Stabilizers

[Sharked]

Looking for more information on stabilizers, any 38E owners add stabilizers?

I know there was a 43E that added a Seakeeper, but I don't know if the 38E has enough space in the engine room?

I'm also planning to have A/C, generator and a watermaker so I think space is going to be an issue!

 

[Helmsman]

Looking for more information on stabilizers, any 38E owners add stabilizers?

I know there was a 43E that added a Seakeeper, but I don't know if the 38E has enough space in the engine room?

I'm also planning to have A/C, generator and a watermaker so I think space is going to be an issue!

Hi Sharked, I am not adding them. Perhaps one of the PNW H38E's can chime in. A quick call to Scott might net you the best answer. When will your boat be completed? A friend of mine with a 43 being delivered looked at adding stabilizers and passed on it.

 

[N4061]

I don't believe any H38 or H38E were built with stabilization and only one H43 (Bill's boat in San Diego) has a gyro. When we built the first H38E we specifically did not want to add a stabilization system and did not believe we required it for the boats mission (ICW) in a few years. Well things did not work out for us and the ICW did not occur leaving us on the west coast (San Diego) which is known for its swells. Coming from heavier Nordhavn's with active fin stabilization I can confirm my wife missed them more than me on the H38E resulting in less time on the water. The Hulls on both H38E and H43 are great and provide a comfortable ride, but as with any boat, once you are taking on good size beam seas you will roll, and the ride will be less enjoyable. Outfitting any boat is a balance of comfort, system complexity, cost and safety. If was to build another boat for any type of coastal cruising I would likely spend the money, deal with yet another system to maintain and add stabilization. I have no experience with Gyro Systems but do not like the idea of having to run the generator for power (more complexity) and likely stay with the well proven TRAC ABT active fin systems. They would be a tight fit on the H38 but on the H43 you plenty of room and Scott's team in China could likely handle it with support from the ABT factory representative.

John - Nordhavn 4050, 4061, 3522, H38E (Hull #1) former owner

Marshall Marine 16' Sandpiper - current owner

 

[Sharked]

Hi Sharked, I am not adding them. Perhaps one of the PNW H38E's can chime in. A quick call to Scott might net you the best answer. When will your boat be completed? A friend of mine with a 43 being delivered looked at adding stabilizers and passed on it.

I have not placed my order yet, I am about 12-18 months away from being ready to start the order process.

 

[Sharked]

I don't believe any H38 or H38E were built with stabilization and only one H43 (Bill's boat in San Diego) has a gyro. When we built the first H38E we specifically did not want to add a stabilization system and did not believe we required it for the boats mission (ICW) in a few years. Well things did not work out for us and the ICW did not occur leaving us on the west coast (San Diego) which is known for its swells. Coming from heavier Nordhavn's with active fin stabilization I can confirm my wife missed them more than me on the H38E resulting in less time on the water. The Hulls on both H38E and H43 are great and provide a comfortable ride, but as with any boat, once you are taking on good size beam seas you will roll, and the ride will be less enjoyable. Outfitting any boat is a balance of comfort, system complexity, cost and safety. If was to build another boat for any type of coastal cruising I would likely spend the money, deal with yet another system to maintain and add stabilization. I have no experience with Gyro Systems but do not like the idea of having to run the generator for power (more complexity) and likely stay with the well proven TRAC ABT active fin systems. They would be a tight fit on the H38 but on the H43 you plenty of room and Scott's team in China could likely handle it with support from the ABT factory representative.

John - Nordhavn 4050, 4061, 3522, H38E (Hull #1) former owner

Marshall Marine 16' Sandpiper - current owner

The problem I have is that stabilizers are a must have for my wife to be comfortable on the boat. And in order for this living and cruising plan to work I want my wife to be happy!

The 38E seems to be the perfect size and layout for just the two of us. However there is not enough room on a 38E to add HVAC, Genset, watermaker & stabilizers then I will have to move up to the 43E which with the added cost will further delay my plans!

 

[DDW]

Have you considered Rotorswing Magnus rotors? Can be electrically driven from alternator, and doesn't seem to take the same room inside, can be placed much further aft which might open possibilities.

 

[Hobomack]

It is true that we have not added stabilizers to a 38E yet, though it does have space for active fin stabilizers. When we built N4061's boat the yard designed the steps to the day head to be removable so that a fin assembly on the port side could be installed (and serviced) in the future if desired. There is a suitable area on the hull underneath and outboard of those steps. And there is a good location for the starboard stabilizer, accessed within the engine room.

A gyro could be accommodated in the machinery space below the salon, which would then require a different layout for the house battery bank. It is do-able -- though a bit tight.

Scott Helker
Helmsman Trawlers

 

[N4061]

Scott has a great memory and I agree the H38E with Stabilization would be a great boat without having to step up to the H43 and added costs. Worth mentioning there are no guarantees in life and getting out on the water sooner with a boat that works is better than waiting for a boat and letting life's uncertainties get in the way.
Maybe it's time to place your order for the H38E and be the first with Active Fin stabilization? Keep us posted on your progress!

John T.

 

[Fletcher500]

Looking for more information on stabilizers, any 38E owners add stabilizers?

I know there was a 43E that added a Seakeeper, but I don't know if the 38E has enough space in the engine room?

I'm also planning to have A/C, generator and a watermaker so I think space is going to be an issue!

We have a Gen, Gyro, AC units, Watermaker (components spread out), and a combo washer/dryer in our 43 and it all fits in there well.

We boat in unprotected waters with plenty of swell and chop, and after 4 seasons of fairly extensive coastal cruising, I appreciate the longer water line and volume the 43 provides. Heading into swell and heavy chop in particular has exceeded my expectations. She cuts through like a knife.

Scott extended our swim platform 9 in for water sport use. Our boat measures in at just over 46 ft.

My YouTube site has a lot of videos of the boat: https://youtu.be/OszQV2HF-u8