Description
Dometic DG3 Gyroscopic Stabilizer - What It Is, What It Does, and What to Plan Before Install
If you have ever watched your boat slowly “rock and roll” at anchor and thought, “There has to be a better way”, you are not alone. Gyro stabilizers exist for one reason - to make time on the water more comfortable, safer, and less fatiguing.
This is an informational article for research and planning only. It is not an online offer for sale, we are not a dealer nor installer for the Dometic DG3. Visit Dometics DG3 Page Here to locate your local dealer and installer. Specs and requirements should always be verified using current manufacturer documentation and with a qualified installer.
Presenting the first truly active gyro in the recreational market-the Dometic DG3. Gyro stabilization has quickly become one of the most noticeable comfort upgrades you can add to a modern boat. If you spend time at anchor, drift fishing, rafted up with friends, or sitting in a marina with constant wake action, you already know how tiring boat roll can be. A properly matched gyro stabilizer can reduce that side-to-side motion, making the boat feel calmer, more predictable, and easier for everyone onboard to enjoy.
The Dometic DG3 is a marine gyroscopic stabilizer designed to help reduce roll at rest and underway. Instead of using external fins, a gyro stabilizer works from inside the vessel by spinning a flywheel at high speed and generating counteracting forces as the boat rolls. The goal is simple - less roll, less fatigue, and more time actually enjoying the day instead of bracing yourself or constantly shifting weight around.
TL;DR - why people care about gyro stabilization
- More comfort at rest - less roll at anchor and at the dock.
- Less fatigue underway - especially in quartering seas and choppy conditions.
- No external fins - a popular choice for owners who want stabilization without fin exposure or added drag.
- Planning matters - weight, space, structure, electrical capacity, and cooling water routing are the big pieces.
So what is the Dometic DG3?
The Dometic DG3 is a marine gyroscopic stabilizer. In simple terms, it is a high-speed spinning flywheel inside a protective enclosure. When your boat rolls, the gyro’s controlled response generates counteracting forces that resist that rolling motion.
Owners typically notice the biggest improvement when they are stationary - drifting, anchored, rafted up, or sitting in a marina with wake action. Underway, it can also reduce the “constant correction” feeling that makes a day on the water tiring.
How a gyro feels in real life (what customers usually describe)
- The boat still moves - it just moves less, and more slowly.
- People can stand, cook, and walk around with more confidence.
- Kids and guests often handle the ride better (less “white knuckle” time).
- At anchor, the improvement can be the difference between “let’s leave” and “let’s stay another hour.”
DG3 highlights (high level)
From publicly available manufacturer literature, the DG3 is commonly described with features like:
- All-electric precession (no hydraulics)
- Dynamic precession behavior to adapt to conditions
- Multi-voltage DC input compatibility (commonly referenced as 12V, 24V, or 48V systems)
- Ethernet connectivity for monitoring and integration options
- Titanium heat exchanger and cooling considerations designed for marine use
Planning checklist before you call an installer
If you bring these details to the first conversation, you will save time.
- Boat make, model, year
- LOA, beam, approximate displacement (loaded)
- House voltage (12V, 24V, 48V) and charging capacity
- Potential install location and access path (hatches, doors, stairs)
- Structural considerations (stringers, bulkheads, mounting surface)
- Cooling water routing options and strainer location
Tip: Gyros are heavy. The “getting it into the boat” plan is just as important as where it mounts.
Reference specs (for rough planning)
| Spec | Reference value |
|---|---|
| Model | Dometic DG3 |
| DC power input | Commonly referenced as 12V, 24V, or 48VDC (verify for your application) |
| Operating speed | 4,700 RPM (reference) |
| Spool-up to stabilization | About 9.5 minutes to 2,720 RPM (reference) |
| Spool-up to operating speed | About 16.5 minutes to 4,700 RPM (reference) |
| Spin-down time | About 16.5 minutes (reference) |
| Operating power | About 260-750 W, sea state dependent (reference) |
| Envelope dimensions | Approx. 27.1 L x 27.2 W x 23 H (inches) |
| Weight | Approx. 570-580 lb (verify current documentation) |
| Seawater supply | 2 GPM (min) to 6 GPM (max), for heat exchanger cooling (reference) |
| Warranty | 3-Year / 3000-hour standard warranty (reference) |
All values above are provided as a planning reference only. Confirm current specifications and requirements in the latest manufacturer documentation and with your installer.
Installation tips
- Start with the access path: Make sure the unit can physically reach the install location before anything else.
- Prioritize structure: Mounting area strength and reinforcement planning is critical.
- Leave service clearance: Do not “box it in” so tightly that future service becomes a teardown.
- Cooling water routing: Plan strainers, hose runs, and serviceability from day one.
- Electrical reality check: Verify charging and house capacity so you are not constantly managing power.
Maintenance guidelines
- Visual inspections: Look for chafe, corrosion, loose fasteners, and any sign of water intrusion around fittings.
- Strainer service: Keep the seawater strainer clean and accessible.
- Clean install area: Avoid storing gear against the unit or blocking ventilation and service points.
- Follow the manual: Use manufacturer procedures for commissioning, operation, and troubleshooting.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does a gyro help at anchor? | Yes - that is one of the biggest reasons owners install gyro stabilization. |
| Is a gyro the same as trim tabs? | No. Trim tabs shape running attitude. A gyro is focused on roll reduction by resisting rolling motion. |
| Do I need a survey? | Often, yes. Installers commonly confirm space, access, structure, electrical capacity, and cooling water routing before committing to an install plan. |
| What boats are a fit for DG3? | Fitment is not based on length alone. Displacement, roll characteristics, structure, and available space are key. Use the checklist above to start the conversation. |
Downloads
Find your local dealer and Installer
- You can view Dometics DG3 Page Here, click the "Find in Store" button for your local dealers and installers of the DG3.
Additional Information
Can I install the DG3 in a boat I already own?: |
In most cases, yes. Certified installers will perform a vessel survey and consult with a naval architect to ensure your boat meets the necessary structural requirements. |
What size boats are compatible with the DG3?: |
The DG3 is designed for boats ranging from 35 to 41 feet. Additional requirements may apply. |
What happens if there’s an issue with the DG3?: |
The DG3 is built with safety as a priority. Its advanced software continuously monitors key parameters. If an issue arises, the system will alert you via the boat’s MFD (multifunction display) and initiate a spin-down process if necessary. |
Can the DG3 be repaired without removing it from the boat?: |
Repairs depend on the available workspace, but in most cases, yes. The DG3 is designed for easy component access and replacement. |
How much does it cost to service the DG3?: |
The DG3 was engineered to minimize long-term maintenance costs. It is maintenance-free for the product's lifespan, requiring only basic upkeep such as keeping the unit clean, free of debris, and performing routine visual inspections. |
What is a gyro stabilizer, and how does it work?: |
A gyro stabilizer reduces a boat’s rolling motion by spinning a heavy flywheel at high speeds. As the boat rolls, the gyro’s precession generates stabilizing forces, counteracting movement and enhancing onboard comfort. |
Why should I choose a gyro stabilizer over other stabilization options?: |
Gyro stabilizers offer several benefits: they don’t require external fins that can add drag or risk damage in shallow waters, they operate silently, and they are effective whether the boat is stationary or underway. |
Will a gyro stabilizer make a big difference in comfort?: |
Absolutely. A gyro stabilizer can reduce roll by over 90%, making time on the water more comfortable, especially in rough conditions or while at anchor. |
Does the DG3 consume a lot of power?: |
The DG3 is designed to be energy efficient. Power consumption depends on the operating conditions, but the system has been optimized to minimize its impact on your boat’s electrical system. |
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