What to Expect When Installing a SeaKeeper Ride System on Your Boat

If you’ve ever wished your boat could stay level, smooth, and more predictable while running through chop, SeaKeeper Ride may be the upgrade you’ve been looking for. Unlike the traditional Seakeeper gyrostabilizer—which works its magic primarily at rest—the SeaKeeper Ride system actively controls vessel attitude underway. Using precision blades and ultra-fast sensors, it counters pitch and roll before you even feel it.

At North Point Yacht Sales and Service, we’ve seen firsthand how transformative this technology can be. We’ve now completed or have scheduled SeaKeeper installs on 14 boats ranging from 24’ to 48’, giving owners a dramatic boost in comfort, performance, and control.

What SeaKeeper Ride Actually Does

SeaKeeper Ride is built around real-time motion control. With sensors sampling over a thousand times per second and compact blades mounted to the transom, the system automatically adjusts to keep your boat stable and composed. That means:

• Reduced pitch, roll, and list while underway

• Faster hole-shot and improved acceleration

• A more balanced, predictable ride in varying sea conditions

• Better handling and comfort for everyone on board

Whether you fish offshore, cruise with family, or run long distances, the system makes the boat feel more planted and confidence-inspiring.

Inside the Installation Process

A SeaKeeper Ride installation is more involved than a simple bolt-on accessory—it’s precision work done to exact tolerances. Here’s what our team typically handles during the process.

1. Compatibility & Transom Evaluation

Every project starts with a detailed inspection of:

• Transom structure and thickness

• Available space inside and outside the hull

• Waterline height and blade clearance

• Electrical system capacity

• Potential mounting locations with minimal turbulence

SeaKeeper Ride is most common on boats between 21–35 feet, but we’ve now installed systems on models up to 48 feet.

2. Cutting the Transom

To mount the actuator modules, we cut precise openings in the transom:

• Each cut must be perfectly mirrored on both sides

• Backing plates or reinforcement may be required

• Waterline placement is critical for proper operation

This is the most structural phase—one reason owners choose certified technicians like ours for the job.

3. Mounting the Actuator Modules

Once the openings are prepared, the actuators are installed:

• Modules are bolted through with marine-grade hardware

• Sealants ensure watertight integrity

• Wiring is routed cleanly through the boat to the helm

• Components are torqued and aligned to factory spec

4. Installing the Control Unit & Sensors

Inside the console, we integrate the brains of the system:

• Control processor and sensors

• Wiring harness connections

• Calibration of pitch/roll accelerometers

• User display or MFD integration (Garmin, Simrad, Raymarine, etc.)

5. Electrical Integration

To ensure long-term reliability, the system gets its own protected power source:

• Dedicated breakers

• Clean 12V or 24V feed

• Proper grounding and noise isolation

• ABYC-standard wiring practices

Often, we run new circuits to guarantee optimal performance.

6. Sea Trial & System Calibration

Every install ends with a thorough on-the-water test:

• Controller calibration to your boat's hull dynamics

• Motion sensor fine-tuning under real conditions

• Owner walkthrough of controls and features

The difference is immediate—most owners are shocked by how much flatter the boat rides at cruise.

Maintenance: Simple but Important

The SeaKeeper Ride system is low-maintenance, but not no-maintenance:

• Keep blades clean and free of fouling

• Inspect seals and torque values annually

• Perform periodic firmware updates

A little care keeps the system performing at its best.

Experience the Difference for Yourself

SeaKeeper Ride has quickly become one of the most popular upgrades among our customers—and for good reason. With 14 installations completed or already on the schedule, our team at North Point Yacht Sales and Service has the experience to make sure the fit, finish, and performance exceed expectations.

If you're curious how SeaKeeper Ride would work on your boat, we’d be happy to talk through options or schedule a consultation.