2. Safety Notices

2.1 Stability

This system is not intended, nor should it be expected, to provide underway dynamic stability beyond the limits of the hull itself. It is up to the captain of the vessel to ensure that the hull is maintained and operated in a safe manner, within the limits defined by the boat manufacturer.

2.2 Forces Applied to Hull

While underway, the Controllers transfer high forces at each of the mounting locations to the hull. Careful consideration should be given to the transom strength and condition to ensure it can hold the loads created by the Controllers.

For aluminum hulls, verify first the aluminum boat transom structure can withstand fast, repeated, and high forces created by the Seakeeper Ride Controllers during use before applying to the mounting surface.

Note: If an aluminum sheathing protects the transom structure of the vessel, then the load must be transferred from the sheathing to the transom structure on these installs.

2.3 Installation Personnel

It is imperative that the installer is familiar with bonding using high-strength adhesives to marine structures and has thoroughly inspected the transom where the Controllers are mounted to ensure it can withstand the loads the Controllers create while deployed at speed. If the installer has any doubt about the ability of the transom to support the loads, they should contact a licensed naval architect or marine engineer to do a structural analysis. 

The installer must review the full installation manual and associated drawings prior to installation to ensure the installation procedure is fully understood. 

FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY LEAD TO IMPROPER INSTALLATION AND FAILURE OF THE SEAKEEPER RIDE SYSTEM TO OPERATE AS INTENDED. 

IMPORTANT! Installation of the Seakeeper Ride system requires knowledge and experience in marine alterations, including drilling and grinding fiberglass or other boat hull materials, applying high- strength adhesives, ability to inspect installation locations for fitment and potential obstructions, and marine electronics wiring. If the installer does not have knowledge and experience in these areas, the installer should contact a marine technician, engineer or naval architect for installation assistance. 

2.4 Installation Tools

Use a properly calibrated torque wrench for final tightening of all bolts per this manual. Improper torque application to fasteners may cause damage to the system. Do not use power tools to install the bolts. This can cause galling and does not allow for the correct torque. 

Note: All torque values are in-lbs NOT ft-lbs!

Unless otherwise specified, apply medium strength thread locking sealant to all fasteners prior to installation. Vibra-Tite VC-3 threadlocker is preferred and will be included in the packaging for this purpose.  Because of the dissimilar metals of fasteners and hardware of Seakeeper Ride components specialty coatings are applied to the equipment to prevent corrosion in a marine environment. Avoid removal of these coatings to reduce corrosion.