For over a decade Shark Experience, based in Bluff New Zealand, has been getting visitors up close and personal with Great White Sharks. Thousands of intrepid travellers have enjoyed the thrill of cage diving with the ocean’s apex predator – but Foveaux Strait, being Foveaux Strait, sometimes lives up to its rough reputation.
Enter Smartgyro.
Mike Haines, Owner and Operator of Shark Experience, wanted to improve customer comfort, i.e. reduce the rocking and rolling! He started the process by completing his own due diligence, comparing several well-known gyro stabiliser brands, including a number of air-cooled units out of China.
Ultimately, Mike opted for Smartgyro – and for the local marine expertise of Invercargill-based Gough Bros Engineering. Gough Bros had designed and built the 17-metre vessel for Mike, and have maintained it ever since.
“During shark season, we’re a 7-day-a-week operation, so I really wanted local technical support. I trust the work Gough Bros do, they’re right on the spot, and with them being Smartgyro dealers, it was a no-brainer” says Mike.
Mike also worked closely with Nick Law, Power Equipment NZ’s South Island Sales Engineer, to ensure the correct Smartgyro model was selected for the vessel and the demanding conditions it operates in.
“Nick and I completed a comprehensive questionnaire for Smartgyro. This was sent to Smartgyro Head Office in Italy – they reviewed all the specs and then recommended the Smartgyro SG20 for our Southern Ocean purposes.”
Another big advantage of Smartgyro is that it can be serviced while still in the boat – unlike some gyro units that need to be craned out, adding time and cost to any maintenance work.
Installation is scheduled for early August, with commissioning targeted for 1 September. All going well, Shark Experience will be tested, signed off, and ready for the first bookings of the new season in early October.
“We’re really looking forward to getting this new tech installed. In terms of guest comfort, we expect Smartgyro to be a real game changer – and another great selling point for the business,” says Mike.
Stay tuned for our project updates in the coming months!
Why Smartgyro is perfect for Oceania’s waters
Boating across Oceania often means navigating diverse and dynamic sea conditions, from tranquil bays to offshore swells. Smartgyro stabilizers, engineered for in-situ maintenance and optimal performance are tailor-made for these environments. With no need to haul vessels out for servicing, owners save time, reduce costs, and minimise downtime — especially crucial in remote or commercial settings.
