What is Seakeeper Ride? | What It Does, Advantages and Basic Operation

[@brettdman2908]

just bought a 2024 232 Sportsman Open yesterday after an impressive sea trial with the seakeepeer. I loved the boat, but when he turned on the seakeeper, the boat was sold. We took it out in some nasty waves today, and I was a little disheartened at first. I said it just doesnt feel the same, went to settings and we had left it in manual. Set it to auto and the ride was unbelievable. I am so happy with my boat and seakeeper! Thanks!!!

[@SportsmanBoatsOffical]

We are very happy that you are enjoying your Open 232! The Seakeeper Ride system is a pretty amazing system as well! Enjoy the boat and send your favorite photos to our photo contest www.sportsmanboatsmfg.com/photo-contest

[@fireblade274]

Im a ChrisCraft dealer who also comes standard with this feature, and i still send this video to my clients. You guys do a great job explaining seakeeper ride and showing what its capable of!

[@youdonthavetoreadthispost.5850]

I'm impressed, boating over 50 years in all types of hull and sea conditions👍

[@SB-wh4ij]

Could we see this on a 30'+ center or dual console in confused 3-4' or 4-5' seas on a short period (4-6sec)? Thats the one time I could really use something more dynamic than trim tabs but the one time I don't have a free hand to play with tabs while steering and managing throttle. Ideally on a proper offshore hull, not a bay boat/day boat Sportsman. (Grady, Regulator, Yellowfin, SeeVee, etc)

[@vicpinto1970]

Would be nice to see this system on bigger boats in lieu of trim tabs. This is in addition to a regular gyroscopic unit.

[@SportsmanBoatsOffical]

It's all in the works!

[@jamesjannell8706]

I'm curious does it create drag thus affecting fuel consumption. Such a cool product.

[@SportsmanBoatsOffical]

Great question James. We did a video on this exact question if you'd like to check it out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnqme397e5iasJI

[@jamesjannell8706]

@@SportsmanBoatsOffical great will be checking that out....

[@1960shakey]

I LOVE new Marine Technology!!!!!

[@MikeHeller]

Not that new, they just copied Zipwake.

[@Alex-kp2db]

This is what ranger boats have. It works really good

[@SportsmanBoatsOffical]

Currently this is only available with us on our select 4 models, Open 232 & 212 along with Heritage 231 & 211.

[@Robalo246]

What's the cost vs trim tabs? Surprised to see this is launching as standard on Sportsman, impressive.

[@SportsmanBoatsOffical]

It's standard and built into the pricing of each model it's offered on.

[@flacjacket]

There are three models currently, the 450 for boats up to 26' is $4,500 retail, the 525 for boats 27-30' is $7,500 retail, and the 600 for boats 31-35' is $10,500 retail.

[@blightborn87]

How about fuel economy? I guess it would falter with the system on.. Since you basically stabilize the boat with drag++ But how much?

[@thecoinpirate1059]

What about sitting still or do we still need the gyro

[@hineserout7379]

Seems cool but I’ve had no problems using the regular trim tabs.

[@SportsmanBoatsOffical]

These are much more than a regular trim tab, in fact they're not to really be compared to a trim tab due to how much more they do. The bonus is also that you can turn them on and never think about it after that where as trim tabs need constant adjustments.

[@kennosek6926]

Amazing tech! Will there be aftermarket kits to fit most boats? This would be amazing on my 2021 Yamaha 252SE jet boat!

[@SportsmanBoatsOffical]

Seakeeper is currently working on making this available for after market.

[@MAGApepe]

nice,,, now what happens when you trim the motor up ? does it over ride the trim motor up with tabs trim down the bow ?

[@SportsmanBoatsOffical]

Use a new boater for example, maybe they've been at the sandbar with the motor trimmed up a bit. They take off for the day and go to get onto plane, as we all know you'd trim your motor down but we've all done it and tried to launch with the motor up. In the case of RIDE, it's actually going to allow you to get onto plane very easily even with excessive trim. We'd obviously recommend learning how to operate your trim properly for safety purposes but in the case where you forget RIDE is going to help get the boat up and out of the hole and onto plane. You will see examples of this testing toward the end of this video.

[@slange455]

It’s cool not sure it’s really needed for most people enough for boat builders to make it a standard feature

[@SportsmanBoatsOffical]

Thanks for your feedback. We’d recommend still giving it a test, it’s an incredible system that will surprise you!

[@gatgolf]

Are they making outboard trim changes also?

[@Steadicam305]

Does this affect fuel mileage? Cool system!

[@hunterhajjar8713]

It has too

[@SportsmanBoatsOffical]

One of the great things about this system is that it's helping get on plane, run smoother, and all of this puts less stress on the outboards. This means you don't need as much throttle as you'd usually need. All of this combined means you're burning less fuel. We will be making a Tech Talk video on this in the next few days showing fuel consumption with the system on verses off.

[@brianmccausland1707]

I have a 2016 252 open . The boats you show on this demonstration are a maximum length of 23 feet. Does this system work on a 25 foot boat with twin engines?

[@SportsmanBoatsOffical]

There's no options currently for after market but Seakeeper is working on making it available soon.

[@johnnya9001]

Would this system work to prevent excess roll on a Grand Banks 32?

[@gatgolf]

What are the sensors being used to detect attitude in both planes?

[@N330AA]

Does this work at displacement speeds? Like 8 knots say?

[@Tony-ge2hj]

my boat tends to lean toward port side - will this also help to keep it level?

[@SportsmanBoatsOffical]

While we'd suggest figuring out the true cause of the list your experiencing this should help level it out but again it's best to solve to root problem and let this help balance for weight displacement when loading gear and people.

[@goferizer]

When the system is off do the "actuators" move around? Free float? Or do they stay where they were when they were active?

[@SportsmanBoatsOffical]

When the system is turned off they retract and do not effect anything.

[@goferizer]

@@SportsmanBoatsOffical Thanks, Seems like huge physical forces would be put on them. What adhesive is used to hold those suckers on there? Does it have a "wear lifetime?" What a great idea. Awesome. Thank you for your response also.

[@BennyBoom77]

Everything about it seems to be Great! But that Warranty!!! ONLY 3! would be best if it were more like 10!!!

[@rake199]

What about noise from the seakeeper? wine low hum anything.. Whats the life of the seakeeper before replacement?

[@SportsmanBoatsOffical]

There is zero noise from the system while using them. So much so you will forget they're there while your boat is running incredibly smooth on the water. As for maintenance, there are small components called zincs that will need to be replaced to ensure your system is running at it's best.

[@feesh00]

If you could invent affordable gyro stabilizer for kayaks it will be a game changer…

[@davidmata3057]

Cost? Have they been tested on Flats boats?

[@jacobkrzyzek5777]

What models and when will this be available for a new boat build?

[@SportsmanBoatsOffical]

212, 232, 211, 231 and yes it's currently available for new builds.

[@SeaPro360]

Meh. That's what trim tabs do. When I go from NO tab (the "off video) and put some tab down, it forced the bow to cleave the wave. Look especially at the "rough" video. With the system on, waaaaay more of the hull is staying in the water.

[@baseballunderthelights2373]

How does it affect the turning of the boat?

[@SportsmanBoatsOffical]

In our experience it has not effected the ability to make turns at any speed. You can still make comfortable sharp turns at speed.

[@JamboneMan]

I have an older Sportsman boat with added Lenco AutoGlide system. The AutoGlide system on my boat does help to set the proper pitch after launch but takes a long time to finally adjust for roll. The system does not adjust for both pitch and roll at the same time at launch. Does this new system adjust pitch and roll at launch? This is a big issue for me with the AutoGlide system because when not properly loaded from side-to-side, the launch can be very awkward with a very out of trim roll state. Also, I'm assuming I would have to delete the entire AutoGlide system to install this Seakeeper Ride system. Is there information available about retro-fitting this system from existing traditional tab systems?

[@SportsmanBoatsOffical]

Currently there is no aftermarket option however Seakeeper is working on making it available now. As for system operation, there are settings to help the boat plane and balance at launch that will be pre-programmed into the system from the factory. Once available for after market we will have the system recommended settings available and a Tech Talk video on how to make those advanced adjustments. As for deleting your current system that's going to be a question for your local dealer, it is likely you would have to remove it as the Seakeeper will do everything and more than your current system.

[@loganjeffries4542]

How do I get these in Australia someone please let me know

[@johngrant7696]

What does this system do to fuel burn?

[@SportsmanBoatsOffical]

Actually helps increase your MPG in most scenarios due to the performance advantages.

[@Bgo909]

There’s no way you wouldn’t consider one of these if you’re dropping 100k on an offshore rig, it’s a no brained man.

[@Bgo909]

So this basically is like a bilge shooting in water on the side going down?

[@russkielol]

How much is it

[@chriswilke]

Will this work if we have the Simrads?

[@SportsmanBoatsOffical]

Yes once it's available for after market.

[@kennethjang9160]

@@SportsmanBoatsOffical eta of after market?

[@travisrc4372]

so basically ailerons but for your boat.

[@IvanMidwing]

Zipwake Clone?

[@23101979T]

Very interesting ! Except this touch screen controls 👎👎 Soo unpractical, on the boat! Development and technology improvements?! In some other environment, maybe. Definitely not, in this case.. Give us back switches, buttons and joysticks, on our boats!

[@SportsmanBoatsOffical]

Optional keypad is available for the system and can easily be installed on any boat by your dealer.

[@paulbracewell4915]

Never got offered this on my new 23’ Masters 267. 🤔

[@alfanathan1]

Learn how to use the trim of your outboard then you won't bounce

[@SportsmanBoatsOffical]

The bouncing discussed is not necessarily porpoising, it's from launching or falling off larger swell and chop. However, if you motor is not at the ideal trim where you might porpoise normally, the Ride system will counter this and make the necessary adjustments to avoid porpoising.

[@MikeHeller]

Looks like you just copied Zipwake.