When building or refitting a yacht, onboard comfort is a top priority. A crucial element in achieving this is a top-tier stabilisation system, designed to mitigate the impacts of other boats' wakes and sudden bouts of rough seas. A strong contender in the market is the MC2 Quick Gyro stabilisers, which can reduce a yacht’s roll by up to 95 per cent when both underway and at anchor. BOAT sits down with Quick Group’s CCO, Andreas Karlsen, to explore how these stabilisers enhance the yachting experience.
Easy installation
Installing the stabilisers is a straightforward process, even when the yacht is in the water, as long as there is sufficient space in the engine or technical room. "In order to determine which stabiliser is best suited to your boat, we make a roll reduction calculation based on the boat’s data," says Karlsen. "We try to make these units as simple as possible. The simpler the unit, the less maintenance, the fewer service problems, and so on."
The unit is approximately 20 per cent smaller than many other gyro stabilisers on the market. This offers greater flexibility when installing the unit, which can be placed amidships or aft. "When installed amidships, the unit generally performs better, but since most boats do not have space, it could also be installed on the port or starboard side," notes Karlsen.
"The business relationship between the shipyard and Quick begins in the early boat planning stages,” says Lion Yachts’ technical manager Antonio Acconcia. “We are constantly supported by Quick’s technical department both in the most important production stages and in the aftersales period.”
An efficient cooling system
The stabilisers operate on a naturally dissipated, air-cooled system, making them standalone units that don't rely on secondary systems that could cause issues. Unlike water-cooled systems, they do not need water pumps or seawater intakes, which can introduce air bubbles and contaminate the water, leading to pump failure.
The gyroscope flywheel rotates on a horizontal axis, which evenly distributes the weight on the bearings. "Many other stabilisers on the market operate with a vacuum-based flywheel on a vertical axis, but this means it spins faster, requiring more cooling and putting more pressure on the system," Karlsen explains. With a horizontal axis, the weight is better distributed, requiring fewer rotations, reducing pressure on the system and promoting quicker stabilisation. If the unit reaches a certain temperature, it protects itself by reducing power to 80 per cent, then returns to normal operating mode once the temperature drops.
Minimal maintenance
The MC2 Quick Gyro stabilisers are designed for minimal maintenance, but annual checkups by an authorised service engineer ensure additional peace of mind. Maintenance can be conveniently performed directly on board. "If a problem occurs during usage or outside the maintenance period, we offer support," Karlsen says. Earlier this year, Quick expanded its capabilities by acquiring Yachting Marine Service (YMS) in Fort Lauderdale, now providing comprehensive service and maintenance support for all Quick products in this key yachting hub. "We are looking forward to expanding this service to provide more Quick service providers around the world," Karlsen adds.
Additionally, Quick has a vast network of trained service partners globally and teams based in its Italian, US and UK factories available for direct client consultation. For even greater assurance, Quick’s engineers are prepared to travel to any remote location worldwide if local support is unavailable.
“Technological innovation and research are fundamental to us, and this is why we chose to work with Quick, ensuring our customers have maximum comfort on board,” says Simone Lorenzano, general manager at Italian shipyard Fiart. “Quick’s stabilisers meet several requirements that are essential to us, including ease of installation and compact dimensions that are well suited to different boat sizes. Air cooling also ensures easier and more efficient maintenance.”
Advanced monitoring and management
The MC2 Quick Gyro stabilisers are managed via a remote touch panel with a five-inch graphic display, allowing users to monitor precession release, RPM and the angle of inclination. The panel also offers utilities such as periodic maintenance reminders and alarms for any failures, along with options for adjustments and display preferences. Additionally, the MC2 mobile app, available on both iOS and Android devices, records stabiliser performance during sea trials and provides a comprehensive view accessible on both smartphones and tablets.
To enquire about how to install the MC2 Quick Gyro stabilisers on your yacht, or for more information, contact the team at Quick today.
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