Sound. While the results vary by model and condition, it is no surprise that builders are making the switch. RETROFITS MADE EASY There is also some good news for those who aren’t quite ready to move into a brand new boat—the Ride system is actually fairly easy to retrofit onto boats, and it is something that is happening quite often. All you need are a couple of flat mounting surfaces on the transom, a multi-function display (MFD) with NMEA 2000 support, a 25-amp circuit breaker, and two holes to run the wires. Typically, the installation is pretty straightforward, although boats with trim tab pockets in the hull do have to be filled before mounting the Ride tabs. The system doesn’t even get bolted or screwed into the transom; it is held on by Methyl Methacrylate Adhesives (MMA), which provide an incredibly strong bond between the hull and the components. Commenting on the strength of the bond, Tyler from Seakeeper joked, “if you are concerned about the strength of MMA, just try to take it off!” Ride also adapts to most of the major MFD systems, including Garmin, Simrad, Raymarine, and more. The “brain” module of the system is wired in between the two actuators and your MFD. Boat yards across the East Coast are already getting requests to do retrofits into their customers’ boats. As an authorized dealer, Safe Harbor Bluewater in Hampton has already completed several installations and are fielding plenty of inquiries. "It seems like every week or two someone is calling for an estimate," says Lee Turlington, who has been a Safe Harbor Bluewater Service Technician until recently taking on the new role of New Boat Specialist for Bluewater Yacht Sales. "Everybody that I have personally put the Ride system on for, loves them," Lee reports. "It is always keeping the boat level side-to-side while people are moving around and transferring weight. It is just one less thing to worry about when you're at the helm. Which is nice because a lot of boats are getting so many gadgets on them that you're doing everything but looking where you're going." This system changes that by automating one of the nagging side activities of steering a small craft safely and comfortably. Big advances in technology such as gyros, joysticks, and tab systems are all steps toward making boating more accessible and enjoyable for everyone who wants to experience the offshore lifestyle, and Seakeeper Ride is the latest innovation to aid in that goal. Vessel Characteristics ROLL ELIMINATION PITCH ELIMINATION 43% 44% Boat Make Boat Model Boat Year System Length Overall Beam Overall Engine Configuration Displacement Regulator Boats 34 2024 600 39’ 4” 10’ 11” 3x Yamaha 300hp 13,250 lbs. SEAKEEPERRIDE SEA TRIAL REPORT Test Conditions February 6, 2024 Albemarle Sound, NC 42 mph Stern Quartering 2-4 ft. at 3 secs. Performance results are measured with the system on and off as a reduction of standard deviation in pitch and roll rates at all frequencies at a constant heading and speed. Date Location Speed Seas Sea Conditions 41 2025 SEASON
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