- Technology and Innovation
Seakeeper’s Secret Tech That Makes Power Cats Perform Like Sportfishers
The Catamaran Trade-Off: Solved by Software
Power catamarans offer exceptional space and stability at rest, but they come with an unspoken trade-off: dynamic instability. Their unique hull designs can lead to frustrating issues like bow steering, increased yaw, and pronounced porpoising motions at high speeds. Seakeeper Inc., the leader in marine motion control, has finally addressed this head-on. They have launched both Seakeeper Ride and Seakeeper sizing specifically tailored for power catamarans up to 55 feet (16 meters), proving that the catamaran compromise is officially obsolete.
The Underway Revolution: Slicing Out Motion
The core of this solution is Seakeeper Ride, the complete underway stabilization system. Its current software already performs strongly, eliminating up to 70% of pitch, roll, and yaw while underway. However, Seakeeper is taking this a crucial step further. Early next year, they will release custom software optimized for catamarans’ unique performance characteristics. This advanced software will not only enhance stabilization but, critically, will enable catamarans to naturally bank into turns, making their handling feel much more like traditional monohull vessels.
The At-Rest Essential: Sizing the Gyro
While Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilizers have been available on some catamarans, confident performance prediction was lacking. Seakeeper has now poured the necessary technical attention into this segment. They can now confidently size vessels with beams up to 18 feet (6 meters) for both new builds and refit applications. This is a strategic victory, as catamarans typically require 1.5 to 2 times the angular momentum of a comparable monohull to effectively eliminate roll at rest. This new understanding ensures that gyros, installed in one or both demihulls, will provide the maximum 95% roll elimination owners demand.
The Builder’s Choice: SeaHunter Leads the Charge
The true testament to this technology’s effectiveness comes from the builders themselves. SeaHunter Boats will be the first catamaran builder to offer Seakeeper Ride as standard equipment across its full catamaran line. Chris Conard, SeaHunter Boats Vice President, confirmed the decision was a “no-brainer,” driven by the incredible performance of both Seakeeper products. This decision by a leading manufacturer sends a clear signal to the market that stabilization on power cats is rapidly moving from optional feature to fundamental necessity.
The Verdict: The Future of Catamaran Handling
Seakeeper’s move into the catamaran market is a demonstration of serious technical commitment. They waited to focus on this segment to ensure they delivered the attention it deserved, leading to what CEO Andrew Semprevivo calls “transformational” performance improvements. With the ability to demo a stabilized Freeman Boatworks 28 at FLIBS this week, the proof is on the water. For catamaran owners, the era of accepting compromised motion is officially over.
