THE CHALLENGE
The fore-aft trim on my boat feels about perfect (approx. 3-degrees) but the rolling under certain sea conditions could occasionally get wearisome. More specifically, I didn't like the "wallowing" effect when the boat would continue to roll back and forth a few times after the initial roll was introduced. It's like driving a car with worn out shocks when you continue to bounce down the road some distance after you have already crossed the railroad tracks...
THE CONTENDER
I learned about Zipwake's system a year ago, and for those of you not familiar with them, it's an interceptor system (like Volvo's QL tabs) paired with a high-functioning computerized control unit. Zipwake's website www.zipwake.com has all the details, but I thought it might be an answer to the above issue because of its very quick response time - 1.5 seconds from zero to full blade deployment.
View attachment IMAG1899.jpg
THE RESULTS
After 100 hours of operation, I'm pleased with the results. While they won't make your round chine hull handle like a hard chine, on my Five Islands 35 at cruise speed they have a noticeable effect in eliminating the wallowing. She'll still roll of course, but the degree of heel is less and the "rebound" is dampened. I notice the biggest difference in following seas where rolling while surfing down the backside of swells would cause veering. The Zipwake system progressively counters the roll and either eliminates it keeping the boat upright and on course or, at least minimizes the roll which minimizes the counter-steering required.
An important point to note is that the stabilizing effects of the interceptors don't become apparent until around 13+kts. Slower than that, they don't develop enough force to be effective. However, in keeping with their fully computerized nature, you can set the speed threshold at which they transition from standby to active mode and thereby tailor them to your particular installation.
I was primarily interested in roll control; however, they obviously also do an excellent job with pitch trim. In conclusion, I would highly recommend the Zipwake system for anyone looking to control the attitude of their boat with a fully computerized trim system.
View attachment IMG_0547.JPG
The fore-aft trim on my boat feels about perfect (approx. 3-degrees) but the rolling under certain sea conditions could occasionally get wearisome. More specifically, I didn't like the "wallowing" effect when the boat would continue to roll back and forth a few times after the initial roll was introduced. It's like driving a car with worn out shocks when you continue to bounce down the road some distance after you have already crossed the railroad tracks...
THE CONTENDER
I learned about Zipwake's system a year ago, and for those of you not familiar with them, it's an interceptor system (like Volvo's QL tabs) paired with a high-functioning computerized control unit. Zipwake's website www.zipwake.com has all the details, but I thought it might be an answer to the above issue because of its very quick response time - 1.5 seconds from zero to full blade deployment.
View attachment IMAG1899.jpg
THE RESULTS
After 100 hours of operation, I'm pleased with the results. While they won't make your round chine hull handle like a hard chine, on my Five Islands 35 at cruise speed they have a noticeable effect in eliminating the wallowing. She'll still roll of course, but the degree of heel is less and the "rebound" is dampened. I notice the biggest difference in following seas where rolling while surfing down the backside of swells would cause veering. The Zipwake system progressively counters the roll and either eliminates it keeping the boat upright and on course or, at least minimizes the roll which minimizes the counter-steering required.
An important point to note is that the stabilizing effects of the interceptors don't become apparent until around 13+kts. Slower than that, they don't develop enough force to be effective. However, in keeping with their fully computerized nature, you can set the speed threshold at which they transition from standby to active mode and thereby tailor them to your particular installation.
I was primarily interested in roll control; however, they obviously also do an excellent job with pitch trim. In conclusion, I would highly recommend the Zipwake system for anyone looking to control the attitude of their boat with a fully computerized trim system.
View attachment IMG_0547.JPG
