BOAT STABILIZERS

Modern technology can remove as much as 90 per cent of the rolling motion of a yacht, greatly improving comfort and safety and even saving fuel - and technology is improving all the time.

Stabilisers must prove equally effective both underway or at anchor (known as 'zero-speed'). When underway, the water moving past the hull can be deflected up or down by powerful electric or hydraulic fins, providing an immediate counterforce to the rolling motion. When anchored or drifting, and with no water flow to harness, stabilisation becomes more of a challenge.

For the guests, being seasick is a miserable experience that can put them off boating for life. A steady ship also prevents damage to inventory from excessive movement. There are even fuel savings to be made from improved directional stability underway.