IBEX 365 News

2022 IBEX Innovation Award Interview with Seakeeper

News Date: January 25, 2023

Seakeeper Ride

Seakeeper Ride is the first-of-its-kind Vessel Attitude Control System (VACS), eliminating up to 70% of underway pitch and roll motions that often cause uncomfortable pounding or slamming. The elimination of these motions contributes to increased safety and provides comfort, control, and confidence to all on board.

What problem does this product solve?
Seakeeper Ride is the first-of-its-kind Vessel Attitude Control System (VACS) that eliminates up to 70% of underway pitch and roll motions that often cause uncomfortable pounding or slamming.

How did you become aware of this problem?
“Since Seakeeper’s start in 2003, we’ve always been aiming to bring stabilization to small boats,” says Kelsey Barrett of Seakeeper. “Vessel motion is the source of seasickness and many uncomfortable experiences while on the water, and we knew from the beginning we could fundamentally change the boating experience.”

Who is the target market for this product?
Currently Seakeeper Ride is available for monohull, single or dual-engine vessels up to 35 ft in length. “We’re currently working on the technology needed to bring Seakeeper Ride to larger vessels and different hull types,” Barrett added.

What is noteworthy about the technology used?
Wave motions can happen consistently or inconsistently, they can be big or small, and they can come from any direction. Often, these motions occur in just milliseconds. Thanks to our expert control software and hardware, in just one second, Seakeeper Ride’s sensors take 1,000 measurements and make 100 adjustments to combat wave motions.

How is it different from any other solution on the market?
The expert control software and hardware, along with our proprietary rapid deployment rotary blades, make Seakeeper Ride the fastest transom-mounted motion control system available. All of this directly translates to increased performance. We understand that claims of pitch and roll elimination are meaningless without the backing of real, measurable results. To that end, we’ve created a library of data to prove the performance of Seakeeper Ride: ride.seakeeper.com/performance.

What obstacles did you encounter in the R&D process?
“The road to innovation is plagued with obstacles big and small,” Barrett commented. “From cost of materials to supply chain, we had to overcome numerous challenges throughout the development process. The first system we put on a boat was successful, but it didn’t provide the WOW factor that Seakeeper is known for. We weren’t going to bring a product to market that didn’t completely change the boating experience for the better.”

What customizations are available to personalize this product?
Seakeeper Ride is completely automatic, meaning no adjustments are needed. Just turn the key, and the system is operating without the captain having to think about it. There are Auto and Manual modes (accessed through the Seakeeper Ride app in a connected MFD or on an optional keypad) that the operator can use to make manual adjustments when desired, but in most cases, this is unnecessary.

How has the product been received?
“Seakeeper Ride launched in August of 2022 and has been well-received throughout the industry. At launch, three builders (Chris-Craft Boats, Scout Boats, and Sportsman Boats) have integrated Seakeeper Ride as standard equipment on applicable 2023 models,” added Barrett. “This completely sold out our initial available inventory. We’re looking forward to the near future when we can ramp up inventory levels and offer Seakeeper Ride for aftermarket installations.”

To see all the 2022 IBEX Innovation Award winners, click here.