THE LAUNCH OF DOMETIC’S GYRO AND HOW IT COMPARES TO SEAKEEPER
Dometic Launched an Energy Efficient Gyro That’s Shaking Up the Market.
If there is an internet for gyroscope nerds, Dometic broke it last week when they introduced the DG3. If this machine is what Dometic says it is, Seakeeper and Quick have a problem on their hands.
If you’re looking for a general understanding of the different types of gyroscopes, I’ve previously detailed the differences between air-cooled and water-cooled gyros in this blog.
Dometic’s DG3 serves boats from 35-41 ft, and to put its systems into perspective, we’ll compare our findings to the Seakeeper 3, which serves boats 30-39 ft.
How Does it Compare?
Spin-Up Time and Performance
The primary selling points of the DG3 is its spool time (time it takes to get to full RPM and reach its maximum effectiveness). The Dometic DG3 brags about spooling up in just 16.5 minutes, night and day compared to the Seakeeper 3, taking all of 50 minutes. I sense there will be some industry arguments about these numbers once the DG3 gets into the field, but that’s for another day. Dometic claims to achieve such spool speeds via a new bearing design, a high-performance brushless DC motor and a more efficient mass placement, which allows full speed spooling with 40% less energy.
Cooling Systems
First thing’s first… My name is Reed, and I have a problem. I am acutely obsessed with how gyroscopes cool themselves. Before the DG3, we had two cooling styles: water-cooled (Seakeeper) and air-cooled (Quick). Dometic is throwing a wrench by adding a 3rd nomenclature to the mix: an “all-electric cooling system”, but from my research, this just sounds like a fancy way to say hybrid. The DG3 cools with electric fans and a titanium heat exchanger, although I have yet to find where the water comes from, since they claim there is no plumbing required.
On the flip side, the Seakeeper 3 uses a conventional seawater cooling system. It’s reliable but a bit more complex since it needs water intakes and a pump to circulate seawater and cool the gyro.
Power Requirements
The power situation is another place where these two differ. The Dometic DG3 is flexible with its power needs, working with 12V, 24V, or 48V DC systems. The Seakeeper 3 sticks to 12V DC. At this size vessel, its not so limiting, but its objectively nicer to have the bandwidth to deal with three power styles.
Installation and Maintenance
Thanks to its electric cooling system, the Dometic DG3 is generally easier to install without the requirement of seawater plumbing. Plus, with no pumps or water lines, the serviceable area is completely within the exterior housing of the DG3. The entire system is electric, including actuators and fans. The Seakeeper 3, being water-cooled, needs a bit more care—strainer cleaning and pipe & pump maintenance annually.
Price Point: DG3 vs. Seakeeper 3
The DG3 is a bit more expensive upfront, with an MSRP at $43,999, while the Seakeeper 3 MSRP is $39,300. Seakeeper will lose its margin in installation, where you need to factor through-hulls, plumbing and installation of a heavier component.
Final Thoughts: DG3 vs. The Rest
The DG3 is a revolution, but since it only serves boats 35-41 feet, Dometic’s impact on market share will be minimal until their gyro range expands. I assume Dometic will be extending their range to include gyros at various sizes. Until then, Seakeeper and Quick will own the rest of the market, but at 35-41 feet, I think the general consumer will side with a system that spools 3x faster, uses less energy, and requires less maintenance. Let’s not forget though, this is all hearsay until we see the DG3 in the real world.
About the Author
Reed Nicol is a licensed yacht broker with experience in all corners of the marine industry. He’s worked as an executive and sales director in yacht manufacturing and distribution, has structured commercial charter operations, and designed and executed notable refits. Read more about Reed’s marine journey, his love of helping 1st time boaters and his entrepreneurial spirit here.
Reed Nicol [Licensed FL Yacht Broker #11926]
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