Why Stabilization On Catamarans Matters

With increasing interest in multihull stabilization—evident at recent boat shows and in discussions with dealers and customers—this blog explores why more catamaran owners and builders are now considering gyro stabilizers as a valuable enhancement to onboard comfort.

The Catamaran Roll: Sharp and Uncomfortable

Catamarans roll less than monohulls—but when they do, the motion is faster, sharper, and harder to predict or control. This is particularly true in beam seas or confused conditions, where even small roll angles result in rapid accelerations that passengers perceive as uncomfortable.

Why a Gyro Makes the Difference

Gyro stabilizers like Smartgyro, are designed to reduce boat roll by harnessing the physics of angular momentum. Inside the Smartgyro system, a high-speed flywheel spins within a sealed, vacuum-enclosed sphere. As the vessel rolls due to wave motion, the gyroscope responds by generating torque that counteracts the movement and helps stabilize the vessel.

Read more about exactly how a Smartgyro stabilizer works here.

The gyro works in harmony with the catamaran’s natural stability, effectively smoothing out its sharp, short-period roll and sudden accelerations. The result is a significantly more comfortable and predictable onboard experience for both guests and crew.

Why Smartgyro

Smartgyro’s compact, modular design allows for easy installation inside tighter, segmented spaces typical of catamarans. The unit can be disassembled for transport and installed without major structural modifications—ideal for both new builds and refits.

Unlike other systems, Smartgyro can be fully serviced onboard, minimizing downtime and keeping charter or owner-operated schedules on track. Smartgyro enhances stabilization using state-of-the-art engineering:

• Sensors detect wave motion and boat movement in real time
• Control algorithms fine-tune the system’s response, adjusting the braking to match the sea conditions
• The result is seamless, continuous stabilization.

Proven Performance on a Groundbreaking Catamaran Project

This is precisely why Bluegame partnered with Smartgyro, to enhance the comfort and stability of its BGM75. In this project, two Smartgyro SG80 units were installed, one in each hull to optimize the boat’s dynamic behavior when cruising and at anchor.

Given the unique setup of a power catamaran, Smartgyro’s R&D team worked closely with Bluegame’s naval architects to assess and validate the feasibility of the dual-gyro configuration. Since no pre-existing simulation model for this kind of gyro installation on multihulls was available, Smartgyro conducted in-depth technical analysis, tailoring software adaptations to ensure smooth, in parallel operation of the two units.

Thanks to detailed force data provided by Smartgyro, Bluegame was able to perform structural adjustments to the hull design and ensure the installation met the required engineering and safety standards. The result is a high-performance catamaran that delivers exceptional comfort and responsiveness, proving how gyro stabilization can elevate the experience on even the most innovative multihull designs.

A gyro stabilizer is no longer an optional extra, it’s an essential feature.