Do Gyrostabilizers Like Seakeepers Require Maintenance?

Do Gyrostabilizers Like Seakeepers Require Maintenance?

We are a big fan of Seakeeper gyrostabilizers, for a variety of reasons. The brand has become known for outstanding quality and durability—you simply cannot go wrong with a Seakeeper.

But do these boat stabilizers need maintenance? Yes—as with any other important piece of equipment on a boat in Fort Lauderdale, FL, it is important that you understand the maintenance needs of the gyrostabilizer and how to perform it.

The good news is that Seakeeper gyrostabilizers have been designed in such a way that the maintenance requirements are relatively minimal. The most important components for the equipment are sealed inside an enclosure, where they are protected against potential corrosion and moisture damage that you might expect to otherwise occur given their constant exposure to marine environments.

Outside of the enclosure, there is a closed-loop hydraulic circuit and a cooling circuit you’ll want to regularly inspect and service. But for all maintenance needs, it’s important to check the operation manual for the equipment so you know exactly what needs to be done and at what intervals.

Here’s a quick overview of how to maintain a boat stabilizer, based on information from the Seakeeper gyrostabilizer manuals.

Brake system

The brake system in a Seakeeper should be serviced once a year, or every 1,000 to 2,000 running hours. The most important tasks here are to flush the hydraulic oil and put in new oil, inspect the brake bushings (and replace them as needed), inspect the hydraulic cylinders and hoses and inspect the hydraulic accumulators (and replace as needed).

Cooling system

Most parts of the cooling system in a Seakeeper can be serviced once a year. The exception is the zinc anode, which should be inspected every three months or 150 operating hours and replaced as needed. Otherwise, the most important pieces of equipment to check are the heat exchanger (which may need to be replaced eventually), the heat exchanger (which should be cleaned and descaled) and the cooling hose. You should also flush the cooling system regularly, and inspect the coolant levels, filling as needed.

Electronics system

All of the electrical connections and electronic components in the Seakeeper should be inspected once a year. If you notice any damage to the connections or cables, or spot anything that doesn’t seem to be working properly, it’s a good idea to get professional assistance with this task.

Mechanical and foundational systems

Again, these are inspections and repairs you can make annually, or every 1,000 operating hours. You should inspect all mounting hardware and bolts to make sure they are tight and in good condition. Inspect all isolation bushings, clips and pins. Finally, check all the hardware, clevis assemblies and other types of bushings, pins and clips and replace whenever needed based on your inspection results.

For more information about how to maintain a boat stabilizer in Fort Lauderdale, FL, we encourage you to contact Starboard Yacht Group LLC for yacht care and maintenance. We look forward to answering any questions you have for our team of boat maintenance professionals.