Marine stabilizer systems have been around for a long time, but typically have only been used on larger passenger ships and super yachts. Stabilizers are hydraulically driven fins that are mounted on the bottom of the boat, so when the boat rolls, the fins turn like a rudder providing a greater degree of stability.

Stabilizers have been developed for use on smaller yachts and motor boats, however, a relatively new innovation are ‘at rest’ stabilizers which significantly reduce vessel roll while at anchor, moored or while drifting. Stabilizers reduce the uncomfortable rolling motion of the boat by up to 95% which gives several advantages including increased comfort on board especially whilst at anchor and enables overnight stays in anchorages that without an ‘at rest’ stabilizers system would have been unpleasant. Increased use of the boat is also possible as you are able to be out in more challenging weather conditions.

Whilst under way stabilizers reduce wear and tear of the boat as you do not have to always head into or away from larger waves in order to avoid people becoming seasick through the uncomfortable rolling motion on board. Whilst adding fins, will basically increase the fuel consumption at the same speed, overall fuel consumption will be reduced as it is possible to take the most direct route even in rough conditions.

It is also possible to go at a lower speed in a beam sea whilst still being comfortable (modern cruisers have less roll at higher speeds, thereby they are often driven hard to avoid the rolling).