05/27/2026
Several people asked for updates on the Seakeeper Ride system I had installed at Ocean Gate Yacht Basin . I have had this boat for 23 years (about 8,000 run hrs.), I know a 38’ Henriques Flybridge characteristics well (like an old pair of sneakers)
Here’s a few key observations after a few trips with it.
• The Ride system keeps the boat absolutely level with people moving around. Even when walking from side to side in the back corners when underway. Anyone that knows the 38 Henriques is weight sensitive when underway. The other day I had 2 customers (About 450lbs worth) standing in the corner and I never felt them. I could typically tell how many people were at the dinette or when someone went to the head.
• I ran the boat out of the inlet over the bar through the swells to see how it would perform. It was interesting the moment of weightlessness you usually feel when you get over the top of the swell wasn’t there; it drove us right down the back of the swell staying in contact with the wave. I was at a reasonable speed however without the ride system I would have felt it and with the Ride on it was smooth.
• It is smoother when in open water less slapping/bouncing of the bow.
• Going through a boat wake when passing, we go straight through the wake without that lean or getting caught in the wake.
• The boat tracks straighter overall, in a following sea and when weight shifts.
• We came into the inlet a few days ago with the tide ripping out, We turned at the north monument, and it drove right through the outgoing tide and chop like we were on rails. Typically, I would feel the current effect fight the bow turning, and I would have to be on the trim tabs immediately. Then we would lean over a little until we got straight with the current.
• Next trip we came straight in the buoy chain into the inlet the ride was smooth and straight the whole way. Return customers made unsolicited comments back at the dock that they never came through the inlet so smoothly.
• Everyone on board notices the improvement and beauty of the Ride system is that it automatically corrects the boats attitude. These tabs can move full up to full down 100 times a second. Admittedly I STILL REACH FOR THE TRIM ROCKER SWITCHES, it’s going to take awhile to break that habit!
• Seakeeper recently developed new software to allow the SeaKeeper Gyro system to talk to the SeaKeeper Ride system and I have run with and without the Gyro activated and do notice an improvement with both operating together when under way.
• We haven’t been in very rough conditions yet.
• Lastly, in my opinion there is no better place in our area to install a Seakeeper Product than Ocean Gate Yacht Basin they know the product inside and out and their fiberglass work is excellent!
If you are looking for Excellent work, On Time, on budget upgrades and repairs, do yourself a favor and contact OGYB @732-269-2565. I’m sure there are other yards to consider however, this comment is based on my experience with a Seakeeper 4.5 install in 2024 and Seakeeper ride system install in 2026 , I couldn’t be happier.
