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Passive stabilizers?

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by Sherry G, Jun 25, 2024.

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  1. Sherry G

    Sherry G New Member

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    Anacortes WA
    Has anyone installed or know about passive stabilizers? Can’t justify cost of active stabilizers but wondering about just adding stabilizer style fins on the hull to help minimize rolling in a heavy wake. Crazy idea? Hoping for some knowledgeable feedbackWe have a top-heavy Californian 52.
  2. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Are you referring to bilge keels?
  3. Sherry G

    Sherry G New Member

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    Maybe - I’m not familiar with “bilge keels” but that might be the correct name for fixed fins on the hull to help stabilize side-to-side motion. I’ll try looking up that term!
  4. rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    We've had displacement boats with paravanes, and they worked well. We've also welded a flat plate to the bottom of a steel keel and had some interesting results. Active stabilization has always been better.
  5. Sherry G

    Sherry G New Member

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    Thanks! I’ll look up “paravanes”. Bilge keels, suggested by the prior response, appear to be an interesting option for us.

    We have a ‘91 Californian 52 with an enclosed flybridge. We’re top heavy with lots of windage. About 1-2 times per summer some jerk with a big wake cuts in front of us such that we can’t turn into the wake. Then we do a scary roll that sends deck furniture flying! It’s not common enough to justify spending $30-$50,000 for stabilizers. But it would be nice to minimize the roll.
  6. rtrafford

    rtrafford Senior Member

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    Paravanes, flopper-stoppers. But Cali, isn't your best stabilization from adding a bit of speed at a moment of need as you describe?