RangerRoamer
Member
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2024
- Messages
- 22
- Fluid Motion Model
- R-27 (Outboard)
I finally got the chance to really test our new Seakeeper Ride 525 on our 2025 Ranger Tug R27 during a 4-day trip around SF Bay/Delta, and it did not disappoint. We encountered at worse 2-3 ft seas but mostly 1ft or less. I found myself constantly turning it off and back on, amazed at the difference it makes. We found it works in essentially all sea conditions and headings (head, following, quartering, and beam) but was most effective in short, steep chop because its rapidly controlling the boat's attitude between successive waves. We also found that in 2-3ft seas its most effective if you can maintain ~20–25+ mph.
While it has strong roll correction, it won't eliminate every roll (it only can control up to 70%), especially in a persistent beam sea. A quick manual adjustment on the keypad lets you trim a few degrees to port or starboard. You can also use it to push the bow down a little more when needed. SKR adjusts its auto function to incorporate the change. Normally, I’d be constantly working the trim tabs to accomplish basic stability.
The keypad is optional, but after using it on this trip, I’m glad I opted to install it. Having physical controls if you need to make adjustments on the fly is so much easier than making adjustments on the MFD SKR screen, especially if you're bouncing around.
My biggest takeaway is that SKR changes the overall feel of the boat. It’s not just about reducing pitch and roll in rough water. The boat tracks better, dampens pounding and feels more planted and stable even when conditions aren’t particularly rough. I noticed this anywhere from 10mph on. Below that the blades will just retract. You can change the assistance level at different speeds using the TCC (Trim Command Curve) on the SKR MFD settings screen.
Make sure you update the software to the latest version (2026.8.0) or the auto screen will not function right. Just download from https://ride.seakeeper.com/support/software-updates/, save to flash drive and insert into USB port on the SKR labeled cable behind the helm panel. It installs automatically.
It's a worthwhile investment but will run you $11-$14k, plus another $3k if fiberglass / pocket modification is needed. For another 1k or so you can (and should) get Prop Speed coating for de-fouling on underwater lights, holes and SKR tabs.
People often say Seakeeper Ride makes a boat feel about three feet longer and 1,000 pounds heavier. After this trip, I understand exactly what they mean. I don’t think I could own another boat without it.
So long trim tabs!
While it has strong roll correction, it won't eliminate every roll (it only can control up to 70%), especially in a persistent beam sea. A quick manual adjustment on the keypad lets you trim a few degrees to port or starboard. You can also use it to push the bow down a little more when needed. SKR adjusts its auto function to incorporate the change. Normally, I’d be constantly working the trim tabs to accomplish basic stability.
The keypad is optional, but after using it on this trip, I’m glad I opted to install it. Having physical controls if you need to make adjustments on the fly is so much easier than making adjustments on the MFD SKR screen, especially if you're bouncing around.
My biggest takeaway is that SKR changes the overall feel of the boat. It’s not just about reducing pitch and roll in rough water. The boat tracks better, dampens pounding and feels more planted and stable even when conditions aren’t particularly rough. I noticed this anywhere from 10mph on. Below that the blades will just retract. You can change the assistance level at different speeds using the TCC (Trim Command Curve) on the SKR MFD settings screen.
Make sure you update the software to the latest version (2026.8.0) or the auto screen will not function right. Just download from https://ride.seakeeper.com/support/software-updates/, save to flash drive and insert into USB port on the SKR labeled cable behind the helm panel. It installs automatically.
It's a worthwhile investment but will run you $11-$14k, plus another $3k if fiberglass / pocket modification is needed. For another 1k or so you can (and should) get Prop Speed coating for de-fouling on underwater lights, holes and SKR tabs.
People often say Seakeeper Ride makes a boat feel about three feet longer and 1,000 pounds heavier. After this trip, I understand exactly what they mean. I don’t think I could own another boat without it.
So long trim tabs!
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