“And that meant including new reservoirs to store that oil on the vessel.”įor normal operation, the system requires around 1,500 litres of oil, but vessels usually carry a backup store of at least the equivalent amount. “But the SKF stabilizer uses oil of a different viscosity to those other systems,” explains Sascha Meinhardt, application account manager yacht at SKF. The Skat already has plenty of hydraulic equipment on board, mainly used to run comfort features, such as the motorcycle lift. But when it came to integrating the new stabilizers into the boat, they faced a significant challenge. In the Skat’s case, the combination of a V-shaped hull and limited space below deck made fixed fins the logical option.įor the replacement stabilizers, the team in charge of the Skat’s refit stayed true to the vessel’s original design ethos, selecting the SKF FZ400 hydraulic stabilizer that is well proven on yachts around the world. Ships with steep, square hulls, for example, usually use retractable stabilizers for mooring, tender operation or sailing into icy regions. The choice of stabilizer design for a vessel depends on multiple factors, including the shape of the hull and the space available to store the stabilizers. Retractable stabilizers can fold away into the hull when not in use, while fixed stabilizers are permanently deployed. Sascha Meinhardt, application account manager yacht at SKFįin stabilizers are available in retractable and fixed designs. We can extend this time interval significantly, reducing the need of oil changes During the refit, the existing stabilizers were scheduled to be replaced with larger fins that would be able to control the vessel’s roll when it was at anchor as well as when it was underway. This allows the vessel to maintain control in heavy seas and greatly improved comfort and safety for passengers and crew. These stabilizers protrude from the sides of the hull below the waterline, moving under automated control to reduce rolling. One major job on the list was the replacement of the SKF fin stabilizers. The vessel was then almost 20 years old, and the new owner decided it was time to send it to Peters Werft in Wewelsfleth, Germany, for a significant refit.
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