52 will offer semi displacement cruising speed and efficiency along with the safety and capability sought after by the serious cruiser. With a cruising speed between eight and fifteen knots and a range in excess of 1,000 nautical miles, aside from major ocean crossings, this rugged new Nordhavn can fulfill the most ambitious of cruising dreams.

Based upon our experience, this new live aboard design will be operated primarily by a cruising couple featuring an exceptionally large and livable owners cabin with abundant drawers and hanging lockers along with plenty of floor space, a vanity, opening ports and hatches and a spacious head and shower compartment. A wonderful guest stateroom is also provided, well separated from the owner’s suite with natural lighting and ventilation, hanging locker and drawer space along with added general purpose locker space for spare parts and gear. A separate head with stall shower services the guest accommodations but also doubles as a convenient day head.

N52 Coastal Pilot Interior Layout

The classic sedan configuration was selected with a beautiful salon / cockpit interface and the belief that a separated wheelhouse is not necessary on a coastal cruiser where overnight operations are not the norm. This style layout benefits from unrestricted 360 degree visibility, a flowing and spacious salon galley and easy and comfortable access to staterooms and heads. A utility room forward of the saloon includes a separate washer and dryer along with an added freezer and locker space.

Access to the full height engine room is provided through the lazarette, the guest stateroom room or a hatch in the main saloon. Twin Cummins QSB 480 hp engines are provided which will allow a sensible cruising speed of 15 knots and below. If greater speed is required higher output engines are available.

As with all Nordhavns the new Coastal Pilot 52 will feature the finest in fit and finish and includes many of the same systems and engineering that have allowed Nordhavn to dominate the Ocean crossing world cruising market for over 20 years.

General Specifications:
LOA: 52′ 1.5″
LWL: 48′ 11.5″
DRAFT: 4′ 3.5″
BEAM: 15′ 10″
DISPLACEMENT: 52,000 pounds
WATER: 340 gallons
FUEL: 800 gallons
HOLDING TANK: 80 gallons

For more information, please contact Jim Leishman at: Email: jim@nordhavn.com
Office: 949.496.4848 Cell: 949.632.7711

Pacific Asian Enterprises 34179 Golden Lantern, Suite 101 Dana Point, California 92629
Ph: 949.496.4848; Fx: 949.240.2398 info@nordhavn.com

 

Products

SHOREMASTER FABRIC EXPANDS WEATHERMAX OFFERINGS

ShoreMaster Fabric has built its reputation on designing and manufacturing a vast array of high-quality, long-lasting marine products.  It now offers WeatherMax from Safety Components as a premier fabric choice for all of its aftermarket boat covers and boatlift canopies.

With an extensive library of patterns, ShoreMaster Fabric produces exact-fit custom covers for more than 100 boat brands.  Semi-custom versions are available for all major hull types.  Its CoverTuff boatlift canopy covers are tailored specifically for the frames of each boat hoist canopy brand and model.

“WeatherMax is our high-end fabric option,” said Bill Kasper, ShoreMaster Fabric sales and marketing manager.  “Our products are exposed to harsh elements daily and WeatherMax stands up to the abuse.  Color retention is probably the most important attribute.  Customers in southern climates, particularly, can be assured their covers will hold up to the wear-and-tear of UV exposure.”

“From a manufacturing standpoint, WeatherMax is lightweight and easy to handle by our cutting and sewing departments.  The ability to heat-weld seams shortens production time and delivers a stronger, less-stressed cover with no needle punctures.  This is important for us and our customers,” said Kasper.  “Using WeatherMax results in an overall cleaner-looking cover.”

Because some of ShoreMaster Fabric’s products are large, WeatherMax’s lighter weight makes it manageable for their customers to install, take off and store their covers.  “Considering its extreme durability and abrasion resistance, our customers can’t go wrong with WeatherMax,” said Kasper.

He also appreciates WeatherMax’s emphasis on aesthetics and wide range of color options.  They will offer Taupe, Sand, Light Charcoal, Pacific Blue, Captain Navy, Black, Scarlet, Burgundy, Forest Green, Forest Tweed, Sapphire Tweed and Yellow.

Completely recyclable, highly breathable WeatherMax has twice the strength and six times the tear and abrasion resistance of acrylic.  Guaranteed to retain its rich color for a minimum of five years, WeatherMax fabric employs tightly woven, solution-dyed SaturaMax yarns.

In addition to boat covers and lift canopies, ShoreMaster Fabric manufactures bimini boat tops and related marine accessories.  More information is available at www.shoremasterfabric.com.

            Contact WeatherMax by Safety Components, 40 Emery St., Greenville, SC  29605.  864-240-2712 Fax: 864-240-5947.  www.weathermax.net

 

BoatUS Report

BoatUS: We Aren’t Out of the Woods Yet on Navigation System Concerns

Public Comments to FCC Needed by March 1

A reliable GPS system is critical for safe navigation, says BoatUS.

Last summer, over 18,000 boaters along with many other GPS users wrote the FCC asking the guardian of the nation’s airwaves to stop plans by LightSquared, the builder of the proposed broadband network, until independent tests proved there would be no interference with GPS devices which operate on adjacent frequencies. LightSquared originally asked the FCC for permission to build 40,000 network ground stations across the country. Recent government reports concluded interference issues with the GPS system could not be overcome.

“Despite the great news last week that the FCC has acknowledged interference issues with the LightSquared proposal, we’re not ready to declare a victory,” said BoatUS President Margaret Podlich. “Given this company’s tenacity over the last year, we want to make sure that boaters’ needs are remembered as the FCC makes their final decision.”

Here is how to file comments to the FCC through their online comment form:

1. Click on this link for the FCC’s Electronic Comments Filing System: http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/hotdocket/list
2. Select “Proceeding Number 11-109.”
3. Enter contact information.
4. In the box that says “Type in or paste your brief comments,” here’s some important points to select from: • Explain how you use GPS in your life – on the water, on land or in the air. • What would happen to your business/personal life if GPS became unavailable or unreliable? • Wireless broadband service is important, but it should not come at the expense of GPS. • All the studies show that LightSquared’s proposed network would cause interference and that there are no remedies. • Tell the FCC that you rely on them to protect the integrity of the GPS signal and that you support their recommendation to stop LightSquared’s current proposal.
5. Click “Continue.”
6. If the review page is correct, click “Confirm.” Done!

If you have any trouble, you may contact the FCC ECFS Helpdesk at 202-418-0193 or email at ecfshelp@fcc.gov.

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

RECYCLING RUN OFFERS EASY SHRINK WRAP DISPOSAL

As Spring comes and boats are uncovered, many marina owners are left wondering what to do with the used shrink wrap covers.  The most environmentally friendly option is to participate in Dr. Shrink Inc.’s 2012 Recycling Run.  Once again in partnership with Bay Area Recycling for Charities in Traverse City, Michigan and Optima Colour in Canada, this program is so user-friendly that boaters in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan and across Ontario, within 200 miles of Toronto, have no reason not to take part.

Dr. Shrink, Inc. is also partnering with Bay Area Recycling for Charities to establish Recycling Runs in both Wisconsin and Illinois.  The Wisconsin Marina Association is working to start the program in Wisconsin.

Participants must buy REBAG®s for $3 each from Dr. Shrink and stuff it with shrink wrap only, no strapping, buckles, vents or other contaminants.  Recyclers are encouraged to watch the Shrink Wrap Removal video on www.dr-shrink.com for the most thorough instructions.  Then, participants fill out a form with their address and request a week for pick-up during the Spring or Summer.  Forms can be obtained by contacting Dr. Shrink, Inc., Andy Gale of Bay Area Recycling at andy@mybarc.org for Michigan participants or Shane Mckenna at Shane.mckenna@optimacolour.com for Canadian recyclers.  The Dr. Shrink, Inc., Bay Area or Optima Colour trailer takes it from there and will pick up the REBAG® as scheduled.

“Our annual Spring Recycling Run in 2011 was very successful and it’s an easy way for individuals, boat storage facilities and marinas to responsibly dispose of their used shrink wrap,” said Dr. Shrink, Inc. president Mike Stenberg.  “We also encourage marinas and storage facilities to accept plastic wrap from area boaters.”

Dr. Shrink shrink wrap is a #4 LDPE premium, virgin resin material that is easily recyclable into a variety of usable consumer products.  It will not biodegrade in a landfill.

            Contact Dr. Shrink, 315 Washington St., Manistee, MI  49660.  800-968-5147; Fax: 231-723-9586.  drshrink@dr-shrink.com; www.dr-shrink.com

 

BoatUS Report

FCC Course Change Promising for Boaters

Agency Acknowledges GPS Interference Issues with LightSquared Plan

Recreational boaters who rely on global positioning devices to keep them safely on course can breathe a sigh of relief since the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced plans on Tuesday, February 14 to revoke conditional approval of a proposed cellular telephone network that could interfere with GPS signals. The decision came after the U.S. Commerce Department advised the Commission that “At this time there are no mitigation strategies” that could prevent interference with GPS signals if the cell phone network planned by a private company, LightSquared, were to be built as proposed.

“This is a significant development for all GPS users,” said BoatUS President Margaret Podlich. “The FCC, as America’s guardian of our airwaves, needs to protect the integrity of the GPS system. It is one of the most important, reliable, and critical elements in navigation today – on boats, in the air, and on land.”

According to Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), many boat owners use GPS chartplotters or carry hand-held GPS units – essentially electronic maps – to safely navigate and steer clear of shoals and other hazards, sometimes in unfamiliar waters. Last summer, BoatUS mounted a campaign to slow down the federal approval process until adequate testing could be done. BoatUS’ “Don’t Mess With GPS” campaign delivered over 18,000 comments to the FCC from concerned boaters all across the country.

LightSquared had originally asked the FCC for permission to build 40,000 cell phone ground stations across the country that would expand broadband cellular telephone service. In a February 14 letter to the FCC, the National Telecommunication and Information Administration said tests indicate that the network would “…cause harmful interference to the majority of general navigation GPS receivers tested,” and in addition, noted that “handset transmissions have the potential to impact General Navigation GPS receivers.”

 “While the news is positive for America’s boaters, we aren’t out of the woods yet,” added Podlich. The FCC is hosting a 15-day comment period ending March 1 to solicit feedback on their plans to revoke LightSquared’s conditional permit. “In the next few days we will be looking at options for gaining GPS users’ input on the issue and will post this information at www.BoatUS.com/Gov.”

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.