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Simple physics with a significant impact
3rd Aug 2026
A cut-away render of the Southport Lifeboat showing the position of the Wavebreaker integral bow tank (image: Salmon Marine).
A new technology originally conceived to improve the performance of offshore racing powerboats has evolved into a solution for reducing the vertical accelerations experienced by crew and passengers operating at speed.
Salmon Marine is supplying one of its Wavebreaker dynamic ballast systems for a new 9m aluminium-hulled search and rescue craft under construction by Dutch boatbuilder Habbeke for the UK’s Southport Independent Lifeboat.
How it works
A pick-up valve mounted low on the transom admits seawater into a vented ballast tank positioned well forward in the bow.
Once the vessel exceeds approximately 12knots, the pressure generated beneath the hull