Have you every been on a boat that just wouldn’t stop rocking? Enjoying your time on the water should be the only thing on your mind, not the motion of your boat. Rocker Stopper is designed to break up the rolling motion and keep your boat flat at anchor. Deployed in under a minute these can save you hours of swaying during a fishing stop or being able to sleep all night. Effective on larger yachts especially when using outriggers or a boom but equally as useful on a smaller skiff hung directly off the side. Single panels work well as drift anchors to keep a boat pointed into the weather. Pairs of panels do well at anchor to counteract roll in both directions.
After researching all the common designs it was obvious the louvered panel is by far the most effective. These allow water to flow up through the panel as it drops then close with only a couple inches of upward movement. The frame and louvers are built from aluminum that has been given a durable anodized coating. The hinges and fasteners are all marine grade stainless steel.
On the way down the louvers open against stops at 45deg. This lets plenty of water through and closes quickly on the return stroke. The weight of the solid aluminum frame pulls it down down.
On the up stroke the louvers close and provide resistance. The frame traps water in a box preventing any sideways motion. A depth of 6’ is sufficient to get the panel below surface chop. There will be a current plume above the panel from the displaced water.
During the design process the question of stowage and being able to break the panel into a smaller size was heavily weighed. The advantages of having a quickly deployable and stronger panel outweighed a smaller stowage size. We commonly deploy these multiple times a day and keep them tied on. The panel was kept to 20” wide which is the same as a bunk cushion. It is about the size of a large beach chair and can fit in most lazarettes.
Deploying the panel takes less than a minute. We usually keep them in their cases, tied on and tucked under the rails. To retrieve the panels slowly pull in the lead line. At the bridles grab the upper two legs which will turn the panel vertical. Pull that thing out of the water like a hoop net full of lobster.
Deployed off a boom, spinnaker pole or both the dampening effect is increased dramatically.
Splices are brummel locked and looped for chafe protection. The shackles are torqued to spec with removable locktite, they will not come out unless opened with a tool and do not need locking wire. Small diameter dyneema bridles allow the panel to sink quickly.
Cases are available making moving and storage a breeze. A thick mesh bottom allows for drainage so the Rock Stopper can be rinsed off in the case. An open top with buckles allows good ventilation to to allow drying. Great for carrying dive gear or as a beach bag while the Rock Stopper is in use. The material is Serge Ferrari with a polyester weave and PVC coating. The durability and UV resistance is far beyond canvases like Sunbrella. The sides are made of 9oz Stamoid Light and the bottom is 17oz Batyline Duo which does a great job protecting decks.
Specifications
Size 20” x 40” x 2” (51 x 102 x 5 cm)
Surface area - 5 sq ft (1/2 m2)
Weight - 17.5 lbs (8 kg)
Lead Line Included - 1/2” x 15’ Nylon
Bridles - Samson Amsteel - 1/8”
Hinges and Hardware - 316 Stainless Steel
Frame and Louvers - 6061 Clear Anodized Aluminum
Designed and Manufactured in Santa Barbara with US material
Please contact us for pricing teddwhite@gmail.com
FAQ
Do these really help?
Even in relatively calm seas the amount of current these push to the surface is incredible. This energy is being taken directly from the boat rocking. If there is a broad side swell these will help any boat rock less. Pairs works significantly better than a single panel. Round or V bottom boats up to 30’ will rock 50-70% less with them hung right over the rails. Boats larger than 50’ will need outriggers or multiple pairs .
Will they corrode? Will there be electrolysis between the aluminum and SST?
Anodized aluminum and Stainless Steed are the perfect materials for this project despite how they can cause electrolysis. The best way to prevent this is regular rinsing. All fasteners and pivots are assembled with LANOCOTE which blocks oxygen that is needed to start corrosion. The anodize will be unaffected by a Scotch Brite pad which can be used to clean off growth and any exterior corrosion, then apply more LANOCOTE.
Is there a warranty? Can they be serviced?
The Rock Stopper comes with a full ten year warranty. In the unlikely event of a louver being damaged the frame can be disassembled and replacements are available. Removing the four end screws and two on the sides will release all louvers and their washers . The reassembly is a process best done on a work bench and probably not in a rolly anchorage. Every five years these six screws and the louvers should be removed, cleaned and new LANOCOTE applied. This will ensure that the Rock Stopper lasts a lifetime.
Can I try them out?
We are located in Santa Barbara and have a demo pair available for local delivery. Seeing is believing and after spending a day on the water we are sure you will see how well they work. Please contact us and take them for a trip.
Are they noisy?
When snorkeling the sound of the louvers closing is very obvious. Above water they are barely perceivable. If you hold the lead line while the boat rocks the vibration can faintly be felt. There are rubber bumpers under each lover and these along with a stretchy nylon dock line for the leader help to mitigate any noise transferred in the boat.