Boat stabilization specialist, Seakeeper, has developed a system that eliminates underway pitch, roll and yaw. The Seakeeper Ride system leverages inertial sensing hardware and software to create an all-around underway stabilization device for vessels up to 13 metres in length.
News
13/02/2025
by Kvaser
Seakeeper uses Kvaser CAN interfaces for innovative boat stabilization system
Seakeeper Ride is installed below the waterline of the hull, directly on the transom (the part of the hull that forms the stern of a vessel). It comprises rotating actuators that adjust the transom up or down, thereby fine-tuning the boat’s trim. The rotary blades can make up to 100 adjustments per second, eliminating ‘up to 70 percent of pitching, rolling and yawing motions while a boat is underway’, according to Seakeeper. This rapid response to the hull’s movement along three axes significantly enhancing the vessel’s stability and comfort for all on board.
So, where does the controller area network (CAN) fit in? James Kelly, Director of Product Engineering at Seakeeper Ride, explains: “CAN communication is used to manage each of the controllers on the bus, handling position commands and associated feedback, and system diagnostics.” The Ride system consists of an inertial measurement unit located under the helm’s dashboard, which sends CAN messages to a distribution module at the stern. This module communicates with the actuators housed within controllers on each side of the transom, and there is a feedback loop back to the display system.
As with Seakeeper’s gyro-based systems, the company employs a custom version of the Kvaser U100P for research & development. During this phase of Ride development, Kvaser’s interface is exposed to harsh environments, including saltwater, high shock loads and temperature extremes. Jeroen Volckaert, Seakeeper Ride Controls Engineering Lead, confirms: “Kvaser continues to provide rugged and highly reliable tools for us,” referencing their use of various Kvaser devices, including the Kvaser Leaf Light HS v2 and Leaf Light HS v2 M12, over the years.
Seakeeper Ride controls and adjusts 100 times per second, with sensing and calculations occurring at 1000 times per second.
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