Stabilizers

People use several different kinds of stabilizers for boats. Since stability is important for seasteads it is interesting to understand what options are available for boats.

One method is to have fins in the water while going forward and have the fins be able to push on the water going past them. Another is to stop roll while at anchor. A third method is to use gyros.

Paravanes

These are what the boat used in "The Perfect Storm".

Active fin stabilizers

A computer controlling fins under the boat. As long as the boat is moving at a reasonable speed these can push on the water when turned at an angle by the computer.

At anchor stabilizers

These are often called "flopper stoppers". They are lowered into the water on booms on each side of the boat, like the paravanes. They drop into the water easily but resist being pulled up through the water. With one on each side they resist roll. Examples are rectangular hinge type or round type with rubber.

Gyro

The Seakeeper gyro uses a high speed gyro spinning in a vacuum to stabilize a boat. This can work while at anchor or underway.

See also

Gyroscope