Stabilizer fins - how exposed are they, really?

[twistedtree]

I think the majority of power boats have props, shafts, and struts that are just as exposed as any stabilizer fins. It's just not that big a deal.

Oh, and what about outboards. Those darn things hang down in the water ready to catch anything and everything and rip the whole transom off the back of your boat.

 

[markpierce]

Gunkholing is for rudder/single-propeller, keel protected boats, without snagging stabilizers.

... Cattle coming home from alpine pastures:

 

[guy with a boat]

I have Wesmars and will have the seals redone at next haulout. I know its not apples to apples, but if you do not mind my asking, what was the cost for the seal? Also, can you please share what yard did the work, if in So. Cal?

I asked around quite a bit for yard recommendations to do my ABT Trac stabilizer fin seals and service earlier this year. Based on that research, I went to Shelter Island Boat Yard in San Diego for that service and bottom paint. Was happy with the work and the cost was competitive.

As a side note, the bottom paint job was the best I have ever seen done on a bigger (not a trailer boat) boat. The entire hull is power sanded and every thin or bare spare gets 3 coats of epoxy barrier coat/primer. Other details were right also but you get the idea.

I never like going to the boat yard but these guys are better than most.

 

[Gordon J]

Stabs...don't leave home without them.

I have twice serviced my ABT TRAC stabilizers. The service kit from the company costs about $800. I did the work myself. Trac technicians helped guide me through the process. The company even loaned me the socket too remove the nut holding the fun on. The hardest part is recalibrating the sensors that determine the fins' positions.

Everything's this has been discussed, those without stabilizers seem to disparage their negligible danger to justify their lack of stabilizers. I would not own a trawler without them.

I tried to upload a file where I turn the stabs on and off, while underway, but the site would not permit.

 

[Taras]

I have Wesmars and will have the seals redone at next haulout. I know its not apples to apples, but if you do not mind my asking, what was the cost for the seal? Also, can you please share what yard did the work, if in So. Cal?

Yes, Tim Dyck (35 year Naiad Tech 310-505-3151) did the work for me in "The Boat Yard" in Marina Del Rey . The total cost was $2400 for seals and to replace the bearings on the ports side (had a little too much play, so we agreed it was time to replace those specific bearing and that added to the cost). The parts are not expensive. The labor rate of $125 per hour is what adds up. He works on and installs ALL fin systems.

 

[MYTraveler]

Yes, Tim Dyck (35 year Naiad Tech 310-505-3151) did the work for me in "The Boat Yard" in Marina Del Rey . The total cost was $2400 for seals and to replace the bearings on the ports side (had a little too much play, so we agreed it was time to replace those specific bearing and that added to the cost). The parts are not expensive. The labor rate of $125 per hour is what adds up. He works on and installs ALL fin systems.

I appreciate the reference and other info. My last haul was at The Boat Yard and they did a good job (bottom paint, replaced on of the kelp guards on my fins, etc.). Thanks!

 

[Nautica]

I have been unlucky enough to hit a snagged submerged log and snap off a fin. No damage to the hull, no leak, just replace the fin complete with it's shaft. Unfortunately the fin did bump a propellor blade on it's way out. I am definitely a fan of fins for making the ride comfortable at sea