Seakeeper Ride review
Welcome to our Seakeeper Ride review, where we will provide you with all the necessary information about the 450, 525 and 600 Seakeeper Ride models. We will discuss Seakeeper Ride specifications, including its weight and dimensions, which people often inquire about, along with other informative and interesting details.
What is Seakeeper Ride?
Seakeeper Ride is the first of it’s kind Vessel Attitude Control System (VACS) that effectively eliminates up to 70% of pitch and roll underway.
How Does the Seakeeper Ride System Work?
Similar to traditional trim tabs, the Seakeeper Ride port and starboard controllers are mounted onto your boat’s transom beneath the waterline. Using Seakeeper's custom, proprietary inertial sensing software, the system understands the motion of the boat across all three axis and deploys commands to the rotary blades to counteract pitch, roll and yaw. As the blades are deployed, they create lift at the transom, instantaneously managing the vessel’s motion.
Seakeeper Ride Benefits
PITCH AND ROLL ELIMINATION
Seakeeper Ride eliminates 70% of underway pitch and roll motions that often cause uncomfortable pounding and slamming. The elimination of these motions contributes to increased safety and provides comfort, control and confidence to all on board.
LIST/LEVEL
Seakeeper ride never allows vessel list from movement on board due to wind, uneven load underway and/or prop torque.
AUTO TRIM
Seakeeper Ride uses a customized Trim Command Curve to automatically adjust the boat to match the optimal running angle at any given speed.
HOLE SHOT CONTROL
Seakeeper Ride is optimized to allow for faster acceleration that gets the boat on plane more quickly which improves fuel economy during the transition to planning. The operator never loses sight of the horizon, increasing safety for all on board.
COORDINATED TURN
Seakeeper Ride automatically adjusts the heeling angle of your boat during turns for more comfort, increased safety and better performance.
Seakeeper Ride specs
Before we proceed to the Seakeeper Ride specs, if you require current pricing information for Seakeeper Ride units and installation click the following link for the Seakeeper Ride price.
Which Seakeeper Ride Should I use?
Here’s how to select the correct Seakeeper Ride system according to boat length.
| Seakeeper Ride system | Boat length | Blade size |
|---|---|---|
| Seakeeper Ride 450 | Boats from 19 to 26 feet in length | 450 mm |
| Seakeeper Ride 525 | Boats from 27 to 30 feet in length | 525 mm |
| Seakeeper Ride 600 | Boats from 31 to 35 feet in length | 600 mm |
Seakeeper Ride weight
Here’s a breakdown of the Seakeeper Ride weight per unit depending on the model required.
| Seakeeper Ride system | Weight |
|---|---|
| Seakeeper Ride 450 | 14 lbs per unit |
| Seakeeper Ride 525 | 15 lbs per unit |
| Seakeeper Ride 600 | 16 lbs per unit |
Seakeeper Ride dimensions
The Seakeeper Ride dimensions are dependent upon whether you choose the Seakeeper Ride 450, 525 or 600 model.
| Seakeeper Ride system | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Seakeeper Ride 450 | 19in L x 5in H x 8in D |
| Seakeeper Ride 525 | 22in L x 5in H x 8in D |
| Seakeeper Ride 600 | 24.9in L x 5in H x 8in D |
Design
Designed to work - While the Seakeeper Ride system may appear to have a bulkier look than a traditional trim tab it is designed for power and performance in a sleek design package.
Power
All three models of the Seakeeper Ride system draw 12V and 7-8A at cruising speeds.
The Seakeeper Ride system's power usage is optimized with the help of advanced control algorithms that modify its operation according to the sea conditions.
Optional Keypad
The optional keypad was designed to fit into any existing trim tab control space to make it easy to get rid of those old trim tabs and replace with the new Seakeeper Ride System.
Software module
The software module is the “brain” of the Seakeeper Ride System and contains Seakeeper’s proprietary software. The “secret recipe” to make it’s performance far exceed that of the trim tabs of the past.
Distribution module
The Distribution module provides communication between the two transom mounted controllers and the “brain”.
User interface
The Seakeeper Ride system can be used with compatible MFD’s or it’s optional keypad.
Fitting
The Seakeeper Ride should always be installed by a professional factory certified Seakeeper dealer, as the installation process requires specific measuring, knowledge and expertise.
Taking care of your Seakeeper Ride
The maintenance schedule for a Seakeeper Ride is minimal but includes the following items:
Inspect actuator zincs every 3 months and replace if the zinc anode is worn.
Freshwater rinse is recommended at any opportunity when the vessel is out of the water. Perhaps during boat maintenance or regularly if on a lift. Mild marine soap is safe and can also be used.
Bottom Paint is recommended for any Seakeeper Ride System that will be submerged for more that 2 weeks at a time. Marine growth can be removed by using a pressure washer at 2000 psi or less or mild soap and a scrub brush.
Boat owners of the Seakeeper Ride can benefit from a comprehensive warranty that covers the Seakeeper Ride system itself for 2 years from the date of delivery. For more info, see our Seakeeper service page.
TLDR: Key takeaways on the Seakeeper Ride System
We appreciate you taking the time to read our Seakeeper Ride review and we hope you found it to be of use! Remember to write down our number (833) 874-4976, as Seakeeper is our specialty. When you're ready to discuss further, feel free to give us a call!
Seakeeper Ride 450 can be installed on boats up to 26 feet in length
Seakeeper Ride 525 can be installed on boats 27 to 30 feet in length
Seakeeper Ride 600 can be installed on boats 31 to 35 feet in length
Seakeeper Ride system performs at a rate that far exceeds it’s competition
Seakeeper Ride comes with a display but can be incorporated with the customers MFD if the software is new enough