SHOCK-WBV introduces under seat suspension units designed for, and proven to, combat body vibration

by Zella Compton 18 Jun 2018 10:45 UTC

SHOCK-WBV is showcasing its new ranges of shock mitigating products at SEAWORK, stand Q32, with particular focus on its C-series, the under seat suspension unit designed for new or retro-fitting to commercial and large leisure boats.

Graham Brown, Managing Director says: "This is our sixth time exhibiting at SEAWORK, but the first time we're bringing our SHOCK-WBV: C-series. We're delighted to be showcasing this latest, innovative, under seat suspension unit which provides comfort and reduces whole body vibration. The C-series is for those on commercial or larger leisure boats, and its already selling around the world to coastguard agencies and superyachts. We're at SEAWORK because the exhibition brings a diverse range of serious buyers together and that's who we're there to speak to, as we're very serious about our latest engineering solution for whole body vibration (WBV)."

Designed, tested and manufactured in the UK to reduce whole body vibration via an under seat, retro-fit shock mitigation system, SHOCK-WBV has three iterations, each coming with the choice of three shock absorber options. The C-series is specifically for commercial vessels, the P-series for pedestals and R-series for RIBS.

"We realised early in our testing and design," Graham continues, "that ultimate comfort could only be achieved with different designs for different seat types. Our original unit was a one-size-fits-all solution to aching bones after hours on the water, but we quickly realised that we could improve on that. Our second generation featured evolved movement and lateral support for real comfort, before we made the breakthrough into our third generation – that of engineering specific SHOCK-WBV series for commercial vessels, pedestals and RIBS. We are able to improve and evolve quickly with our in-house design and manufacturing capabilities and have taken real strides forward to launch our latest units for different boats and seating types."

The SHOCK-WBV: C-series is lightweight and tough as it's made from aerospace grade aluminium and 316 Stainless Steel. Water jet aluminium tooling plate is used throughout the C-series as it has no flaws in the material. This means that the C-series can be manufactured to much tighter tolerances than cast aluminium, eliminating 'play' (unwanted lateral movement and twisting). In addition, due to the width of the C-series units, a dedicated water jetted aluminium bracing plate has been added to increase stiffness and further reduce any twisting. The C-series is one of the toughest units available and, under proposed ISO methodology classes is rated:

2 – commercial and leisure
3 – search and rescue

Technical specification:
The system offers built-in lateral stability for superb levels of comfort.

• Travel: 83mm
  
• Vertical: 71 mm
  
• Horizontal: 43 mm
  
• Unit weight: 4.9kg

Suitable for boats on inland and coastal waters.

The C-series comes with three shock absorber options:

• SHOCK-WBV: C1 - FOX Float EVOL Shock
  
• SHOCK-WBV: C2 - DNM Air Shock
  
• SHOCK-WBV: C3 - DNM Spring Shock

SHOCK-WBV's range for commercial vessels (C-series), pedestals (P-series) and RIBS (R-series), has been iteratively developed and manufactured in Warsash, Southampton by parent company Sea Sure. Each series is carefully designed and tested multiple times. As well as hundreds of hours on the water testing, SHOCK-WBV is also tested on Sea Sure's inhouse ISO certified drop test rig. Data from both testing systems are used through development to further improve the performance.

Graham continues: "We've seen fantastic take-up from the Swedish coastguard among many others. As we are all well aware, EU directives mean that boat owners have responsibilities, so we're delighted that SHOCK-WBV works so well to decrease whole body vibration. Our engineering can really help owners with their duty of care to passengers and crew."

Appointments to discuss why SHOCK-WBV's under seat suspension units leave the competition standing can be booked by emailing .

For more information about SHOCK-WBV and / or Sea Sure, visit: www.sea-sure.co.uk.