Zip wake trim system

[Max123]

Its a nice video, but what it really shows me is the power of a voice-over sales pitch. What I saw was two identical boats, performing almost indistinguishably. The big reveal was a fat guy moving from side to side on glass smooth water - 'compelling' infomercial stuff, but not much more

Anyway, its comparing apples to oranges. A trim control system that is fully tied into gps, with real time pitch & yaw sensing is going to be able to compensate faster when the fat guy moves around if you are comparing it to a manual rocker switch controlled by the operator.

The Zipwake system comes with a really advanced package of controls, whereas most conventional tab systems come with zero automatic controls - just a basic rocker switch left to the skill of the captain. You'd need to compare the Zipwake controls up against something like the Lenco auto tab controls - alternatively compare it head to head with Volvo's interceptor control system (which almost looks like a Zipwake knock off). A rough water control test is always going to be more subjective and I have no good solution for that - but I suspect performace is more related to the tab control system rather than the tabs themselves.

I'd be interested to find out which system is more efficient in absolute terms. What they could have done is setup two identical boats with an out of balance load on a 25km run on smooth water. Compare fuel burn to see which is more efficient. That would tell us something useful.

 

[myles]

I have the 450s on my boat. They outperformed the traditional Bennant units in speed and reduced my planning speed by a few MPH which is nice when it's super rough you can bow down and stay on plane. The caviet is spare parts are difficult and expensive. I had the controller replaced under warranty, but out of warranty the controller alone is over 1k. Overall I would give them a 7/10 review. Yes, they improve performance and MPG, but it comes at a heavy cost with spare parts to nickel and dime you when things fail. If you have deep pockets or commercially operate then go for it , but if you're on a budget then regular tabs are better. You have to use the boat a lot to gain the fractional MPG improvement. Really the only thing I don't like is the cost and initial purchase price. Eventually, you will need new servo motors or controllers.

 

[northwest wind]

I have the 450s on my boat. They outperformed the traditional Bennant units in speed and reduced my planning speed by a few MPH which is nice when it's super rough you can bow down and stay on plane. The caviet is spare parts are difficult and expensive. I had the controller replaced under warranty, but out of warranty the controller alone is over 1k. Overall I would give them a 7/10 review. Yes, they improve performance and MPG, but it comes at a heavy cost with spare parts to nickel and dime you when things fail. If you have deep pockets or commercially operate then go for it , but if you're on a budget then regular tabs are better. You have to use the boat a lot to gain the fractional MPG improvement. Really the only thing I don't like is the cost and initial purchase price. Eventually, you will need new servo motors or controllers.

Just wondering the size of your boat and if the 450 was enough for your boat or would you size up given the chance

 

[northwest wind]

Well I just purchased the system and will install this winter. Once I’ve installed and test I will give a review. Thanks for all the feedback it helped.

 

[northwest wind]

Just an update I installed the zipwakes on my boat. Install was straight forward. It has made my boat so much better. If you’re on the fence about putting them on your boat contact me and I will give you some feedback. Durability is an unknown at this point. I will keep my fingers crossed.

 

[SudburyDinnerJack]

I have a set of 300S's I'm in the process of installing on my Stabicraft 2050 Supercab, I bought them from AB Marine Services in Europe on sale and landed them in Canada for just under $3K CAD, all in shipping, taxes and duty, right now they will be about $3,600 CAD all in unless they drop the price again. (I bought in Feb on super sale)

I've spoken at length to the Stabicraft Founder Paul Adams who also owns StabiX and they install Zip Wakes on all the new StabiX's, he fully endorses them.

Zipwake Trim Tabs - AB Marine service

Why the dynamic Trim Tabs from Zipwake? At higher speeds, it is important that the boat sails as calmly as possible. Because of the speed, a decision on the route to follow or, for example, to swerve, must be taken under time pressure. After all, the goal or obstacle is fast approaching. Calm...

ab-marineservice.com

Zipwake S-series (boats up to 5.00m) - AB Marine service

[br_filter_single filter_id=398504] [br_filters_group group_id=404012]

ab-marineservice.com

David.

I know this is a old thread, but what modifications did you do the 2050 to mount them? I have a 1850 supercab and am considering mounting them. Did you need to do any additional build out on the transom?

 

[Kiwi Canuck]

Yes, I needed to add angle brackets to the transom as the existing tubes welded onto the transom don't allow the Zipwakes to be mounted inline with the hull, I was at the Stabicraft factory and they cut out some alloy plates a bit oversized and bent them at 90 degrees to suit my measurements, I made adjustments once back in Canada and cut them to fit the transom.
I made cardboard mockups so I could test them before I copied them in 5 mm aluminum plate.

I could make a sketch of the cardboard mockups if it helps, or send the ones I have to you.

I'm in Langley BC.

 

[SudburyDinnerJack]

Yes, I needed to add angle brackets to the transom as the existing tubes welded onto the transom don't allow the Zipwakes to be mounted inline with the hull, I was at the Stabicraft factory and they cut out some alloy plates a bit oversized and bent them at 90 degrees to suit my measurements, I made adjustments once back in Canada and cut them to fit the transom.
I made cardboard mockups so I could test them before I copied them in 5 mm aluminum plate.

I could make a sketch of the cardboard mockups if it helps, or send the ones I have to you.

I'm in Langley BC.

10-4, just found a video online showing the same. Thanks for the input, how do you like them on the 2050?

 

[BadDaddy]

I recently priced out a set of LENCO pro's and a set of Zipwake interceptors.
The Lenco units are SRP $7691 for 12x12 complete kit. Zipwake 450S is SRP $4373, and 450S Pro is SRP $5577
The main difference is, with most trim tabs, they take 5-7 seconds to go from fully retracted to fully extended.
The ZipWake units take 1.5 seconds.
The new ZipWake Pro takes .3 seconds, due to increasing the voltage from 12V to 36V.
The older series can be updated to the Pro. ( new servo motors, power distribution block, and reprogramming of the controller)
When the boat is operating at speed, there is very little of the interceptor in the water... as speed increases, the blade retracts more.
The local RCM/SAR1 is running them, and they have had them on the boat for 6 months ( replacing the QL interceptors) and there have been 0 problems.
Full Disclosure, I work for the distributor of Zipwake in Canada. We sell almost all the brands of trim tab systems, Bennett, Lectrotab, Lenco, and Dometic.

 

[salmonkiller01]

Going to take the plunge and install zipwakes on the seasport. I have been running the original hydraulic tabs and was going to go to Bennett electric but I think this is a better way to go.

 

[BadDaddy]

Going to take the plunge and install zipwakes on the seasport. I have been running the original hydraulic tabs and was going to go to Bennett electric but I think this is a better way to go.

There are a few tips that can make the job go easier.
Put a straight edge across the area the interceptors are to be mounted to ensure it’s a flat surface.
Read the installation manual. Re read it.
There is a mounting template that compensates for the angle of the transom. Make sure you use it to mount the interceptors at the right height.
A 300mm chine interceptor gives the same amount of lift as a 450 straight.
More coverage is good- but not too close to the outboard leg or outdrive. Be wary of what’s under the boat - transducer or exhaust outlet that can disturb the water in front of the interceptor.
Make sure that they are not to far out that they will be out of the water when planing. (And not to far in that they aren’t effective for stopping rolll.
Lots of good videos on Zipwake site. Feel free to ask for help too!

Now your only decision is to go S or S Pro!

 

[seabeyond]

Going to take the plunge and install zipwakes on the seasport. I have been running the original hydraulic tabs and was going to go to Bennett electric but I think this is a better way to go.

What has you leaning towards the zipwake over the seakeeper ride system? I am considering a set for an aluminium. Not sure if I'm willing to take a very reliable and low maintenance part of the build (electric tab) and risk the headaches of the fancy tech....
The zipwake is certainly the budget friendly option relative to the seakeeper. I haven't gone down the rabbit hole to compare the two other than price.

 

[Sailfish25]

What has you leaning towards the zipwake over the seakeeper ride system? I am considering a set for an aluminium. Not sure if I'm willing to take a very reliable and low maintenance part of the build (electric tab) and risk the headaches of the fancy tech....
The zipwake is certainly the budget friendly option relative to the seakeeper. I haven't gone down the rabbit hole to compare the two other than price.

I have gone down this rabbit hole. One reason I would choose zipwake vs seakeeper ride is simplicity of that actual product.

Below are two pictures, one of zipwake and one of seakeeper ride. The zipwake is a relatively flat, straight piece of plastic. Compare that to the seakeeper which is full of voids and cavities. Given the amount of growth/fouling in our waters, there is no way I would want to be scraping barnacles out of the seakeeper ride.

 

[salmonkiller01]

What has you leaning towards the zipwake over the seakeeper ride system? I am considering a set for an aluminium. Not sure if I'm willing to take a very reliable and low maintenance part of the build (electric tab) and risk the headaches of the fancy tech....
The zipwake is certainly the budget friendly option relative to the seakeeper. I haven't gone down the rabbit hole to compare the two other than price.

Main consideration for me is cost. I have researched zipwake reliability and although there are some issues reported nothing too serious that steers me away.

 

[Howesounder]

Im pretty excited to see what the Pro's can do on a Monaro, although I think I might almost miss tuning the tabs. Should be interesting as it seems this may be the first instal on a Monaro

 

[seabeyond]

There are a few tips that can make the job go easier.
Put a straight edge across the area the interceptors are to be mounted to ensure it’s a flat surface.
Read the installation manual. Re read it.
There is a mounting template that compensates for the angle of the transom. Make sure you use it to mount the interceptors at the right height.
A 300mm chine interceptor gives the same amount of lift as a 450 straight.
More coverage is good- but not too close to the outboard leg or outdrive. Be wary of what’s under the boat - transducer or exhaust outlet that can disturb the water in front of the interceptor.
Make sure that they are not to far out that they will be out of the water when planing. (And not to far in that they aren’t effective for stopping rolll.
Lots of good videos on Zipwake site. Feel free to ask for help too!

Now your only decision is to go S or S Pro!

Incoming pm

 

[salmonkiller01]

I have gone down this rabbit hole. One reason I would choose zipwake vs seakeeper ride is simplicity of that actual product.

Below are two pictures, one of zipwake and one of seakeeper ride. The zipwake is a relatively flat, straight piece of plastic. Compare that to the seakeeper which is full of voids and cavities. Given the amount of growth/fouling in our waters, there is no way I would want to be scraping barnacles out of the seakeeper ride.

View attachment 122556View attachment 122557

Sea keeper install is a lot more work and I beleive you need a relatively new sounder to link into it.
I get my zipwakes Monday and will start the install next weekend