Seakeeper Ride was tested against other trim control systems using three identical Sportsman Open 262s. Ride’s unmatched speed, intelligence, and ability to cancel pitch, roll, and yaw gave it a decisive edge. The results show how this system redefines stability and performance on the water.
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•Ride's actuators are 20 to 40 times faster and a variable gain algorithm provides instant corrections for smarter trim than rivals.
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•Ride cancels yaw and keeps the boat balanced on all three axes, a key advantage over systems that fight roll and may induce yaw.
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•Testing on three identical Sportsman Open 262s shows the results come from the system itself, reinforcing safety, efficiency and confidence for offshore boating.
This spring, Seakeeper set out to prove just how effective their Ride system is by testing it against other leading trim control options. To make the comparison fair, they used three identical Sportsman Open 262s, each outfitted with a different system.
Click Here To See The Full Test
The Competitors
The comparison focused on three major approaches to trim control:
- Manual Trim Tabs – traditional systems requiring operator adjustments.
- Active Trim Systems – like Lenco Pro Control Auto and Zipwake, which use automatic adjustment.
- Seakeeper Ride – a fully automatic underway stabilization system built to neutralize pitch, roll, and even yaw.
Level Playing Field
By running the tests on three matching Open 262s, Seakeeper ensured the results came down to the systems themselves, not the boats. Each 262 is designed for serious fishing and family cruising, making it the perfect platform for this head-to-head evaluation.
What Stood Out
Ride’s biggest advantage comes from its speed and intelligence. Its actuators move 20–40 times faster than competitors, giving instant corrections to changing sea conditions. Combined with a variable-gain algorithm that adapts automatically to hull shape, direction, and sea state, Ride makes decisions that the others simply can’t keep up with.
Another key difference: Ride cancels yaw — the twisting motion of a boat. Competing systems sometimes introduce yaw while fighting roll, but Ride keeps the boat balanced on all three axes.
Results on the Open 262s
During the trials, the Ride-equipped Open 262 consistently reduced pitch and roll more effectively than both the manual and active trim systems. Whether compared to a bare hull or when all systems were in Auto mode, the Ride system outperformed across the board.
Even efficiency came into play. For the drag created, Ride produced significantly more control authority, meaning better stability without sacrificing speed or fuel economy.
Why It Matters
For offshore boaters, stability is more than comfort — it’s safety, efficiency, and confidence in every run. Seeing three identical Sportsman Open 262s used to validate Ride’s performance makes the results even more compelling.
We’re proud to see Sportsman Boats as the platform for this groundbreaking comparison, and even prouder that our owners can experience the difference of Seakeeper Ride firsthand.
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