Seakeeper 26 GYRO User manual

Rev 2 FEBRUARY 2015
INSTALLATION MANUAL
SEAKEEPER 26 GYRO

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INSTALLATION
MANUAL
Product:
Document #:
Rev:
SEAKEEPER 26 GYRO
90265
2
SEAKEEPER 26 GYRO
INSTALLATION MANUAL
FEBRUARY 2015
Contents:
Section 1 – Mechanical Installation & PC-120 Guide
Section 2 – Electrical Installation
Section 3 – Cooling Installation
Section 4 – Startup
Section 5 – Installation Checklist and Required Supplies
44425 PECAN COURT, SUITE 151
CALIFORNIA, MARYLAND, 20619, U.S.A
PHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
E-MAIL: [e-mail]

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Section 1: MECHANICAL INSTALLATION
1.0 Introduction
This document is intended to give details and guidance to a boat builder or equipment installer to install
the Seakeeper 26 Stabilizing Gyro. The gyro is capable of producing loads up to 35.89 KN (8,070 lbs.) at
each of the four mounts and careful consideration should be given to foundation design to insure it is
capable of transferring these loads into the hull.
There are two methods of installing the Seakeeper 26 gyro:
1) Bolt-In Installation
2) Saddle Installation
It is assumed that the installer is familiar with bonding using high strength adhesives or mechanical
fasteners to marine structures and has performed structural analysis to assure the structure to which
the gyro mounts can properly transfer the loads the gyro creates into the hull structure. If the
installer has any doubt about the ability of the structure to transfer the gyro loads to the hull then he
should contact a licensed naval architect or marine engineer to do a structural analysis.
The installer should review the following list of reference drawings to ensure the installation procedure
is fully understood.
Reference Drawings
90244 Seakeeper 26 Gyro Hardware Scope of Supply
90271 Seakeeper 26 Gyro Installation Details – Bolt in Method
90272 Seakeeper 26 Gyro Installation Details – Bond in Method
90085 Seakeeper 26 Gyro Bond-in Saddle Kit
90086 Seakeeper 26 Gyro Bolt-in Installation Kit
90088 Seakeeper 26 Gyro Bond-In Installation Fixture Kit
90089 Seakeeper 26 Gyro Bolt-In Installation Fixture Kit
90310 Seakeeper 26 Gyro Cable Block Diagram
90320 Seakeeper 26 Gyro Cooling Water Schematic
FIGURE 1 – SEAKEEPER 26 GYRO

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Section 1: MECHANICAL INSTALLATION
1.1 Precautions
•Gyro must only be lifted from the supplied lifting eyes (See Section 1.4).
•Gyro flywheel is supported by precision bearings. Make certain while unpacking and lifting gyro
assembly to NOT drop or impart mechanical shock as damage to bearings could result.
•While handling / installing gyro assembly, protect exposed hydraulic brake cylinder rods (See
Figure 1) from scratches or damage as this could lead to premature seal failure and oil leaks.
•While handling / installing gyro assembly, do not allow electrical fittings that exit bottom of gyro
enclosure to come in contact with any surface or object as this could damage the fittings and
potentially affect the vacuum integrity of the enclosure.
•Exercise care to protect gyro painted finish as damage to finish could lead to early appearance
degradation of installed gyro.
1.2 Selection of Gyro Installation Location
Selection of mounting location of gyro should consider the following desirable features:
The gyro must be installed aft of amidships to minimize high
acceleration loadings due to hull/wave impacts during operation at
high speed or in large waves.
•Overhead access or sufficient clearance for removal / re-installation of gyro for overhaul in
future years.
•Gyro should be installed in a dry space to minimize effects of corrosion.
•Clearance for replacement of gimbal angle sensor on gyro gimbal shaft (see Figure 2).
•Clearance for filling / purging brake hydraulic oil (see Figure 2).
•Clearance for filling water/glycol cooling circuit (see Figure 2).
•Clearance for replacement of brake hydraulic cylinders (see Figure 2).

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Section 1: MECHANICAL INSTALLATION
VIEWS SHOWING RECOMMENDED CLEARANCES AROUND GYRO FOR USE OF HAND TOOLS, EASE OF MAINTENANCE,
INSTALLATION AND PROPER OPERATION.
FIGURE 2 – INSTALLED GYRO CLEARANCE CONSIDERATIONS

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Section 1: MECHANICAL INSTALLATION
Safety
There is a large torque about the gimbal axis when the gyro is precessing. Gyro cover panels
are provided to prevent personnel or equipment from contacting the gyro while it is in
operation. These covers should not be stepped on, or have anything placed on top. The
covers should always be in place during operation. If it is ever necessary to access the gyro
while the flywheel is spinning, the gyro must be locked at the display to stop the gyro from
precessing. Gyro maintenance should not be attempted unless the gyro is locked and the
flywheel has stopped spinning.
The gyro should be treated with the same respect one gives a high speed rotating propeller
shaft or engine shaft.
Noise/Soundproofing
Gyro noise has been measured under steady state conditions (no wave load) in Seakeeper's lab and in
our test boat. The steady state noise is typically in the range of 70-75 dB un-weighted. As the
frequencies emitting the highest sound pressures are low (like other marine machinery), it is
recommended that the gyro be installed in a machinery space that is already treated with
soundproofing.

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Section 1: MECHANICAL INSTALLATION
1.3 Selection of Installation Method
The Seakeeper 26 gyro can be affixed to the hull structure using two methods 1) Use bolt-in installation
or 2) saddle installation. See figures below.
OPTION 1- DIRECT FASTENING OF GYRO FOUNDATION TO SHIPS STRUCTURE
Option 1 would be applied when a metal structure is available for attachment. The foundation would
fasten directly to hull structure using isolation gaskets and either M16 or 5/8” fasteners. Depending on
the structure to which the gyro is fastened, blind threaded holes or thru-bolting can be utilized.
OPTION 2- SADDLE INSTALLATION (4 PLACES)
Option 2 would be most commonly used on a hull constructed of glass reinforced plastic (GRP) or
fiberglass. For this option, four 16 inch (406 mm) long by 8 inch( (203 mm) deep saddles are bonded to
properly spaced and prepared structural members that are an integral part of the hull structure.
Seakeeper recommends using a structural adhesive with a lap shear strength of 2000 psi (13.8 MPa) or
greater. Careful consideration should be exercised by the installer while selecting the appropriate
adhesive. Compatibility with the gyro’s cast aluminum A356- T6 saddles, hull structure and pot life are
three important factors to consider. Proper surface preparation in accordance with adhesive
manufacturer’s recommendations prior to installation is very important.

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Section 1: MECHANICAL INSTALLATION
1.4 Unpacking Crate
1) Reference Seakeeper Drawing No. 90244 Seakeeper 26 Gyro Hardware Scope of Supply for
items that ship with the gyro.
2) Remove electrical components, cables, and misc. items and set aside.
3) Remove packing materials that secure gyro assembly inside the crate.
4) Remove top and angled face cover panels to access lifting eyes
5) Attach spreader bar to the two lifting eyes located on the top of the gyro enclosure. Stay clear
of any other parts on the gyro. Gyro weighs 1383 kg (3050 lbs). See Figure 4 below.
FIGURE 4 – LIFTING ARRANGEMENT
Spreader Bar
Lifting Eyes

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Section 1: MECHANICAL INSTALLATION
1.5 Bolt-In Installation
1.5.1 Check and Preparation of Hull Structure
Refer to Seakeeper Drawing No. 90271, Seakeeper 26 Gyro Bolt-In Installation Details. Important
dimensional and load information is given in this drawing that will impact the design details of the
structure that will receive the gyro. It is assumed that a proper structural analysis has been performed
for the hull structure to which the gyro will be fastened to insure proper strength margins for the loads
the gyro will create during operation.
The hull structure supporting the gyro should be installed so the gyro is parallel to the waterplane in the
port/starboard and forward/aft directions. In addition, the four areas on top of the beams on which
the isolation mounts will rest need to be co-planar within 1/8th inch (3 mm) to minimize potential
distortion of gyro support frame when installed.(Similar to Figure 9).
Seakeeper provides an installation fixture assembly, P/N 90089, that contains four plates that mimic the
mating surfaces of the four isolation mounts located on the gyro’s foundation. These plates have 8 holes
located at the same centers as the holes in the isolation mounts. These smaller holes can be used to
locate the holes in the ship’s structure through use of a transfer punch. The fixture locates the hole
patterns at the proper spacing both in the fore-aft direction and the port-starboard direction. See
Figures 5 & 6 below. Once assembled, the fixture can be used to check clearances and alignment of the
hull structure.
Note: Do NOT use the installation
fixture to establish gyro envelope
dimensions. Refer to Drawing No.
90271 for envelope dimensions. A 3-D
model of the gyro is available on the
Seakeeper website
(www.seakeeper.com) to aid in
designing the gyro foundation and the
space around the gyro.
Figure 5 – Exploded View of Installation Fixture

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Section 1: MECHANICAL INSTALLATION
FIGURE 6 – NOTICE FOR CHECKING SQUARE OF ASSEMBLY

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1.5.2 Transfer of Holes to Foundation
1) Lower assembled fixture onto gyro
foundation.
2) The four areas where the isolation
mounts will rest should be coplanar to
within 1/8” (3mm). See Figure 9. Do
not use the fixture to check co-planarity
as it is not stiff enough.
3) Align fixture in desired location and
transfer holes from fixture plate to the
foundation structure. A transfer punch
is recommended for this step. Note that
holes in fixture plate are ø.257
(6.5mm).
4) Remove fixture and drill holes in foundation
at marked locations to mate with holes in
gyro isolation mounts. A ø.689 inch
(17.5mm) hole is recommended for the
provided M16 fasteners.
NOTE: Certain foundation designs that
employ threaded blind holes in thick plates
may require the installer to obtain
alternate fasteners.

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1.5.3 Installation of Gyro
1) Locate and position 4 isolation gaskets
onto foundation beams. NOTE: Sealant
or caulk is NOT recommended to be
applied.
2) Lower gyro into position onto
foundation beams and align over
drilled holes.
3) Install Seakeeper supplied M16
fasteners as shown in figure to right–
apply a moderate coat of nickel based
anti-seize compound to the threads of
each bolt prior to installation.
4) Torque all fasteners to 100 ft-lbs
(136 N-m).
5) Apply a small bead of sealant
(silicone or caulk) around the
perimeter of each isolation mount
where it rests on the beam. This will
prevent water from wicking
between the parts and setting up
corrosion.
6) Proceed to electrical and cooling
portion of the installation.

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Section 1: MECHANICAL INSTALLATION
1.6 Saddle Installation
Seakeeper has used Plexus MA590 adhesive for bonding the saddles to the GRP hull structure. Plexus
MA590 is a two-part methacrylate structural adhesive that has characteristics conducive to this type of
installation. Details of the bonding procedure in this manual will involve the Plexus MA590 product but
that should not exclude other suitable adhesives the installer chooses to use. See Sheet 6 of Seakeeper
drawing no. 90272 for loads information and recommended adhesive properties.
1.6.1 Initial Check and Preparation of Hull Structure
Refer to Seakeeper Drawing No. 90272, Seakeeper 26 Gyro Saddle Installation Details. Important
dimensional and load information is given in this drawing that will impact the design details of the
structure that will receive the gyro as well as selection of the adhesive to bond the gyro into the hull.
The foundation “saddles” of the gyro are designed to be bonded directly to the composite hull structure
of the vessel to effectively distribute gyroscopic loads. A complete bond is required between the inside
surface of the saddles and the hull structure. Seakeeper recommends having a minimum of 14
cartridges (450mL), 1 bottle Plexus PC-120 Primer/Conditioner, and 2 manual adhesive guns on hand for
installation. Two workers should apply the adhesive at the same time to finish the installation before the
adhesive starts to cure. To aid in determining the quantity of adhesive required, the interior surface
area (bonding surfaces) of each saddle is 287 in2(1852 cm2) for a total bonded surface area for all four
saddles of 1148 in2(7406 cm2).
The hull structure supporting the gyro should be installed so the gyro is parallel to the waterplane in the
port/starboard and forward/aft directions. In addition, the four areas on top of the beams that the
saddles will bond to need to be co-planar within 1/8th inch (3 mm) to minimize potential distortion of
gyro support frame when installed.
Note that any paint or gel-coat present in bond area should be removed so that adhesive will bond
directly to laminate fibers and resin.
Seakeeper provides an installation fixture assembly, P/N 90088, that locates the saddles at the proper
spacing both in the fore-aft direction and the port-starboard direction. See Figures 4, 5 & 6 below. Once
assembled with the provided saddle fittings, the fixture can be used to check clearances and alignment
of the hull structure. The fixture will allow the builder / installer to lay-up and adjust the foundation
dimensions to create a low-clearance fit between the gyro foundation saddles and the hull structure.
Shear strength of the adhesive will be maximized if the cured thickness between the vessel structure
and gyro saddles is at the thinner end of the adhesive manufacturer’s recommended range. Therefore,
the fixture should be used to confirm that the overall dimensions of the foundations are square and
level and that the adhesive gap is within Seakeeper’s maximum recommended thickness of .13” or
3mm.

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Section 1: MECHANICAL INSTALLATION
Note: Do NOT use the installation fixture to establish gyro envelope dimensions. Refer to Drawing
No. 90272 for envelope dimensions. A 3-D model of the gyro is available on the Seakeeper website
(www.seakeeper.com) to aid in designing the gyro foundation and the space around the gyro.
FIGURE 6 – EXPLODED VIEW OF SADDLE INSTALLATION FIXTURE

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FIGURE 7 – NOTICE FOR CHECKING SQUARE OF ASSEMBLY

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Section 1: MECHANICAL INSTALLATION
FIGURE 8 – SADDLE INSTALLATION FIXTURE ON NOTIONAL HULL STRUCTURE

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Section 1: MECHANICAL INSTALLATION
1.6.2 Fiberglass Hull Preparation
1) Position installation fixture (Fig 9) on hull girders noting recommended clearances for
maintenance from Figure 2. Check that the screws fastening the saddles to the installation
fixture are tight (Fig 6).
2) Mask hull area (as shown in blue, Fig 10) around foundation saddles for easy clean-up and to
create outline of surface area to receive adhesive as shown in brown, Fig 9. Insure that the
bond gap is within adhesive manufacturer’s recommended thickness, or 3mm if using Plexus
MA590.
FIGURE 9 - INSTALLING FIXTURE ON HULL
FIGURE 10 - MASKING PERIMETER OF SADDLES

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Section 1: MECHANICAL INSTALLATION
3) Raise fixture clear of foundation. Check all four mounting areas are co-planar to within 1/8” (3
mm) to each other, as well as parallel to the water line plane, as shown in Fig 11.
4) Thoroughly clean with alcohol or acetone all areas (highlighted in brown, Fig 9) of girders to be
bonded to remove any contaminates. Use new paper towels for cleaning, not shop rags.
5) Remove all paint and gel-coat from bond surfaces so that adhesive will bond directly to laminate
fibers and resin.
6) Thoroughly sand girder bond surfaces with 80 grit sandpaper. (IMPORTANT – BOND
STRENGTH MAY BE REDUCED IF THIS STEP IS SKIPPED.)
7) Wipe surfaces clean from dust with alcohol or acetone using new paper towels, not shop rags.
8) Re-position installation fixture on girders and double-check that the adhesive gap is within the
adhesive manufacturer’s maximum recommended thickness. (Note gap will be larger due to
absence of gel-coat.) Seakeeper recommends a maximum gap of 3mm if using Plexus MA590.
FIGURE 11 – COPLANAR PROPERTIES OF FOUNDATION