Automatic Boat Trim

[zorton01]

Hi everybody,

i'm installing the QL Boat Trim system in a 10 meters semiplaning hull. After getting the QL interceptors (Interceptors, control unit, control panel, wires), I saw that QL offers the possiblity of installing something like an automatic trim accesory. The kit comes with a GPS receptor, blackbox and cables to connect to control unit. QL says that system keep in memory the last prefered trim position and corrects position.

I also saw other systems like the followings:
Bennett ATC
ACS+ (Mente-marine.com)

Have anyone had tested an autotrim? Does it Works, or have to be improved?
. That systems seems to be a copy of the gyroscopic units used on proffessional boats but not the same....

[BMcF]

Those systems use a simple tilt sensor and related processor to slowly vary the tab (or interceptor) position via an integrator to achieve/maintain an average running trim (and list). As such they respond very slowly and do not resemble their much more expensive 'active stabilization' cousins found on larger craft and do not attempt to ( and simply cannot) reduce or dampen transient pitch or roll motions.

They work at what they are intended to do, within the limits of the 'muscle' they produce to modify trim or list within a reasonable range.

[mydauphin]

I was hoping that they would do more. Is it a matter of scale or just too slow?

[BMcF]

Motion damping (as compared to 'automatic' list and trim control) requires a fast-reacting lift device and additional sensores, processing, etc. All that goes along with that is the reason why even small and low-end motion damping systems cost 10s of thousands of dollars..

[mydauphin]

Do you believe that a large trim plate like K-Plane, if it could be adjusted fast enough would lessen the need for stabilizers in a larger boat?