b'MEMBERNEWSStabilization Systems Prove Important to Whale Watch VesselsTo keep customers happy, whaleis used for whale-watching excursions, watch operators prefer two things:nature tours and tender services for whales and a smooth ride in choppycruise ships calling at the port. The wa-ocean surf. In recent months, threeterjet-propelled vessel is equipped with PVA Vessel member operators havefour electric-powered Humphree HA installed a stabilization system from1000 transom-mounted interceptors, PVA Associate Humphree USA to helptwo mounted on each hull and Active produce a smoother excursion.Ride Control. Service speed is 28 knots Humphrees electric-poweredat a modest engine load.transom-mounted interceptors withPassenger comfort is a number fast-acting vertical blades react in milli- one priority when it comes to running seconds to create lift, counteracting rollwhale-watching vessels, which operate and pitch motions. Active Ride ControlA Humphree USA stabilization system was installed onin places where strong winds, currents is a highly sophisticated digital systemDolphin Fleets newest whale watching vessel to increaseand rough seas are often encoun-that uses inputs from GPS, gyro andpassenger comfort and enhance maneuverability. tered, said Matt Ketchen, vessel op-accelerometers to measure 3D rates oferations manager for Bar Harbor Whale turn and acceleration and feeds ordersCoastal Explorer, a 98-ft catamaranWatching Co. The Humphree inter-to adjust the interceptors automatically.passenger vessel, designed by Incatceptor system minimizes passenger In addition to stabilizing for roll andCrowther delivered to Bar Harbordiscomfort and seasickness regard-pitch, Active Ride Control automati- Whale Watch Co. in August, joinedless of the winds and waves. And the cally optimizes the boats trim and listtwo similar sister craft in the fl eet. Theautomatic tilt, list and turn control angles. vessel carries up to 149 passengers andfunctions improve performance and Eachyear,thousandsofpreventablemaritime accidents are caused by operator inattention, cited twice as frequently as the next leading factor. The Furuno BR500 Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System (BNWAS) helps to prevent these accidents.Scan this code with your smart phone for a Guided Tour of the BR500.www.FurunoUSA.com40DECEMBER 2019FOGHORN'