November 4, 2022 - Everett Marina - Stabilizer Center Lock Valves

November 04, 2022

When we had our Weimar stabilizers refurbished in 2020, just after receiving the boat in Seattle. Tyler from S-3 Maritime suggested the addition of center lock valves, a similar configuration as NAIAD stabilizers. We liked this concept as it would keep the stabilizers centered without having to power up the system.

After installation we performed a sea trial and were surprised that the Weimar stabilizers did not have as smooth a motion as we had expected. This was our first experience with Weimar stabilizers. After cruising for a year with the center lock valves, we thought we would try cruising without them to see if it made a noticeable difference in their motion. So, we had Tyler remove the center lock valves in 2021 to see if it made a difference.

At the end of this years 2022 cruise, and after further investigation, we concluded the center lock valves had very little impact to the smoothness of the motion of the stabilizers and had decided to re-install the center lock valves. So we had Tyler come back and install the center lock valves on our stabilizers.

This will take a step off our start-up procedure (power up the stabilizers) and will be less load on the engine as we often find we do not need the stabilizers. Since the fins have neutral bouncy, they tend to drift into a slightly splayed position when sitting and de-energized. Backing, with the stabilizers de-energized could cause damage to the fins and the system.

The center lock valves will reduce the risk of potential damage to the stabilizers should we forget to power up the stabilizers as they will be hydraulically locked in a centered position.