2.5 Saddle Installation

2.5.1 Saddle Installation Introduction

Seakeeper recommended adhesives are listed in TB-90382 – Structural Adhesives Recommendations. Seakeeper recommends using a structural adhesive with a lap shear strength of 2000 psi (13.8 MPa) or greater. Careful consideration should be exercised by the installer when selecting the appropriate adhesive, such as working time, material compatibility, and surface preparation are three important factors to consider. Proper surface preparation in accordance with the adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations prior to installation is critically important. Information regarding pot-life, structural properties and material compatibility can be found on the adhesive product’s technical data sheet (TDS). An etching/cleaning primer compatible with the adhesive should be used on all aluminum surfaces if recommended by the manufacturer. Typically, two-part methacrylate based adhesives are the best options for bond-in installations such as Plexus MA590 and Sci-Grip SG300, which provide compatibility with aluminum and FRP substrates, adequate working time, and exceed the strength requirements. See Sheet 5 of Seakeeper Drawing No. 90399 – Seakeeper 5/6 Bond-In Installation Details, for loads information and recommended adhesive properties.

2.5.2 Preparation of Hull Structure

Refer to Seakeeper Drawing No. 90399 – Seakeeper 5/6 Bond-In Installation Details. Important dimensional and load information is given in this drawing that will impact the design details of the structure that will receive the Seakeeper as well as selection of the adhesive to bond the Seakeeper into the hull.

The foundation “saddles” of the Seakeeper are designed to be bonded directly to the composite hull structure of the vessel to effectively distribute gyroscopic loads. Complete coverage of the saddles and the hull structure surfaces is required for bond-in installations. Seakeeper recommends having a minimum of 1.6 L / 0.41 gal of adhesive, on hand for installation. Number of cartridges required is determined by dividing total volume by cartridge volume. Some adhesives require etching primer for aluminum surfaces (Plexus MA590 requires PC120 primer). Both manual and pneumatic application guns are available from adhesive manufacturers. Two workers should apply the adhesive at the same time to finish the installation before the adhesive starts to cure. To aid in determining the quantity of adhesive required, the interior surface area (bonding surfaces) of each saddle is 58.2 in.² (375 cm²) for a total bonded surface area for all four saddles of 232.5 in.² (1500 cm²).

The hull structure supporting the Seakeeper should be installed so the Seakeeper is parallel to the waterline. The four areas on top of the beams that the saddles will bond to need to be co-planar within .13 in. (3 mm) for consistent adhesive bond gap. In addition, the four areas on top of the saddles on which the feet of the Seakeeper foundation will rest need to be co-planar within .06 in. (1.5 mm) to minimize potential distortion of Seakeeper support frame when installed.

Note that any paint or gel-coat present in bond area should be removed so that adhesive will bond directly to laminate fibers and resin. Fiberglass and aluminum surfaces should be sanded in a cross-hatch pattern with 80 grit sandpaper and thoroughly cleaned prior to adhesive application.

Seakeeper provides an installation fixture template, P/N 90392, that locates the saddles at the proper spacing both in the forward-aft direction and the port-starboard direction. See Figures 13 & 14 below. Once assembled with the provided saddle fittings, the fixture can be used to check saddle clearances and alignment of the hull structure. The fixture will allow the builder / installer to lay-up and adjust the foundation dimensions to create a low-clearance fit between the Seakeeper foundation saddles and the hull structure. Shear strength of the adhesive will be maximized if the cured thickness between the vessel structure and Seakeeper saddles is at the thinner end of the adhesive manufacturer’s recommended range. Therefore, the fixture should be used to confirm that the overall dimensions of the foundations are square and level and that the adhesive gap is within Seakeeper’s maximum recommended thickness of .13 in. or 3 mm.

Note: Do NOT use the installation fixture to establish Seakeeper envelope dimensions. Refer to Drawing No. 90399 – Seakeeper 5/6 Bond-In Installation Details, for envelope dimensions. A 3-D model of the Seakeeper is available on the Seakeeper website (www.seakeeper.com) to aid in designing the Seakeeper foundation and the space around the Seakeeper.

NOTE: MAKE SURE NO OBSTRUCTIONS FROM THE HULL STRUCTURE CAN BE SEEN WITHIN THE INSIDE OF THE INSTALLATION TEMPLATE KIT (INSIDE THE MARKED RED LINES). SEE DRAWING NO. 90399 – SEAKEEPER 5/6 BOND-IN INSTALLATION DETAILS.

2.5.3 Fiberglass Hull Preparation

1. Position installation fixture (Figure 15) on hull girders noting recommended clearances for maintenance from Figure 2 (in Section: Selection of Installation Location). Check that the screws fastening the saddles to the installation fixture are tight (Figure 13).

2. Mask hull area (Figure 16) around foundation saddles for easy clean-up and to create outline of surface area to receive adhesive (Figure 15). Ensure that the bond gap is within Seakeeper’s recommended thickness, or 3 mm if using Plexus MA590 or Sci-Grip SG300.

3. Raise fixture clear of foundation. Check all four mounting areas are co-planar to within .06 in. (1.5 mm) to each other, as well as parallel to the water line plane, as shown in Figure 17.

4. Thoroughly clean with alcohol or acetone all areas of girders to be bonded to remove any contaminates. Use new paper towels for cleaning, not shop rags.
5. Remove any paint or gel-coat from bond surfaces so that adhesive will bond directly to laminate fibers and resin as shown in Figure 13.
6. Thoroughly sand girder bond surfaces with 80 grit sandpaper in a cross-hatch pattern. (IMPORTANT – BOND STRENGTH MAY BE REDUCED IF THIS STEP IS SKIPPED.)
7. Wipe surfaces clean from dust with alcohol or acetone using new paper towels, not shop rags.
8. Re-position installation fixture on girders and double-check that the adhesive gap is within the adhesive manufacturer’s maximum recommended thickness. Seakeeper recommends a maximum gap of 3 mm if using Plexus MA590 or Sci-Grip SG300.

Note: If bonding saddles to a metal structure, follow adhesive manufacturer instructions for metal substrates.

2.5.4 Seakeeper Saddle Preparation

1. Ensure that screws fastening saddles to the installation fixture are tight (Figure 13).
2. Check that each saddle contains 2 plastic screws which will ensure an adhesive gap of .080 in. (2 mm) on top surface of hull as shown in Figure 18.

3. Thoroughly sand all saddle inside surfaces with 80 grit sandpaper. (IMPORTANT – BOND STRENGTH MAY
BE REDUCED IF THIS STEP IS SKIPPED.)

4. Wipe surfaces clean from dust with alcohol or acetone using new paper towels, not shop rags.

5. If using Plexus MA590 adhesive, apply Plexus PC-120 surface conditioner to inside surfaces of Seakeeper
foundation saddles in accordance with manufacturer instructions. These instructions are located at the end
of this section. If using an alternate adhesive, check with manufacturer if any surface conditioner/etch is
required for the aluminum saddles.

2.5.5 Bonding Saddles to Hull

Note: If using Plexus MA590 adhesive, the Seakeeper saddles should be installed when PC-120 is confirmed dry.

1. Assemble Plexus cartridge into either the manual or pneumatic gun as shown. Remove cap on cartridge and attach mixing tip. For pneumatic gun, start with low air pressure and increase until desired flow rate is achieved.

2. Cut tip of mixing wand as shown in photo below.

3. Prepare a second mixing wand as shown in photo below by attaching the simple flexible nozzle to the end of the mixing tip. Set aside for now as this will be used to inject adhesive into the sides of each saddle after the fixture / saddles are in position.

4. Install provided rubber plugs in six holes of each saddle. The plugs will limit the adhesive being forced out of the injection holes in step 6 below.

5. Apply large bead of Plexus adhesive to the hull structure as shown in the image below. Apply approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of a cartridge (150 – 200 mL) at each of the four locations. Work deliberate and fast as it takes some time to apply the adhesive to the structure. MA590 has a 90-minute working time at room temperature (73°F / 23°C). This working time can reduce to 40-50 minutes at elevated temperatures. Two workers should apply the adhesive at the same time to finish the installation before the adhesive starts to cure.

6. Lower fixture and saddles over the hull structure and apply light downward pressure to each of the four saddles until the two nylon screws rest on the hull structure (see Figure 12). The adhesive will be forced towards the forward and aft ends of each saddle and partially down the sides of the foundation beams.
7. Insert full adhesive cartridge along with mixing wand / nozzle assembled in Step 3 above into gun.
8. Begin to inject adhesive into the six holes provided on each side of each of the four saddles. Follow the numbered sequence shown until the adhesive pushes out the edges of the saddle perimeter. The intent is to pump in the adhesive working from the top down and from the middle to the ends to fill the gaps and displace any air.

A complete bond is required – excess adhesive will be needed to make sure all bond gaps are filled.

9. Repeat above steps on both sides of all four saddles.
10. When gaps have been completely filled, clean off excess adhesive, remove plugs, and remove masking tape.
11. Allow adhesive to cure per manufacturer’s recommendations. Follow adhesive guidelines for curing time versus temperature prior to removing the fixture.
12. Bonding of Seakeeper saddles onto the hull is now complete. Remove installation fixture.

2.5.6 Installation of Seakeeper

1. The four areas where the feet of the Seakeeper will rest should be coplanar to within .06 in. (1.5 mm). See figure below.
   
   NOTE: DO NOT INSTALL SEAKEEPER WITH 1/2 IN. SPACERS WITH SADDLE KIT.
2. Rig Seakeeper for lifting and lower into position onto top surface of four saddles.
3. Apply a small bead (approximately 4 mm wide) of sealant or caulk to the mating surfaces between the saddles and the Seakeeper foundation. Adjust position of Seakeeper until alignment is achieved for the 16 fasteners that will attach Seakeeper foundation frame to saddles.
4. Install Seakeeper supplied M12-1.75 X 65 mm fasteners – apply a moderate coat of removable thread locker to the threads of each bolt and include a small bead of sealant under each washer before installation.
5. Torque all fasteners to 65 ft-lbs (88 N-m).
6. Proceed to electrical and cooling portion of the installation.

3.1 Electrical Installation Introduction

This section for electrical installation explains how to mount the electrical equipment and how to connect the electrical cables.

Reference Documents & Drawings:

• 90396 – Seakeeper 6 / 5 Cable Block Diagram
• 90438 – 5″ Operator Display Envelope and Mounting Details
• 90403 – Seakeeper 6 / 5 Operation Manual
• TB-90191 -Seawater Cooling Pump Recommendations
• Seakeeper Compatibility Technical Bulletins
  
  • TB-90478 – Garmin and Seakeeper Compatibility
  • TB-90479 – Raymarine and Seakeeper Compatibility
  • TB-90480 – NAVICO Products and Seakeeper Compatibility
  • TB-90598 – Furuno and Seakeeper Compatibility

Figure 1 – Electrical Equipment for Seakeeper 6

3.2 Electrical Equipment Power Connections

3.2.1 AC Input Power Source Requirements

1. Either of two AC input voltages are acceptable:
   
   1. 110 – 120 VAC (nominal) (+/- 10%), 1 Phase, 50/60 Hz, 30 A
   2. 208 – 230 VAC (nominal) (+/- 10%), 1 Phase, 50/60 Hz, 20 A
2. A separate circuit breaker should be used for each Seakeeper Drive Box.

3.2.2 Drive Box AC Power Input Connection Instructions

1. Cable: 3 x 10 AWG (3 x 6mm² CSA), 10 ft (3 m) length, Seakeeper supplied pre-installed.
   
   1. Locate Cable 2 for AC power input to the Drive Box at the outward of two cable glands.
      
      

3.2.3 Low Current 12 V Power Input

1. One 12 VDC, 15 A (Customer supplied) for Seakeeper Control Power, AND
2. One 12 VDC, 15 A OR 24 VDC, 10 A (Customer supplied) for DC Seawater Pump.
3. A dedicated breaker should be used for Seakeeper control and Seawater Pump power for each Seakeeper unit.

3.2.4 Seakeeper DC Power Connection Instructions

Reversing polarity on the DC power input to the Seakeeper can result in damaging the electronics in the control system.

1. 12 VDC, 15 A, 2 x 12 AWG (3 x 4 mm² CSA) customer supplied.
   
   1. Install Seakeeper provided DC Power Input Cable, P/N 20248 as Cable 1 (as shown in Drawing No.90396).
      
      1. Route Cable 1 to DC Power Distribution Panel.
      2. Terminate positive (B+, Red) conductor through dedicated over-current protection device (customer supplied) and a dedicated Seakeeper isolation switch (customer supplied) then directly to battery plus terminal.
      3. Terminate negative (B-, Black) conductor directly to battery negative terminal or negative bus.
   2. Before connecting Cable 1 to Seakeeper, check for proper voltage and polarity with a DC multimeter using Figure 3 below.
   3. Connect Cable 1 to 12 VDC input receptacle on Seakeeper.

When energizing DC power the first time, if Display does not power up immediately then disconnect and inspect connector polarity.

3.2.5 DC Seawater Pump 12 VDC Power Input Connection Instructions

Connecting the DC Seawater pump in any other manner than recommended by Seakeeper may cause internal failure.

1. Install Cable 8 (P/N: 30327) to Seakeeper 6 “SW Pump DC In” (as shown in Drawing No. 90396) with overcurrent protection corresponding to seawater pump selected.
2. Connect the 16 AWG plus conductor (red) through dedicated overcurrent protection device (customer-supplied), maximum of 15 A, to dedicated battery isolation switch.
   
   • 24 VDC, 10 A max can be used for Seawater Pump power.
3. Connect the 16 AWG minus conductor (black) directly to battery minus terminal or DC main negative bus bar.
4. Before connecting Cable 8 to Seakeeper, check for proper voltage and polarity with a DC multimeter using Figure 4 below.

5. Connect Cable 8 to Seawater Pump 12 VDC In connector on the Seakeeper, DEUTSCH DT04-2P connector.

3.2.6 DC Seawater Pump 12 VDC Power Output Connection Instructions

1. Connect Cable 5 (P/N 20334) to the Seakeeper 6 “SW Pump 12VDC Out” for DC power output to the seawater pump.
   
   1. Cable 5 is a 2 x 16AWG cable, 16 ft (5 m) length, with a size 16 female Deutsch plug.
2. Pumps rated at 12 VDC, 15 A maximum (24 VDC, 10 A), customer-supplied, must be configured with a Deutsch DT series, 2-pin receptacle to mate with the connector shown in Figure 5.

3. Cable 5 must be routed and installed in the vessel from the Seakeeper 6 “SW Pump 12VDC Out” Deutsch connector (pins end) to the DC seawater pump cable Deutsch connector (socket end).
4. Connect Cable 5 plug end (socket end) to the customer-supplied receptacle end (pins end). The recommended wiring is shown in Figure 6.
5. Contact Seakeeper if desired to install customer-supplied relay on Cable 5 to power Seawater Pump.

3.3 Electrical Equipment Ground Connections

Seakeeper to Vessel Ground Connection Instructions

1. Connect the Seakeeper foundation ground to vessel ground as shown in Figure 7.
2. Install Cable 6 (4 AWG or 22.0 mm², Customer supplied) from the M6 brass ground stud on the Seakeeper rear brace to a suitable vessel ground.
   • EN/IEC 90204-1 Clauses 6.3.3 and 8.2.3
   • ABYC E-11 July 2018 Clauses 11.5.2 and 11.16.1.

NOTE: USE ONLY THIS LOCATION FOR GROUNDING THE SEAKEEPER TO THE VESSEL GROUND.

3. Ground connection should be made with vessel bonding system, if available. However, the ground is not
referring specifically to a bonding system but for outboard boats generally refers to the outboard engine
negative terminal. Per ABYC E-11 (2018), Clause 11.5.2.7.4: If the negative side of the DC system is to be
connected to the ground, the connection shall be made only from the engine negative terminal, or its bus, to
the DC grounding bus. This connection shall be used only as a means of maintaining the negative side of the
circuit at ground potential and is not to carry current under normal operating conditions.

4. A proper ground connection is critically important for corrosion protection and helps to ensure the
ignition protection of the unit by ensuring it does not carry any stray current.

3.4 Electrical Equipment Mounting

Precautions: Each item of electrical equipment has specific mounting instructions. These instructions
should be followed to ensure proper function of the Seakeeper.

Do NOT move Seakeeper mounted components from their
locations or incorrect Seakeeper operation will result.

3.4.1 Seakeeper 6 Display Options

The Seakeeper 6 includes a 5″ Touch Screen Display (P/N 30296) standard. The 5″ Touch Display can be integrated with compatible Multifunction Display systems, per the MFD Compatibility Technical Bulletins.

The Seakeeper MFD App provides an interface for controlling the Seakeeper 6 and viewing the Settings, Service, Info, and Alarm pages from a compatible MFD.

The following figures provide schematics of display options. The subsequent sections outline the instructions and references for connecting the Seakeeper 6 to MFD display option.

3.4.2 Connecting to an Optional Compatible MFD

1. The Seakeeper 6 can be connected to a variety of available MFD systems. Refer to the Technical Bulletins Section of the Seakeeper Technical Library for manufacturer specific MFD compatibility technical bulletins.
   • MFD specific Technical Bulletins will be updated regularly as new MFD systems become compatible. Currently GARMIN, RAYMARINE, NAVICO (Simrad, Lowrance, B&G), and FURUNO offer compatible MFD models.
   • Once a compatible MFD has been selected, refer to the appropriate manufacturer specific Technical Bulletin for integration instructions.
2. Connect Seakeeper-supplied Cable 9 (P/N 30330), D-Code 10 m cable to MFD manufacturer-specific Ethernet adapter cable. Custom Ethernet cables for specific MFD manufacturers are available through Seakeeper and must be purchased with the Seakeeper 6 if connecting to an MFD.

3.4.3 Installing the Seakeeper 5″ Touch Display

1. Touch Display Mounting Instructions, Surface Mount
   1. Console space required: Approx. 5.24 W x 3.70 H in. (133 x 94 mm)
   2. Mounting Instructions, Surface Mount: See Drawing No. 90438 – 5″ Operator Display Envelope and Mounting Details, for details.
2. CAN Communications Tee Adapter and Terminator Mounting Instructions:
   The CAN Cable Assembly (P/N 30332, Cable 4) is an 82 ft (25 m) shielded cable and the largest connector is a molded plug with maximum outer diameter of .58 in. (14.8 mm)
   
   1. Console space required, Rear: Approx. 4 W x 3 H in. (102 x 76 mm)
   2. Mounting Instructions: Rear mount on vessel console panel, within 1 ft (0.3 m) of Display.
   3. Hardware required: One mounting screw for .197 in. (5 mm) diameter mounting hole on Tee Adapter.
3. USB Extension Cable Assembly Mounting Instructions:
   Cable 7 is 6.5 ft (2 m) long cable
   
   1. Console space required: Approx. 2 W x 2 H in. (51 x 51 mm), within 5 ft (1.5 m) from Touch Display.
   2. Mounting Instructions, Surface Mount: Use panel cutout as shown in Section: Display Installation Template. Maximum panel thickness 1/8 in. (3.2 mm).
   3. Install sealed USB connector end of the extender cable assembly in panel from rear and secure with hex jam nut (provided) on front.
   4. Connect M12 connector end of the extender cable assembly to the rear of the Touch Display on receptacle AUX.

3.5 Multifunction Display (MFD) Connection

Reference Documents & Drawings

• 90396 – Seakeeper 6 Cable Block Diagram
• TB 90478 – Garmin and Seakeeper Compatibility
• TB 90479 – Raymarine and Seakeeper Compatibility
• TB 90480 – Simrad and Seakeeper Compatibility
• TB-90598 – Furuno and Seakeeper Compatibility

1. The Seakeeper can be connected to a variety of available MFD systems. Refer to the Technical Bulletins Section of the Seakeeper Technical Library for manufacturer specific MFD compatibility technical bulletins.
   1. MFD specific Technical Bulletins will be updated regularly as new MFD systems become compatible. Currently GARMIN, RAYMARINE, SIMRAD, and FURUNO offer compatible MFD models.
   2. Once a compatible MFD has been selected, refer to the appropriate manufacturer specific Technical Bulletin for integration instructions.
2. Connect D-Code 10 m cable, P/N 30330, to MFD manufacturer-specific Ethernet adapter cable. Custom Ethernet cables for specific MFD manufacturers are available through Seakeeper and must be purchased if connecting to an MFD. Connect the D-Code cable according to Figure 10. The ethernet port on the back of the display is shown in Figure 11.

4.1 Cooling Installation Introduction

The Seakeeper 6 is shipped with the cooling circuit filled and ready for use. Only a quick confirmation of glycol level is required.

Reference Documents & Drawings:
Link to Seakeeper 6 / 5 Reference Documents

• 90396 – Seakeeper 6 / 5 Cable Block Diagram
• 90397 – Seakeeper 6 / 5 Cooling Water Schematic
• 30331 – Seakeeper DC Seawater Pump Assembly
• TB-90191 – Seawater Cooling Pump Recommendations

4.2 Cooling System Considerations

1. Installer is responsible for supplying a dedicated seawater pump and associated plumbing. Seawater connections on the heat exchanger mate with ¾ in. (19 mm) hose. An optional seawater pump can be purchased through Seakeeper, P/N30331.
2. There is no need to disconnect hose from glycol pump except to replace the pump. In this case, provision will need to be made to catch draining glycol as plumbing is disconnected. Use caution to avoid breaking plastic hose connections on pump casing.
3. The seawater pump is powered by Cable 5, via “SW Pump 12 VDC Out” on the Seakeeper 6, as outlined in Electrical Installation Section.
   • This pump must operate on 12 VDC, 15 A OR 24 VDC, 10 A power. Pumps requiring other voltages or higher current can still be controlled by using this supply to trigger an installer-supplied contactor but a separate source of power must be provided.
4. A dedicated through-hull fitting should be installed for each Seakeeper unit onboard the vessel to ensure sufficient seawater flow to each unit.
5. It is recommended that the seawater pump is located below the waterline, as close to the baseline of the vessel as practically possible, to maintain positive inlet pressure on the pump in all operating conditions.
6. A self-priming seawater pump is recommended to maintain water flow in all underway conditions. Cavitation can occur at the seawater inlet and potentially cause an air-lock condition restricting seawater flow to the heat exchanger.
7. Vented loops are optional and should only be considered with centrifugal style pumps. Self-priming or positive displacement style pumps do not require a vented loop, this includes Seakeeper P/N 30331.
8. Maximum seawater pressure in heat exchanger is 20 psi (1.4 bar)
9. Seawater flow requirement through heat exchanger is 2.5 GPM (9.5 LPM) minimum and 8 GPM (30.3 LPM) maximum under all operating conditions of the boat. When sizing seawater pump, installer should factor in losses for raw water plumbing. In addition to initial operation at dock, new installations should be checked to be within the flow requirements while vessel is at speed. Flows higher than 8 GPM (30.3 LPM) could affect heat exchanger life.

4.3 Connecting Seawater to Heat Exchanger

4.3.2 Connecting Seawater to Heat Exchanger

Refer to Figure 4 for typical seawater plumbing arrangement.

1. Connect seawater pump to Seakeeper dedicated through-hull fitting. A strainer and seacock valve should generally be installed between the seawater inlet and the pump.
2. Connect seawater from installer-supplied pump to lower ¾ in. (19 mm) hose barb on heat exchanger. Use the same practices as other below waterline seawater plumbing. Required flow rate is 2.5 GPM (9.5 LPM) minimum and 8 GPM (30.3 LPM) maximum.

3. Connect seawater discharge (upper hose barb) to overboard drain. Use the same practices as other below waterline seawater plumbing.
4. In addition to initial operation at dock, new installations should be checked for minimum 2.5 GPM (9.5 LPM) flow while vessel is at speed and when backing down.
   
   • If no other method of confirming flow is available, discharge line may be temporarily diverted to a bucket. Flow is calculated from time to fill a known volume.
   • A self-priming seawater pump (customer/installer supplied) may be required due to installation location to maintain water flow in all underway conditions where cavitation may occur and potentially cause an air-lock condition restricting seawater flow to the heat exchanger.
5. Inspect raw water plumbing after sea trial for any signs of leakage.
6. Heat exchanger contains removable end-caps to provide access for cleaning the tube bundle.

4.3.3 Seakeeper Optional DC Seawater Pump (P/N 30331)

1. Seakeeper offers a self-priming DC Seawater pump as an optional addition, P/N 30331– DC Seawater Pump Assembly, shown in Figure 6.
2. The Seakeeper Seawater Pump is a 24 VDC pump operated at 12 VDC for the Seakeeper 6.
3. The pump assembly is pre-wired for connection to Seakeeper 6 Cable 5 and includes a seawater strainer and various fittings. The pump specifications are as follows:

NOTE: Use only SeaFlo-provided threaded fittings for DC Seawater Pump 30331.

4.4 Adding Coolant

1. Cooling system is filled to proper level when shipped, with a mixture of 50% ethylene glycol and 50% distilled water. The clear tube between heat exchanger and reservoir should be filled with green coolant mixture. If level has dropped, check for evidence of leaks at all connections before adding fluid as described below. If coolant is at the correct level, skip to Section: Connecting Seawater to Heat Exchanger.

2. Mix 50% ethylene glycol with 50% distilled water in a clean container. Refer to Table 1 or glycol manufacturer’s literature for freezing points.

3. Pour mixture in until level reaches two-thirds of reservoir as shown in Figure 3. Filling reservoir above this level will not cause any damage but coolant may be expelled from pressure relief port in cap due to normal thermal expansion of coolant.
4. Connect 12 V to controller.
   1. At the Display check for any ALARMS
      
      
   2. Press the POWER ON/OFF button.
   3. The flywheel will start to spin and the glycol pump will start.
   4. Recheck glycol level with fluid circulating in coolant circuit. Sight down inside reservoir and check that coolant level is above upper port on reservoir as shown in Figure 3. Replace cap.
   5. After several minutes of running, press POWER ON/OFF button to turn power off to the flywheel and glycol pump. The glycol pump will stop and the flywheel will coast to a stop.
5. The cooling system is self-purging. If small amounts of air are in the system, they will most likely be dislodged during the first sea trial. Re-check level after sea trial and add fluid if required.

5.1 Start Up Introduction

This section describes the first start up of the Seakeeper.

Reference Documents & Drawings:
Link to Seakeeper 5/6 Reference Documents

• 90403 – Seakeeper 6 / 5 Operation Manual

• Previous sections for mechanical, electrical and cooling installation must be completed before this start up sequence is initiated.
• Before continuing, covers must be installed and the area around the Seakeeper must be clear of personnel and equipment!

5.2 Start Up Instructions

1. Energize 12 VDC supply at the customer-supplied electrical disconnect.
2. Supply 110-230 VAC to Motor Drive Box at customer-supplied electrical disconnect.
3. Turn on the boat’s DC dedicated circuit breaker that supplies power to the DC seawater pump.
4. With system powered up check the display for any ALARMS. If there are any ALARMS present they must be corrected first.
5. Press the Seakeeper ON/OFF Button on Display. The progress bar will appear and indicate how soon the Seakeeper will be available for stabilization. When the Seakeeper is initialized and up to minimum operating speed the STABILIZE button will appear. At this point, the Seakeeper is available for stabilization.

6. The seawater pump will operate for two minutes after the ON/OFF button on the display was depressed. After that the seawater pump output is turned on and off based on the temperature of the Seakeeper. Confirm pump operation and flow rate, if practical. Required flow is 2.5 GPM (9.5 LPM) minimum and 8 GPM (30 LPM) maximum.
7. Verify that there are no ALARMS present. If an ALARM is present it will be displayed.
8. When the Seakeeper reaches its maximum operating speed where maximum stabilization is available, the progress bar will disappear and the Seakeeper is available for maximum stabilization. Press the STABILIZE button. The button will turn blue indicating that the Seakeeper is stabilizing the roll motion.

9. Verify that there are no ALARMS. If an ALARM is present it will be displayed.
10. Press the STABILIZE Button to turn stabilization off. Then press the Seakeeper ON/OFF Button to power the Seakeeper down.
11. During normal operation, the Seakeeper should be stopped when stabilization is no longer required. This maximizes long term life as it allows the Seakeeper to start the coast down cycle before cooling is shutoff. Once the vessel is secured in the slip and the crew has shut down the generator and engines, the AC and DC breakers that control 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 the Seakeeper 6 will take 4+ hours to coast down to 0 RPM from full speed. When the flywheel has stopped the service screen will indicate 0 RPM.

6.1 Installation Checklist

Please Complete Checklist and E-mail to support@seakeeper.com or telefax to +1.410.326.1199

6.1.1 Mechanical Checklist
(Reference Installation Manual Section: Mechanical Installation)

• Seakeeper foundation installed in hull
• Foundation bolts torqued to specification

6.1.2 Electrical Checklist
(Reference Seakeeper Drawing No. 90396 – Seakeeper 5/6 Cable Block Diagram & Installation Manual Section: Electrical Installation)

Mount Components

• Display (near helm)

Connect Customer Supplied Cables

• Cable 3 (Customer Supplied)
  • Install lugs on both ends of customer-supplied 10 AWG ground cable
  • Connect one end of Cable 3 to nearest vessel ground and other end to Seakeeper rear brace

Connect Seakeeper Supplied Cables

• Cable 1 (Seakeeper Supplied)
  • Connect other end of Cable 1 to 12 VDC power at customer-supplied connection box or directly to circuit breaker
  • Plug connector of Cable 1 into mating connector on Seakeeper wire harness
• Cable 9 (Seakeeper Supplied)
  • Connect Cable 9 from SW PUMP VDC IN directly to circuit breaker
• Cable 5 (Seakeeper Supplied)
  • Connect Cable 5 from SW PUMP VDC OUT to customer-supplied 12 VDC seawater pump
• Cable 4 (Seakeeper Supplied)
  • Connect female end of CAN communications Cable 3 to mating connector on Seakeeper wire harness
  • Route CAN communications Cable 3 from Seakeeper to helm (male end goes to helm)
  • Connect male end of CAN communications Cable 4 at helm to CAN Tee Adapter
  • Connect Display and Seakeeper-supplied Cable 4 to CAN Tee Adapter with CAN Terminator

6.1.3 Cooling Checklist
(Reference Installation Manual Section: Cooling Installation)

• Verify coolant level just below filler neck in heat exchanger coolant reservoir.
• Connect seawater hoses / open sea cocks to heat exchanger and test seawater pump.
• Verify 2.5 GPM (9.5 LPM) minimum and 8 GPM (30 LPM) maximum seawater flow through heat exchanger under all operating conditions of the boat.

6.1.4 Start Up Checklist
(Reference Installation Manual Section: Start Up & Operation Manual Section: System Operation)

• Remove lifting bolts and install cover panels
• Turn on 12 VDC circuit breakers (one for power and one for 12 VDC SW Pump)
• Turn on 110-230 VAC circuit breaker
• Verify display works and no ALARMS are present
• Follow instructions in Installation Manual Section: Start Up Instructions to turn on the Seakeeper
• Verify seawater pump eventually turns on when the Seakeeper is ON
• Verify that no ALARMS are present
• Follow instructions in Installation Manual Section: Start Up Instructions to turn off the Seakeeper
• AC & DC power and seawater pump may be turned off after the Seakeeper is turned off by placing the Seakeeper in LOCK mode and turning the Seakeeper off
• Seakeeper takes 4 or more hours to coast down to 0 RPM from full speed

6.2 Required Supplies Needed for Seakeeper Installation

6.2.1 (Not Supplied With the Seakeeper)

6.2.2 List of Common Tools That May Be Required for Installation