1.0 Introduction

Seakeeper 2

Operation Manual

90489, Rev 3

This manual covers the operation of Seakeeper 2 models (2-232-1576 to Current).

3.1 ConnectBox and Display Screens: Overview

Introduction

The Seakeeper 2 requires the ConnectBox and connection to either, preferably, a compatible MFD or a Seakeeper 5” Touch Display. The compatible MFD and Seakeeper 5” Touch Display will show the same Seakeeper Application outlined in this section.

When 12 VDC power is applied to the Seakeeper, the ConnectBox will illuminate and the Seakeeper Application on the 5” Touch Display and/or MFD will initialize. If connecting the ConnectBox to an MFD, and the Seakeeper App does not appear on the MFD, please refer to appropriate Technical Bulletin to troubleshoot, at www.seakeeper.com/technical-library/ and filter for the Seakeeper 2:

• TB-90478 – Garmin and Seakeeper Compatibility
• TB-90479 – Raymarine and Seakeeper Compatibility
• TB-90480 – NAVICO (Simrad/Lowrance/B&G) and Seakeeper Compatibility
• TB-90598 – Furuno and Seakeeper Compatibility

• TB-90482 – Display Screens Overview
• 90569 – Seakeeper ConnectBox and Application Quick Start Guide

ConnectBox Overview

1. The ConnectBox POWER button will pulse red if the Seakeeper causes an alarm. The alarm must be addressed on the Seakeeper Application.
2. The BRIGHTNESS button on the ConnectBox will toggle through different different brightness settings of the ConnectBox LED brightness.
3. The ETHERNET button on the ConnectBox allows integration with Multifunction Displays (MFD). Pressing the button for several seconds will show the ConnectBox synchronization mode by strobing progress bar left or right. The progress bar is beneath the brightness and ethernet buttons. See applicable MFD and Seakeeper Compatibility technical bulletin for further information.

ConnectBox and Home Screen

1. After the Seakeeper ConnectBox and Application have initialized, the ConnectBox and Application Home Screen will be displayed as shown below.

2. The Seakeeper can be controlled by either the ConnectBox (shown in images on left) or the Application on the Seakeeper 5” Touch Display or compatible MFD (shown in images on right). Seakeeper POWER button: when pressed, the button will change from grey (Seakeeper Off) to blue (Seakeeper On).

3. Seakeeper STABILIZE button: when pressed, the button will change from grey (Stabilize Off) to blue (Stabilize On).

4. On the MFD or 5″ Touch Display Application Home Screen view, these buttons can be pressed to toggle Home Screen views between the Roll Angle Gauge and the Roll Angle Graph as shown below.

5. When the MENU button is pressed, the Menu Bar will appear or disappear at the bottom of the screen.

6. The Menu Bar is used to navigate between pages. From left to right, the available pages are Home, Settings, Information, Service, and Alarm History. The selected page is highlighted in blue on the Menu Bar.

Settings Page

1. The Settings Page allows the user to adjust their preferences for the Seakeeper and its display. It can be accessed by pressing the gears in the menu bar.

2. The language on the Seakeeper Application can be changed using the Settings Page. By clicking ENGLISH, a dropdown appears, and the desired language can be selected.

3. On the Seakeeper 5” Touch Display only, there is a sleep timer. Adjust the sleep timer from 1 minute to infinite using sleep time slider. Touching the screen will wake the display up after it has gone to sleep. The MFD should be controlled within the MFD’s settings.

4. If the Seakeeper is facing the bow of the vessel, the Roll Angle Gauge should show the blue on the left (pictured left). If the Seakeeper is facing the stern of the vessel, one should select the Roll Angle Gauge with the blue on the right (pictured right). A positive roll angle should be displayed when the vessel rolls to starboard.

5. Change the speed of the Seakeeper between normal operation and low power operation. Low power mode consumes less power and should generate less noise. The selected speed is colored blue. When power is cycled (or Seakeeper turned Off), this speed will default back to the normal operating speed.
6. Change the display between day and night mode. The selected mode is colored blue and to change between day and night mode, press the button.

7. Change the units of the temperatures displayed on the Service Page between degrees Celsius and degrees Fahrenheit. The selected units are colored blue.

Information Page

The information page displays the Seakeeper Model, Serial Number, Software Versions, Run Hours, Sea Hours, and other information. NOTE: The image below is an example and may not match information details of installed Seakeeper.
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Service Page

The Service Page displays Seakeeper operating information.

Alarm History Page

The Alarm Page displays Seakeeper alarm history.

Battery State of Charge Monitoring

Traditional batteries have a near-linear discharge voltage curve; new Lithium batteries do not have the same voltage curve. This characteristic makes it difficult to determine the Lithium battery charge state. Seakeepers have used battery voltage depletion to initiate power ramp-downs to extend battery life. With Lithium batteries, battery voltage is no longer an accurate indicator for this function; the state of charge (SoC) NMEA 2000 signal is more accurate when available.

Seakeeper software uses the NMEA 2000 State of Charge (SoC) signal to initiate a power ramp-down when an NMEA 2000 SoC signal is available on the network—the following guides in setting the Battery Monitoring Logic of the Seakeeper.

1. Access battery monitoring configuration by one of the following methods:
   
   1. Press and hold battery icon on home screen until configuration manager pop-up appears.
   2. From SoC alert pop-up , press CONTINUE.

2. On Battery Monitoring Configuration window, select the appropriate selection from the dropdown menu:
   
   1. No Selection – This is the default setting for the configuration manager.
   2. Disabled – Use voltage monitoring: This disables SoC logic and uses actual battery voltage to initiate powering back of the Seakeeper when battery voltage is low.
      NOTE: If Seakeeper is NOT supplied by lithium batteries, this option should be selected.
   3. Battery SoC from 0xE0 – This option allows the user interface to monitor the NMEA 2000 network for the battery state of charge from a battery management system monitoring the Seakeeper battery bank. (recommended if lithium batteries are used to power the Seakeeper).
      
      When selected, the Cut-off threshold slider will determine at what battery charge the Seakeeper begins powering back to conserve battery power. Also, the 5” Touch Display will show battery state of charge in 20% increments beside the battery icon on the home screen (instead of a voltage).
   4. Battery SoC from 0xE4, etc. – Lists all source addresses from which the NMEA SoC signal is received (Multiple battery management systems may exist; select only the battery monitor attached to the Seakeeper battery bank).

3.2 Operating Instructions

3.2.1 Start Up

The Seakeeper should be shut down when stabilization is no longer required. This maximizes the longevity of the Seakeeper.

1. Energize Seakeeper 2 Battery Isolation Switch.
2. Energize Seakeeper 2 High Curre3nt DC Power Supply (12 VDC, 100 A) at customer-supplied circuit breaker.
3. Energize 12 VDC Seawater Pump power supply at the customer-supplied circuit breaker (unless a fuse is supplied as overcurrent protection).
4. When the high DC power is turned on, the ConnectBox and Seakeeper 5” Touch Display or MFD application will initialize as seen below. The Seakeeper 2 can be powered on and controlled by either the Seakeeper Application or the ConnectBox.

5. With system energized, check the Seakeeper display for any ALARMS. If there are any ALARMS present. Alarms must be addressed to proceed.
6. To turn the Seakeeper on, press the POWER button; the button will turn blue. The progress bar will appear and indicate how soon the Seakeeper will be available for stabilization. The progress bar indicates the speed of the flywheel as it accelerates to its rated operating RPM.

7. When the Seakeeper is initialized and up to Stabilization RPM the STABILIZE button will appear on the application, or if using the ConnectBox, the STABILIZE button will illuminate blue and pulsate. At this point, the Seakeeper is available for stabilization by pressing the STABILIZE button.

8. The progress bar indicating flywheel spool-up will disappear from the display screen once the STABILIZE button is pressed (turns blue) and the ConnectBox will fully illuminate. At this point, the Seakeeper has reached its rated operating RPM and maximum stabilization is available. If the STABILZE button has not been pressed(button is grey), pressing the button will turn it blue and stabilization will be provided. The seawater pump will cycle on and off based on the operating temperature of the Seakeeper 2.

3.2.2 Stabilization

If it is necessary to shut off power to the flywheel motor and slow the flywheel for any reason, press Seakeeper On/Off button; the button will turn grey and the Stabilize button will disappear, indicating the command has been accepted. It takes approximately 8+ hours for the speed to slow down to 0 RPM.

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If it is necessary to stop Seakeeper motion for any reason, press the Stabilize button. The Stabilize button will turn grey indicating that the Seakeeper is locked. Never attempt to work on the Seakeeper until the flywheel has stopped spinning. In the event that the brake system has automatically locked the Seakeeper due to an alarm or failure, no attempt should be made to bypass the alarm or automatic lock.

To stabilize the vessel after the Seakeeper is On and the flywheel is above the minimum stabilization RPM, press the STABILIZE button. The button will turn blue indicating that the Seakeeper is stabilizing the roll motion.

Boat operators are advised that the Seakeeper’s sole function is to dampen a boat’s cyclic roll motions. The Seakeeper is not, and is not intended to be, a substitute for adequate hull stability about the pitch, roll and yaw axes and the Seakeeper is not designed to prevent any instability due to improper boat operation, including, without limitation, any aggressive maneuvers at high speed. During aggressive maneuvers at high speed, the Seakeeper outputs a constant pitch moment which can create a small bow-down or bow-up trim change.

Improper boat operation including, without limitation, aggressive maneuvers at high speed can result in the boat becoming unstable. If you intend to operate the boat in such a manner, you should lock the Seakeeper in the vertical position before operating the boat in that manner. This is easily accomplished by turning the boat to starboard at slow speed in the Stabilize mode. After turning to starboard for 5 seconds, turn the Stabilize mode off while continuing to turn and then go to the Service Page on the display and confirm the Gyro Angle is within +10 degrees of 0 degrees.

3.2.3 Normal Shutdown

The Seakeeper should be stopped when stabilization is no longer required. Once the vessel is secured in the slip, the high and low current DC power to the Seakeeper should be switched to the Off position. The Seakeeper will continue to spool down to 0 RPM. No cooling is required during this time. Note Seakeeper will take 6+ hours to coast down to 0 RPM from full speed.

Note: The seawater pump may run for up to 5 minutes after the Seakeeper is switched off and is coasting (with low current DC power applied).

The Seakeeper should be shut down when stabilization is no longer required. This maximizes the longevity of the Seakeeper.

1. Press the Seakeeper POWER button. The POWER button will turn grey. The Seakeeper will discontinue stabilization and the flywheel will start coasting.

2. Once the vessel is secured in the slip, switch the high current and low current DC power to the Seakeeper off. The flywheel will continue to spool down to 0 RPM. This can take 6+ hours from full speed. When the flywheel has stopped spinning, 0 RPM will appear on the service screen.

4.1 Power Failures, Alarms, and Troubleshooting Introduction

The operator should physically examine the Seakeeper following an alarm. Continuing to reset alarms without service intervention can result in damage or personnel injury.

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The Motor Drive Box contains a voltage hazard and the cover should not be removed while the flywheel is spinning or the DC input voltage is present. This voltage hazard exists even if the flywheel is coasting down and the supply voltage has been shut off.

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The Motor Drive Box contains a voltage hazard and the cover should not be removed while the flywheel is spinning or the DC input voltage is present. This voltage hazard exists even if the flywheel is coasting down and the supply voltage has been shut off.

The Seakeeper 2 has safety features, such as alarms and warnings, that pop-up on the Seakeeper
Application and are signaled on the ConnectBox to protect the Seakeeper as well as the vessel. The brake can be locked from the Application, ConnectBox or by shutting off DC power at the supply breakers, preventing the Seakeeper from precessing.

In the event of a power failure, the brake automatically locks the Seakeeper so it cannot generate anti-rolling torque loads. When a power failure occurs, it is important to identify the three sources of power to the Seakeeper 2:

• 12 VDC high current powers the Motor Drive Box to drive the motor inside the Seakeeper.
• 12 VDC low current powers the Seakeeper for all the control electronics.
• Seawater Pump 12 VDC Input powers the seawater cooling pump.

These are supplied on cables which are shown on Drawing No. 90470 – Seakeeper 2 Cable Block Diagram.

Voltage-Related alarms include the following:

• DC INPUT VOLTAGE HIGH – Code 40
  
  • Alarms when low current DC input voltage varies from a reasonable range for the design voltage.

• DC INPUT VOLTAGE LOW – Code 41
  
  • Alarms when low current DC input voltage varies from a reasonable range for the design voltage.

• DC INPUT VOLTAGE LOW [SPEED LOSS DURING OPERATION] – Code 111
• DC INPUT VOLTAGE LOW [SLOW SPOOL UP] – Code 112
  
  • Code 11 and 112 occur to adjust power consumption as voltage drops below 11.1 VDC to prevent battery depletion. If battery voltage drops to 10 VDC, code 167 will trigger.
• BATTERY STATE OF CHARGE – Code 123
  
  • This alarm alerts the operator of a low state of charge (SoC) if the Seakeeper is receiving a SoC signal over the NMEA 2000 network and SoC based protection is enabled in the Battery Monitor Configuration. The SoC will depend on the cut-off threshold slider setting (see Section 3.3).
  • The Battery icon on the Home screen will appear red and empty.
• HIGH CURRENT DC VOLTAGE LOW – Code 167
• HIGH CURRENT DC VOLTAGE HIGH – Code 168
  
  • This alarm protects the Seakeeper 2 from an over-voltage of 16 VDC or higher.

4.2 12 VDC High Current Failure

If the 12 VDC high current is disconnected during operation, a notification screen will indicate “High Current DC Voltage Low”. If the failure is not corrected within two minutes, a “High Current DC Voltage Low” alarm will occur. The brake will lock.

• Verify the boat’s circuit breaker or fuse supplying +12 VDC high current has not tripped or blown.
• When +12 VDC high current is restored, the display will power up, the Splash Screen will appear, and then the Home Screen will appear.
• Press Power On/Off button . The progress bar will appear and indicate flywheel speed. When the flywheel is at minimum operating speed, the Stabilize button will appear so stabilization can be turned on. This may take up to 30 minutes, depending on the speed of the flywheel when the +12 VDC high current is turned back on.

4.3 12 VDC Low Current or SW Pump Power Failure

If the 12 VDC low current is disconnected during operation, the display will be blank, flywheel speed will decrease, and the Seakeeper will be turned off (no stabilization).

• Verify the boat’s circuit breaker or fuse supplying +12 VDC low current has not tripped or blown.
• When +12 VDC low current is restored, the display will power up, the Splash Screen will appear, and then the Home Screen will appear.
• Press Power On/Off button . The progress bar will appear and indicate flywheel speed. When the flywheel is at minimum operating speed, the Stabilize button will appear so stabilization can be turned on. This may take up to 30 minutes, depending on the speed of the flywheel when the +12 VDC low current is turned back on.

If Seawater Pump input 12 VDC power is disconnected during operation, the Seawater Pump will fail to provide cooling seawater flow when required. The resulting high temperatures would result in the Seakeeper being turned off (no stabilization).

• Verify the boat’s circuit breaker or fuse supplying +12 VDC SW Pump power has not tripped or blown.
• When +12 VDC SW Pump power is restored, reset any alarm and continue Seakeeper operation.

4.4 Alarms

Alarms

The operator should physically examine the Seakeeper following an alarm. Continuing to reset alarms without service intervention can result in damage or personnel injury.

Sensors, alarms, and shutdowns are provided to allow unattended operation. Sensors measure drive temperatures, gimbal angle, brake pressure, and vessel motion. The Seakeeper controller sends sensor values and alarm information to the display and locks the brake and shuts down the motor drive in the event of an alarm condition. Seakeeper operating history during faults or alarms is recorded in the controller’s memory for subsequent recall if service is needed. Seakeeper and Seakeeper Dealers may access the Seakeeper’s software to gather run hours, bearing loading, and hull slamming information.

NOTE: Only the MFD or the Seakeeper 5” Touch Display can identify and address the alarm. The alarm will not clear until the operator presses the Reset Alarm button, AND the alarm condition is no longer present. The operator can then press the POWER button again to resume Seakeeper operation.

• A view of a typical Alarm screen.

• To reset the alarm, press the Reset Alarm button:

Troubleshooting

1. At MFD app or 5″ Touch Display, check for alarms or warnings.
2. Power Supply: Check electrical power source breakers ON or fuses installed and NOT blown.
3. Mechanical Components:
   
   1. For temperature -related alarm, verify the coolant reservoir is filled with glycol mixture (50% ethylene glycol/50% distilled water). Verify seawater pump power aligned.
   2. Visually check mechanical fittings and joints for leakage.
   3. Visually check coolant and brake hoses for chaffing and leakage.
4. Contact an authorized Seakeeper dealer for further assistance in diagnosing and resolving complex alarms.

If a GPS signal is lost, a warning message will appear in the Alarm History and a message will appear on the Home Screen, as seen below. The Seakeeper will not spool down, however the precession rate and angle of the sphere will be reduced until GPS signal returns.

4.5 Alarm History

The ALARM HISTORY page on the Seakeeper application shows the recent alarms and warnings. Alarms trigger a pop-up message to be displayed on the display or Seakeeper App. Warnings will be listed in the alarm history but do not affect Seakeeper operation. The alarms and warnings are in chronological order starting with the most recent. Warnings included in the history page are for issues that do not affect gyro operation.

Press the Menu button to show the page options and then the ALARM button to show alarm history.

5.1 Maintenance Introduction

Seakeeper recommends a regular inspection interval and scheduled maintenance to keep the Seakeeper 2 running trouble-free.

If the Seakeeper is installed in a wet space, efforts should be made to keep the Seakeeper free of salt residue from either condensation or direct exposure to salt spray. If exposed, a regular wipe down and a rinse will help limit corrosion and keep the Seakeeper assembly in good cosmetic condition. Refer to Seakeeper Care article for details.

If any components of the Seakeeper or its sub-systems will be exposed to environmental temperatures where winterization is necessary for storage, reference Seakeeper Winterization article.

The Seakeeper comes standard with sealant and thread locker on applicable fasteners. When reinstalling all fasteners, use thread locker (Loctite 243 or equivalent) and sealant unless otherwise specified.

Reference Documents:

• TB-90426 – Seakeeper Scheduled Maintenance Plan
• TB-90747 – Seakeeper Annual Inspection
• Seakeeper Winterization Article
• Seakeeper Care Article

Due to remote start capabilities of MFDs, ENSURE power removed from Seakeeper and flywheel at zero RPM at display/MFD app before removing covers.

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Hydraulic Hand Pump Kit is required for servicing the brake. Pressure should NOT be relieved unless this tool is available.

5.2 Scheduled Maintenance Table

The following contains the scheduled maintenance table organized by RUN hours. Scheduled maintenance is not covered under warranty.

*These tasks must be performed by a certified Seakeeper Dealer.
Find a local Dealer at www.seakeeper.com/find-us

Perform the Recommended Maintenance after the indicated number of Running [RUN] hours or Years since last maintenance, whichever occurs first.

Seakeepers are designed for use in a marine environment and to withstand occasional water spray or splash. Prolonged exposure to seawater, however, can cause premature wear and damage to the unit; therefore, it is important to apply a gentle fresh water rinse following exposure to seawater.

The service intervals are based on ‘average’ use, including operating in various Sea conditions, such as zero or low-speed usage in/around marinas and anchorages vs. different speeds while underway in light or heavy sea conditions. If the customer’s normal operating conditions include extended SEA operation, more frequent service should be considered.

6.1 Warranty

The complete Seakeeper warranty details may be found on the Seakeeper website www.seakeeper.com.

Seakeeper Warranty Policy

SEAKEEPER, INC., warrants that the product covered under this warranty (hereinafter the “Product”), when properly installed and used during this warranty term, is free from defects in material and workmanship and will perform essentially as stated in SEAKEEPER, INC.’s applicable specifications. This warranty does not cover third party equipment, hardware or software even if installed, connected or loaded into and/or onto the Product if outside the components included in the Product scope of supply.

This warranty starts from the earlier of the purchase date by the first end-user/retail purchaser or the in-service date, and the warranty period is for the shorter of the following periods:

1. 24 months (2 years) from date the Product is put into service, which shall conclusively be presumed to be the date of sale of a vessel on which the Product is installed, to a retail customer or date put into service on an existing vessel (refit), or
2. 2000 (two thousand) operating SEA hours, subject to verification and confirmation by SEAKEEPER, INC.

All Seakeeper Models

BUYER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT GOODS ARE PROPERLY LOCATED, INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED ON VESSEL’S HULL FOUNDATION WITH AN ADEQUATE MARGIN OF SAFETY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, COMPLIANCE WITH ANY SPECIFIED LOAD-BEARING REQUIREMENTS.

EXCEPTIONS:

This warranty shall be void and not apply to defects resulting from:

1. ANY UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATION OF THE PRODUCTS AS SHIPPED WILL RESULT IN VOIDING THIS WARRANTY.
2. An application or installation method not approved by Seller, including improper or inadequate site preparation, faulty installation, handling during maintenance or otherwise, if any, by the Customer and/or the End User, as well as to defects attributable to loading/shipment/delivery of the Product or any other defect or damage not attributable to SEAKEEPER, INC.
3. Defects resulting from Customer’s or any third-party interface of equipment, hardware, or software if installed, connected or loaded into and/or onto the Product.
4. Misuse, operator error or fault caused by the failure of an external unit (i.e. Sea Water pump, Ships power supply).
5. Any gross negligence or willful misconduct.
6. Excessive exposure to water (salt or fresh) including submersion (partial or full) of any Electrical or Electronic components or major component such as the gyro sphere.
7. Acts of Nature such as, but not limited to, fire, flood, wind and lightning
8. Failure of the Customer/End User to strictly comply with any of the following requirements:
   
   • Operation and Maintenance according to the guidelines and recommendations specified in the SEAKEEPER, INC., Operation Manual.
     
     • Proof of such compliance shall be provided upon request.

This express warranty is in lieu of and excludes: ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, BY OPERATION OF LAW OR OTHERWISE INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE (WHETHER KNOWN TO SELLER OR NOT), AND ALL OTHER SUCH WARRANTIES ARE HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED BY SELLER AND WAIVED BY CUSTOMER/END USER. SEAKEEPER, INC. SHALL IN NO EVENT BE LIABLE TO ANY SPECIAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF ANY WARRANTY OR OTHER OBLIGATION ARISING OUT OF THE SALE OF THE PRODUCTS, OR FROM THE USE OF THE PRODUCTS OR ANY INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCTS.

Written notice of claimed defects shall have been given to SEAKEEPER within the Warranty Period, and within thirty (30) days from the date any such defect is first discovered. The Goods or parts claimed to be defective must be returned to SEAKEEPER, accompanied by a Return Authorization (RA) issued by SEAKEEPER’s facility responsible for supplying Goods, with transportation prepaid by Buyer/User, with written specifications of the claimed defect.

If a warranty claim is valid, SEAKEEPER, INC. will repair or replace the Product, or part of the Product, proven to be defective, at its sole discretion, in a timeframe provided by SEAKEEPER, INC., on a reasonable best effort basis.

Under no circumstances shall SEAKEEPER be liable for removal of SEAKEEPER’s Goods from Buyer’s/User’s equipment or re-installation into Buyer’s/User’s equipment. No person including any agent, distributor, or representative of SEAKEEPER is authorized to make any representation or warranty on behalf of SEAKEEPER concerning any Goods manufactured by SEAKEEPER.

Warranty Activation

A Warranty Registration must be fully completed and sent to SEAKEEPER, INC., for review, approval and registration upon delivery of the vessel to the first retail customer. Warranty registration and expiration date confirmation can be achieved by providing SEAKEEPER, INC., a copy of the original bill of sale, purchase agreement, Owner’s name, address and SEAKEEPER Stabilizer Serial Number along with current RUN / SEA hours to SEAKEEPER’s warranty registration department within thirty (30) days of purchase. For removal of doubt, it is clarified that the activation date shall in no event affect the warranty period set forth herein. Registering your Seakeeper can be performed online at https://www.seakeeper.com/extended-warranty/register-your-seakeeper/

“Owner” is defined as the first retail customer (purchaser), or subsequent customer (by transfer), of the SEAKEEPER Product as identified in SEAKEEPER warranty registration(s).

6.2 Limitation of Liability

NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY, SEAKEEPER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOST PROFITS ARISING OUT OF THE PERFORMANCE, DELAYED PERFORMANCE OR BREACH OF PERFORMANCE OF THIS ORDER REGARDLESS WHETHER SUCH LIABILITY BE CLAIMED IN CONTRACT, EQUITY, TORT OR OTHERWISE. SEAKEEPER’S OBLIGATION IS LIMITED SOLELY TO REPAIRING OR REPLACING (AT ITS OPTION AND AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 5), AT ITS APPROVED REPAIR FACILITY, ANY GOODS OR PARTS WHICH PROVE TO SEAKEEPER’S SATISFACTION TO BE DEFECTIVE AS A RESULT OF DEFECTIVE MATERIALS OR WORKMANSHIP, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SEAKEEPER’S STATED WARRANTY. IN NO EVENT SHALL SEAKEEPER’S LIABILITY EXCEED THE TOTAL PURCHASE PRICE SET FORTH IN THIS ORDER.

6.3 Property Rights

Except where otherwise expressly agreed, all patterns, tools, jigs and fixtures, drawings, designs, software and other materials and data developed, fabricated by Seakeeper shall be and shall remain Seakeeper‘s property. Except as specifically provided for in the order, Buyer shall have no right in any technical data, Intellectual Property Rights, and computer software associated with the order. Buyer shall not use or permit the use of the Goods that in any way could result in the disclosure of Seakeeper‘s proprietary information.

7.0 Specifications and Summary

Arrangement
The Seakeeper 2 consists of the Flywheel, Enclosure, Foundation, Electronics, Brake, Cooling, and Cover Subsystems.

Installation Location
The Seakeeper is a torque device and does not have to be installed in a specific hull location or on the centerline. However, the Seakeeper should not be installed forward of the longitudinal center of gravity to minimize high acceleration loading due to hull/wave impacts during operation at high speed or in large waves.

Mounting Dimensions
See Drawing No. 90487 – Seakeeper 2 Bolt-In Installation Details.

Loads
The installer is responsible for designing the foundation to which the Seakeeper is attached and for ensuring that this foundation can safely transfer the concentrated Seakeeper loads from the frame to the adjacent hull structure. Loads that the Seakeeper imposes on the hull structure are explained on Drawing No. 90487 – Seakeeper 2 Bolt-In Installation Details; these loads do NOT include vessel motion accelerations, such as vertical slam loads which can be high for higher speed vessels.

Cooling
The Seakeeper bearings, Motor Drive Box, and hydraulic manifold are cooled by a closed water / glycol mix cooling loop that incorporates a seawater heat exchanger. The installer is responsible for providing 2 – 6 GPM (7.6 – 22.7 LPM) raw water at ambient sea temperature and a maximum pressure of 20 psi (1.4 bar) to the heat exchanger.

Electrical
The installer is responsible for supplying 12 VDC at 100 A service to the Motor Drive Box and 12 VDC at 15 A service to the Seakeeper Control System, and 12 VDC at 15 A service to the Seawater Pump. Separate circuit breakers should be used for each Motor Drive Box in multiple Seakeeper installations. Similarly, separate circuit breakers should be used for each Seakeeper Control System in multiple Seakeeper installations.

Operator Controls
A compatible MFD or a 5″ Touch Display is used to start, operate, monitor, and shutdown the Seakeeper from the helm. The operator may also use the local ConnectBox interface on the Seakeeper 2 to start and shutdown the Seakeeper.

Performance
Reduction of boat roll is a function of the boat’s displacement, transverse metacentric height (GM_T) and hull damping as well as the operating conditions (speed and heading with respect to waves) and sea state. The Seakeeper controller regulates the active hydraulic brake to ensure the Seakeeper’s anti-roll torque is maximized regardless of hull characteristics or operating conditions.

Alarm and Monitoring
Sensors, alarms and shutdowns are provided to allow unattended operation. Sensors measure Seakeeper and drive temperatures, vacuum pressure, gimbal angle, brake pressure, and ship motion. The Seakeeper controller sends sensor values and alarm information to the display and also locks the brake and shuts down the motor drive in the event of an alarm condition. Seakeeper operating history during faults or alarms is recorded in the controller’s memory for subsequent recall if service is needed. Seakeeper may access the Seakeeper’s software to gather run hours, bearing loading, and hull slamming information.

Safety
The brake automatically locks the Seakeeper so it cannot generate excessive anti-rolling torque loads in the event of a system fault or alarm, loss of electrical power or loss of brake pressure. The brake can be locked from the Display or by shutting off AC and DC power at the supply breakers.

8.0 Revision History

2.1 System Overview Introduction

Reference Documents

• TB-90601 – Safe Boat Operation

The Seakeeper 2 uses gyroscopic principles to reduce boat roll motions in waves and wakes independent of boat speed. In installations involving multiple Seakeepers, each Seakeeper operates independently of one another; therefore this manual only discusses the operation of a single unit.

Reduction of boat roll is a function of the boat’s displacement, transverse metacentric height (GMT), and hull damping as well as the operating conditions (speed and heading with respect to waves) and sea state. Seakeeper’s active control regulates the hydraulic brake to ensure the Seakeeper’s anti-roll torque is maximized irrespective of hull characteristics or operating conditions.

Operation of the Seakeeper 2 requires mechanical, electrical, and plumbing interfaces with the boat. Figure 1 illustrates the interconnection of these components and their interface with the boat. The Seakeeper 2 requires a connection to a display to support the Seakeeper Application; display options include a compatible MFD or Seakeeper 5” Touch Display.

Seakeeper 2 technical specifications provided in Section 6: Specifications and Summary, list the power consumption, total weight, and dimensions of the major components. Gyroscopic principals that apply to boat roll control are discussed on Seakeeper’s website at www.seakeeper.com. The Seakeeper website also contains videos of Seakeeper operation and a variety of different boats operating in waves with the Seakeeper on and off. It is recommended that the reader play these videos prior to reading the remainder of this manual.

There is a large torque about the gimbal axis when the Seakeeper is precessing. Seakeeper cover panels are provided to prevent personnel or equipment from contacting the Seakeeper while it is in operation. These covers should not be stood on or have anything placed on top. The covers should always be in place during operation. If it is ever necessary to touch the Seakeeper while the flywheel is spinning, the Seakeeper must be locked at the display to stop the Seakeeper from precessing. Seakeeper maintenance should not be attempted unless the Seakeeper is locked and the flywheel has stopped spinning.

Seakeeper 2 technical specifications provided in Section: Specifications and Summary, list the power consumption, total weight, and dimensions of the major components. Gyroscopic principals that apply to boat roll control are discussed on Seakeeper’s website at www.seakeeper.com. The Seakeeper website also contains videos of Seakeeper operation and a variety of different boats operating in waves with the Seakeeper on and off. It is recommended that the reader play these videos prior to reading the remainder of this manual.

The gimbal angle and the rate of rotation about the gimbal axis (termed precession rate) play an important role in its operation. These parameters are illustrated in the figure below. At zero degree gimbal angle, the sphere is vertical; it can precess a maximum of +/- 67 degrees about this position. The amount of torque that the Seakeeper exerts on a boat’s hull to counter the wave induced roll is directly proportional to the precession rate. The farther the Seakeeper is from vertical (zero degrees) the lower the anti-roll torque. The vertical arrows in Figure 2 illustrate the direction of the forces that the Seakeeper exerts on the boat’s hull to damp roll motion.

Seakeeper precession is actively controlled by an electronic controller and a hydraulic brake throughout each roll cycle so the Seakeeper supplies the maximum anti-roll torque and limits mechanical contact with the hard stops that limit the maximum gimbal angle travel to +/- 67 degrees.

Safe Boat Operation

Boat operators are advised that the Seakeeper’s sole function is to dampen a boat’s cyclic roll motions. The Seakeeper is not, and is not intended to be, a substitute for adequate hull stability about the pitch, roll and yaw axes and the Seakeeper is not designed to prevent any instability due to improper boat operation, including, without limitation, any aggressive maneuvers at high speed. During aggressive maneuvers at high speed, the Seakeeper outputs a constant pitch moment which can create a small bow-down or bow-up trim change.

Improper boat operation including, without limitation, aggressive maneuvers at high speed can result in the boat becoming unstable. If you intend to operate the boat in such a manner, you should lock the Seakeeper in the vertical position before operating the boat in that manner. This is easily accomplished by turning the boat to starboard at slow speed in the Stabilize mode. After turning to starboard for 5 seconds, turn the Stabilize mode off while continuing to turn and then go to the Service Page on the display and confirm the Gyro Angle is within +10 degrees of 0 degrees.

2.2 Seakeeper Assembly

The Seakeeper assembly consists of a flywheel housed in a cast aluminum vacuum-tight enclosure. The flywheel spins about a vertical axis and is supported by upper and lower pairs of bearings. A DC brushless motor mounted inside the enclosure spins the flywheel at high speed.

The enclosure is fastened to two gimbal shafts that are supported by gimbal bearings on either side. These shafts establish an athwartship gimbal axis about which the flywheel and enclosure precess or rotate up to
+/- 67 degrees during operation. The gimbal bearings are supported by a foundation which is attached to the hull structure. This foundation transfers the loads that the Seakeeper produces to the hull structure.

An active hydraulic brake mechanism is located on the Seakeeper assembly to regulate the Seakeeper’s precession motions about the gimbal shaft. It includes two hydraulic cylinders and a hydraulic manifold.

A coolant pump, heat exchanger, and reservoir are located near the manifold. A glycol/water mix is circulated through a closed loop to the drive box, hydraulic manifold, and the end caps of the enclosure to remove heat.

3.3 Battery Monitor Configuration

The Seakeeper 2 is equipped with voltage and state of charge (SoC) based battery monitoring logic to accommodate traditional battery chemistries and emerging lithium-ion technology. The default mode is a low voltage protection system using 11.1 VDC as the protection threshold for flooded and absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries. SOC-based monitoring is enabled when a NMEA 2000 compatible battery monitoring system (BMS) is broadcasting SOC (PGN: 127506, DC Detailed Status) over the NMEA 2000 network and is required for Seakeeper operation with Lithium batteries. The default voltage-based protection is not compatible with lithium batteries due to the discharge characteristics of this battery type.  

If powered by a lithium battery, the Seakeeper and BMS must be connected to a common NMEA 2000 network to prevent excessive discharge of the battery bank. An external BMS with a shunt can be used in place of a NMEA 2000 SOC signal, however, the Seakeeper will not provide any battery monitoring functionality. The following guide will explain the functionality of the user interface and menus.      

1. To access the battery monitoring configuration manager, press and hold the battery icon on the Home screen until the Battery Monitoring Configuration pop-up appears.

2. The Battery Monitoring Configuration will initiate a pop-up after detecting the SoC signal automatically. From this pop-up window, one can also open the Battery Monitoring Configuration by pressing the Continue button.

3. Once the Battery Monitoring Configuration manager window appears, press the dropdown menu down arrow and select SoC source from dropdown menu.

The dropdown options include:

• Battery SOC– This option allows the user interface to monitor the NMEA2000 network for the battery state of charge (required if lithium batteries are used to power the Seakeeper). When selected, the Cut-off threshold slider will determine at what battery charge the Seakeeper begins powering back to conserve battery power. Also, the 5” Touch Display will show battery state of charge.
• No Selection – This is the default setting for the configuration manager. Low voltage protection at 11.1 VDC is used until a different option is selected.
• Use voltage monitoring – This disables SoC logic and uses actual battery voltage to initiate lowering power drawn by the Seakeeper when battery voltage drops to 11.1 VDC on Seakeeper 2.

The Cut-off Threshold Slider controls the level of charge at which the Seakeeper will begin lowering the power it draws. The default setting is 20% charge. The slider allows the selection between 10% and 30% charge state.