In the last decade or so, interceptor missiles have become common for boat trim control. Manufacturers of interceptors say their systems require less machinery, are faster and more durable than traditional tabs.
Interceptors are movable composite panels mounted on the bottom edge of the keel and can be lowered vertically to intercept water flow under the structure.
Interceptors can be installed in locations where trim marks do not always work, such as at the aft end of a propeller tunnel, between outboard engines and on boats with unusual bottom shapes. If you have no idea how trim tabs work or why boat need it.
Some users of interceptors with robotic control have reported a reduction in pitch angle of up to 70% and a reduction of more than 50% in roll, the side-to-side movement caused by beam waves. The systems can also automatically optimize the boat's turning and balance regardless of the boat's natural tendency to pitch while turning.
Improve Your Fuel Economy & Speed
Some manufacturers say that any drag produced by the blades is offset by an improvement in operating angle, resulting in frequent overall improvements in fuel economy and/or speed.
Transoms can create more lifting force with less surface area and can also extend and retract much faster than textured tabs.
Interceptors have a fast response time, which makes them useful when the crew moves a lot on a small boat or when sea conditions change quickly. They don't have the short lag that occurs when adjusting a traditional trim tab - the boat's response seems almost instantaneous in most cases. (In fact, some first-time users warn that responding so quickly requires a bit of mental adjustment to prepare for the boat's rapid change in running behavior.)
Many interceptors go from fully retracted to fully extend in less than two seconds. This is much faster than trim tabs, which typically take 6 to 8 seconds. In addition, the lift characteristics are non-linear - meaning that a small blade extension generates more lift at higher speeds, making interceptors react faster since they do not need to use the full extension of the blade.
With a fully automated system, the computer takes over the task of keeping the boat level as sea conditions and load change, greatly facilitating the journey without any input from the operator except to put the interceptors on “automatic”.
Interceptors can be Much More Hassle Free than Tabs
Interceptor companies also point out that their systems donot protrude from the transom like trim tabs do, and are therefore less likely to be damaged when placing a boat on a trailer.
They will also not create obstacles to swimmers returning aboard the ship with a stern ladder.
Learn more about Interceptors vs trim tabs.
Boat Speed
Because of the small blades, interceptor systems require a powerful flow of water to be most effective.
As a result, one of the main disadvantages of the interceptor system is that it does not work well on slower boats without additional interceptors added to the transom. A standard Zipwake system can operate up to 6 interceptors.
Installation Cost
IMTRA points out that the installation processes for the tabs and interception systems are essentially the same, so the cost is similar as well. Both require mounting the tab or interceptor to the crossbar, mounting a control device on the dash and a snake cable to connect the two. Interceptors are usually more expensive to produce and have a higher upfront cost. If your boat needs four or five interceptors across the transom, the cost rises proportionally.
You can buy the trim tabs for boats at the lowest prices form CKW Store.
Whether you choose traditional tabs or interceptors, due to the improvement in performance, comfort and potential fuel savings seen in many boats, the cost is well amortized over the years you own the boat.
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