Breakaway Seal
The Ultimate Safety Factor
Every Gyro-Gale system is built with simplicity, safety, and serviceability in mind.
Designed for Protection
When impact occurs, the fin is designed to break away safely, preventing hull damage and costly repairs. Gyro-Gale's patented breakaway system ensures that even in the event of underwater obstruction, the vessel remains uncompromised.
At the breakaway point, the outer tube and the stabilizer fin separate — the inner/outer plates remain attached to the hull, with a completely separate seal. This mechanism protects the hull while allowing the stabilizer to be easily serviced or replaced.
How It Works
- 1The inner/outer plates are thru-bolted to the hull.
- 2Under normal operation, the stabilizer fin rotates on the outer tube, which is welded to the outer plate.
- 3If the fin strikes an object, the outer tube shears away, transferring no damaging force to the hull.
- 4The inner/outer plate and breakaway seal remain watertight and secure.
Engineered for Safety
- Breakaway fin design prevents hull damage
- Independent watertight seal maintains hull integrity
- Fail-safe pneumatic operation ensures reliability
- Simple inspection and service without hull entry
- Proven worldwide reliability since 1977
Zero Hull Compromise
The breakaway seal system has been proven in thousands of installations worldwide with zero instances of hull breach or water intrusion. Your vessel's safety is our top priority.
Comprehensive Safety Features
Multiple layers of protection ensure your vessel remains safe in all conditions.
Breakaway Fin Design
Prevents hull damage by allowing the fin to break away safely upon impact with underwater obstacles.
Independent Watertight Seal
Maintains hull integrity even after fin breakaway, ensuring no water intrusion into the vessel.
Fail-Safe Pneumatic Operation
Pneumatic system design ensures safe operation and automatic fail-safe protection in all conditions.
Simple Inspection & Service
Easy access for routine inspection and maintenance without compromising the seal integrity.
Proven Worldwide Reliability
Decades of proven performance in marine environments around the world with zero hull breaches.
Cost-Effective Protection
Prevents expensive hull repairs and potential vessel loss from underwater collision damage.
Breakaway Mechanism Process
Understanding how the breakaway seal protects your vessel in four critical steps.
Inner/Outer Plates Secured
The inner/outer plates are thru-bolted to the hull, providing a secure foundation for the stabilizer system.
Normal Operation
Under normal operation, the stabilizer fin rotates on the outer tube, which is welded to the outer plate.
Impact Protection
If the fin strikes an object, the outer tube shears away, transferring no damaging force to the hull.
Watertight Integrity
The inner/outer plate and breakaway seal remain watertight and secure, protecting your vessel.
Technical Specifications
Detailed specifications of the breakaway seal system.
Why Breakaway Protection Matters
See the critical difference between systems with and without breakaway protection.
Without Breakaway
- Impact force transfers directly to hull
- Risk of hull breach and water intrusion
- Expensive hull repairs required
- Extended downtime for repairs
- Potential vessel loss in severe cases
- Safety risk to passengers and crew
With Gyro-Gale Breakaway
- Zero force transferred to hull on impact
- Watertight seal remains completely intact
- No hull damage or costly repairs needed
- Quick fin replacement, minimal downtime
- Vessel remains fully operational and safe
- Complete peace of mind for owners
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the breakaway seal system.
What happens if the fin hits an underwater object?
The outer tube is designed to shear away cleanly, allowing the fin to break free without transferring any damaging force to your hull. The inner/outer plates and watertight seal remain completely intact, protecting your vessel from water intrusion.
Will water enter my vessel if the fin breaks away?
No. The breakaway seal is completely independent and remains watertight even after the fin separates. This dual-seal design ensures zero water intrusion under any circumstances.
How difficult is it to replace a broken fin?
Fin replacement is straightforward and can be completed quickly by our certified technicians. Because the hull seal remains intact, there's no need for haul-out or extensive repairs. Most replacements are completed with minimal downtime.
Has the breakaway system been proven in real-world conditions?
Yes. With nearly 50 years of installations worldwide, the Gyro-Gale breakaway seal system has a perfect track record with zero hull breaches. It has protected countless vessels from underwater obstacles, debris, and collision damage.
Does the breakaway feature require special maintenance?
No special maintenance is required. The breakaway seal system is designed for simplicity and reliability. Regular inspections follow the same procedures as the rest of your stabilizer system, with easy external access for service.
Protect Your Investment with Proven Safety
Experience the peace of mind that comes with the world's most reliable marine stabilization system.