Automatic
Trim Tabs
The first in the world to make trim tabs automatic using “mems” sensors that measure the movements of the boat. It was released in 2002, followed by product refinements over the years.
The first in the world to make trim tabs automatic using “mems” sensors that measure the movements of the boat. It was released in 2002, followed by product refinements over the years.
Now, it has reached perfection. More precise measurements, faster trimming of the boat and a beautifully designed control panel.
The dream has been to get everything into the panel. No cables, no boxes, no extra wires to connect.
Just put in an automatic trim tab control panel instead of the traditional four buttons.
Make your trim tabs automatic!
It is smart! It senses your moves. Are you speeding up or slowing down? Driving straight or turning? Are you tying up or going out or even, perhaps, on a trailer? It will wake up when needed and go to sleep when needed. When on the plane, the ACS automatic trim system will keep your boat in proper trim without any guesswork from your side.
Watch the video! See how the features of the ACS will help you!
Theory of operation
The deep-V hulls of modern pleasure boats are designed to provide you with a smooth ride in rough
water. The deeper the V, the more need for trim tabs to keep the boat levelled. A Roll or sideward’s
inclination is dependent on the wind and passenger location. The longitudinal inclination, also called the
trim angle, depends on the speed and loading. When the course is changed, winds change direction and
you need to trim the boat. When passengers move, trim again. This need, to constantly adjust the trim
tabs, takes the driver’s attention, which can even be a safety risk during high-speed operations.
ACS takes care of the work for you. When changing course, winds shift, or passengers move, the attitude of the boat is automatically corrected by adjusting the trim tabs.
Roll and pitch axes
Both ACS R and ACS RP automatically adjust the boat to the optimum attitude in the roll axis, eliminating
heeling. This is especially important for small and fast boats. ACS RP automatically adjusts the boat to the optimum attitude in the pitch axis, improving visibility and also enabling speeds in the “semi-planing” range. It also improves the “hole shot”. Owners of large boats may find this feature particularly useful.
Turning detection
While making a turn, the boat leans inwards. Thanks to the built-in gyros, the system is able to detect
heading changes and prevent automatic corrections while turning. Unnecessary adjusting is avoided
and the boat exits the turn with the optimum attitude.
The AUTO indicator blinks while making the turn to indicate that the ACS is blocked and not active at
that moment. Once set up on a steady course again, the ACS continues measuring and correcting the attitude, taking the altered conditions into account.
Adaptive system
ACS adapts to boats over the whole range. Thanks to the adaptive functionality, the boat is set up to the
optimum running attitude, taking into account differences in size and trim tab performance.
It also adapts to varying sea conditions. In calm seas, a list condition is corrected faster than in rough
seas. This allows a quick reaction when needed and avoids unnecessary operations that could amplify a
roll in high waves.
Off the plane
When slowing down, below planing speed, trim tabs lose their effect. ACS is aware of this and does not
attempt to control the attitude while off the plane. When accelerating, the ACS automatically starts up,
correcting the attitude back to that which is desired, even before the boat “breaks over” and reaches
the cruising speed.
The AUTO indicator blinks while off the plane. The blinking indicates that the automatic operation is
activated, but suspended for the time being because of the slow speed.
Position estimation
ACS shows the trim tab position estimation by lighting an indicator LED for each trim tab. When a tab is
extended, the lit up indicator LED moves downwards. No additional sensors are needed and ACS shows
the trim tab position estimation for all types of trim tabs after calibration.
Light sensor (Optimum visibility day and night)
Auto button with indicator (Auto / Manual mode)
4 x buttons for manual control of the trim tabs
LED indicator bars for trim tab position
LED indicator bar for gain setting
Auto / Manual mode
The Auto button is used to select the mode of the ACS. Briefly pressing the auto button causes the ACS
to switch between the manual and automatic mode. In the manual mode, the buttons can be used to
control the attitude of the boat manually.
In the automatic mode, the attitude of the boat is controlled automatically when the indicator is lit up.
If it is blinking, automatic operation is suspended while the boat is turning sharply or when it is off the
plane.