Optimize the position of the boat with Mente Marine automatic trim tab system

Today’s fuel prices are such that active boaters carefully consider the ways for saving some juice. Besides clean boat bottom and the right propeller, operational trim tabs are among the most important factors influencing fuel consumption and riding comfort.

Using trim tabs manually while riding and especially in harsher weather brings unnecessary additional challenges to the whole experience. The ACS trim tab automation system offered by Finnish company Mente Marine frees up the hands to focus on riding and always adjusts the trim tabs to the optimal position.

Operating principle and adjustment of trim tabs

The operating principle is very simple. Trim tabs are used to adjust the current position of the boat according to the conditions. The correct position keeps fuel consumption as low as possible.

When a tab is pressed down, the lateral position of the boat changes so that the side being pressed rises and the opposite side lowers. When both tabs are pressed down at the same time, the bow lowers, and correspondingly rises when the tabs are raised.

Many trim tabs come with a control panel or joystick that can be used to adjust the trim tabs manually while riding. This is one more factor the skipper must take into account and the risks increase in challenging weather.

Automatic Mente Marine ACS

Unlike other solutions, Mente Marine’s system automatically adapts to the boat’s characteristics, loading and speed, as well as to weather conditions.

When the speed decreases below the gliding threshold, the effect of the trim tabs is lost. Mente Marine detects this and makes no adjustments. When the speed of the boat increases, the system automatically starts and restores the optimal riding position.

System activated, manual trim tab operation.

The system can also be used similarly to manual trim tabs for finding the preferred riding position for the boat. Once the right position is achieved, it can be stored in memory and the automatic system takes care of the rest.

Pressing the Auto button starts automatic operation of the trim tabs. The photo taken while riding shows that one of the trim tabs is at a lower position due to crosswind.

Compatible with all most common trim systems

Installation of the Mente Marine trim automation system is easy, as it is designed to be compatible with most common trim systems. Only the old manual trim control panel and the control unit (so-called control box) need to be removed.

After dismantling the old parts, the wires from the tabs and the power cable need to be connected to the Mente Marine panel, which is smaller than a smartphone.

Installation

Connections are made using screw terminals; connect stripped wire ends to the mounting rail attached to the panel. The instructions clearly explain how the wires must be connected and any mistakes can be avoided by following them. After installation and testing, the wires must be carefully insulated. Installation takes about an hour and you can easily do it yourself.

Calibration

In order to function, the system requires calibration, which is quite convenient: The boat is set to the optimal riding position and the top and bottom buttons are pressed simultaneously for five seconds to start calibration. During ACS calibration, the buttons must be held down for 9 seconds. When the flashing AUTO indicator turns off, calibration has been successfully completed.

Advantages

The most noticeable advantages of Mente Marine ACS consist in ease and functionality. It is easy to install and trouble-free to operate. The system’s functionality is most evident when riding in bumpy weather or covering long distances.

The automatic system takes care of the optimal position of the boat and the skipper can focus on steering in peace regardless of unstable weather conditions or changes of the boat’s centre of gravity. There is some resemblance to automatic transmission in a car – few people nowadays bother to work the stick. Strongly recommended.

Original article: Kalamies.com