Zipwake Dynamic Trim Control System: All You Need to Know

Analysts expect global recreational boating to grow by more than 5% over the next six years. Whether you’re new to boating or you’ve been doing it for years, you want to get the most from your watercraft. A Zipwake Dynamic Trim Control System can significantly improve your boating experience. Your powerboat will be safer while also giving you better performance.

What Is New With the Zipwake Dynamic Trim Control System?

Zipwake is a Swedish marine brand with a global network of distributors and dealers. The company focuses exclusively on motion-control equipment.

Zipwake started in 2011 with a team of marine and automotive engineers. They were looking for new solutions to the trim problems of planing and semi-planing boats. The Zipwake Dynamic Trim Control System Series S was launched in 2014.

Zipwake now offers Series S and Series E dynamic control systems. The Series S is ideal for planing or semi-planing boats between 6 m and 18 m. The Series E is designed for larger boats, from 18 m to 30 m.

Benefits of the Zipwake Dynamic Trim Control System

A Zipwake Dynamic Trim Control System addresses the trim issues that planing and semi-planing powerboats have. Proper trim is critical for safety, comfort, and fuel efficiency.

Zipwake
Zipwake Interceptors vs Trim Tabs

Issues With Trimming a Planing or Semi-Planing Boat

All planing boats face the challenge of getting into planing mode quickly. You want to use the least amount of force to create as little drag as possible.

Having the trim all the way down helps get the boat on plane as it accelerates. Trying to get on plane with the trim up makes the prop dig a hole behind the boat. This wastes fuel and stresses the engine.

Once on plane, trimming up lets the boat skim over the water instead of pushing through it.

Adjusting the trim as conditions change is important. For example, trimming down in rough water helps soften the ride.

However, a boat with the trim angle too far down makes the boat difficult to control. A boat with the trim angle too far up creates problems with hull pounding and forward visibility. An extreme in either direction can make a boat swamp.

Finding the right attitude depends on your boat, its load, water conditions, and the weather for each outing. It takes experimentation and experience.

How Zipwake Gives You a Trimming Advantage

A Zipwake Dynamic Trim Control System benefits your boating in several ways. It eliminates the difficulties of manually trimming the boat to match changing conditions.

The Zipwake normally operates in automatic control mode. It automatically adjusts as water conditions change and as people move around in the boat. This means you can focus on enjoying the ride.

The Zipwake eliminates pitch and roll. These types of motions can be dangerous as well as uncomfortable. Automatic motion control features include:

  • Active roll control
  • Advanced turn recognition
  • Coordinated turns
  • Curve-based pitch control
  • Pitch-offset control with quicksave
  • Basic pitch control curve from boat dimensions

The Zipwake system minimises wave resistance, which saves fuel. You get better fuel economy and better performance.

Zipwake
Zipwake

How the Zipwake System Works

Trim tabs are the traditional method for adjusting trim. They’re adjustable flaps attached to the bottom of the transom. Dashboard switches control their angle in relation to the transom.

Zipwake uses new interceptor technology. An interceptor is a vertical plate attached to the transom. It raises and lowers so that the bottom edge extends just below the transom.

The small vertical edge below the transom creates lift.

Series E System
Series E System

Advantages of Zipwake Interceptors

Zipwake interceptors have several advantages over trim tabs.

Interceptors have a low profile. They only extend 30 mm to 60 mm into the water. Trim tabs can extend 150 mm or more, which creates more drag.

Interceptors actuate at least 5x faster than trim tabs. The Zipwake blade stroke only takes 1.5 seconds. You can get on plane faster, and you get more responsive trim adjustments.

Interceptors in the Zipwake System

In a Zipwake system, the interceptors connect to a distribution unit. The distribution unit also connects to the boat’s power and the Zipwake control panel. The control panel installs at the helm.

The system has built-in high-frequency GPS and 3D gyro sensors. In automatic mode, this data enables dynamic motion control. Pressing the “Auto” button activates this mode.

If you prefer manual control, the control panel has two control wheels. They give you intuitive control of running trim, heel or heading.

You can add the Zipwake display to your boat’s NMEA 2000 network. This lets it communicate with external devices like your other boat displays. It can also get GPS information from your boat’s network.

Watch a short video on interceptors vs. trim tabs below!

Zipwake Interceptors vs Trim Tabs

Series S Interceptor Specifications

Zipwake Series S has straight, chine, intermediate, and V-shaped interceptors. You can install up to six interceptors on the same distribution unit.

Installation kits are available with straight or chine interceptors. Kit Boxes with straight interceptors give you four choices of interceptor length:

  • 300 mm
  • 450 mm
  • 600 mm
  • 750 mm

Chine Kit Boxes are available in 300 mm and 450 mm sizes.

The blade stroke for both straight and chine interceptors is 30 mm with a blade rate of 20 mm/s. They can operate in temperatures from 0ºC to 40ºC at a maximum boat speed of 60 knots.

Series S System
Series S System

Experience the Difference

A Zipwake Dynamic Trim Control System can help you get the most from your powerboat. Your boating experience will be safer and more enjoyable.

Zipwake systems are available from authorised dealers and distributors. The price will depend on the system you choose.

Check out their incredible story below!

Zipwake – The Story

You can find the right system for your boat and your budget. When you experience the difference a Zipwake Dynamic Trim Control System can make, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.

You may also like:

SourceZipwake

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest Articles

Search