Stabilizers

mvmystery

Member
Joined
Jan 22, 2009
RO Number
31043
Messages
6
Any idea what speed loss there is for fin stabilizers.

I'm contemplating remioving mine as they are so infrequently used.
 
at hull speed, if the fins are centered you're not loosing much, if anything.

at higher speed, i've heard that 1 knot is probably in the ballpark, and it's even more critical to make sure that they are centered.

like eveything, if they are not used regularly they will probably have issues, considerign how expensive they are, i'd keep them on and make sure they are used regularly, even if not needed.
 
agreed I too have heard one knot at speed but I am curious why they arent used much. anyone I know that has them says that they make a big difference.
 
Unless they just don't work very well, I wouldn't be in a hurry to remove them. They make a good selling point at resale.

In larger boats they are very common. Most are hydralic and are active any time you're underway at any speed. I've never found them to be much of a maintenance issue.

They are expensive and take up a bit of room so you don't see them in smaller boats as much.

The unit I find very interesting is the new gyroscopic stabilizer. No fins penetrating the hull. And it can run all the time. At anchor and at the dock. If they could down size the unit it seems a natural for some smaller boats.
 
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