Need a helping hand? Read our most frequently asked questions

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General

What is a Zipwake Dynamic Trim Control System?

The Zipwake Dynamic Trim Control System is a fully automatic trim system for boats. It helps you get on a plane faster and keep your boat level. Your boat gets better performance, improved comfort, lower fuel consumption and enhanced safety.

To do this we use fast-acting interceptors instead of conventional trim tabs and an easy-to-use control panel with built-in high-frequency GPS, 3D gyro sensors and a robust motion controller which automatically ensure dynamic elimination of uncomfortable and dangerous boat pitch and roll.

Where can I buy a Zipwake Dynamic Trim Control System?

We have 40 distributors around the world ready to provide you with a Zipwake system. Click here to fill out our contact form or to find your distributor.

Does Zipwake come with a warranty?

Yes, the Zipwake Dynamic Trim Control System comes with a warranty of 2 years from the date of purchase.

How do I register my product and is it needed for the warranty to be activated?

To register your product click here. You do not have to register your product for your warranty to be activated. Registering your product is a way to help us make Zipwake even better and is of course optional.

PRODUCT

What is the difference between Zipwake interceptors and old-fashioned trim tabs?

Both interceptors and trim tabs redirect water flow to control pitch and roll. The difference is how they do it — and how fast and intelligently they respond. Zipwake PRO interceptors enter the water flow vertically and only extend 30–60 mm, while traditional trim tabs project much farther into the water.

LESS DRAG

Zipwake PRO uses a short vertical blade movement of 30 mm on Series S PRO and 60 mm on Series E PRO. Compared to trim tabs that project much farther into the water, this helps reduce drag while still generating strong lift.

MORE EFFICIENT LIFT

Zipwake interceptors generate lift directly at the transom, close to the hull bottom. This makes the system highly efficient, especially with wide interceptor arrangements that use more of the boat’s beam.

LESS WAKE

By creating lift more efficiently and automatically keeping the boat at a better trim angle, Zipwake PRO helps reduce unnecessary wake — improving comfort, control, and fuel efficiency.

ULTRA-FAST ACTUATION

Zipwake PRO interceptors move from 0–100% in just 0.3 seconds. This rapid actuation allows the system to react instantly to changing conditions, making the automatic control faster, smoother, and more precise.

FULLY AUTOMATIC

Zipwake PRO automatically controls both pitch and roll. Active Pitch keeps the boat at an optimal running trim angle, while Active Roll helps keep the boat level by instantly correcting roll caused by wind, waves, turns, or uneven load.

Where do I install the Zipwake Dynamic Trim Control System?

Interceptors

The Zipwake interceptors are installed below the waterline on both sides of the boats transom.

Control panel

The control panel is installed at the helm.

Distribution unit

The distribution unit should preferably be installed on the inside of the transom.

INTEGRATOR MODULE

The discreet Integrator Module is easy to install behind the helm/dash, on the flybridge or in the engine room. No control panel needed.

Does Zipwake work on all boat types?

Zipwake’s Dynamic Trim Control System is designed for planing and semi-planing boats up to 100 ft. Choose Series S for boats up to 50 ft, or Series E for larger installations up to 100 ft.

With 25 interceptor models—including straight, chine, rounded, tunnel, and V-shaped options—Zipwake can be configured to match the hull geometry of almost any planing or semi-planing boat, from compact sport boats to 30-meter commercial vessels.

This ensures optimal transom coverage, maximum lift, and predictable performance.

What size of Zipwake system/interceptors do I need for my boat?

The Zipwake system allows up to six interceptors, three on each side, but in many cases two or four interceptors will get the job done. We recommend a minimum of 30 % of the width of the transom to be covered by interceptors but find that installations with 50 % or more covered perform optimally.

Fill out the Zipwake questionnaire that you can find under “support” here on our website to determine how many interceptors you’ll need on your boat and consult with one of our distributors for the best result.

 

Can I use Zipwake on my boat with a stepped hull?

Yes, there are many successful Zipwake installations on boats with a stepped hull. There are examples in the Reference section of the website e.g. boats from Axopar, Nimbus Boats, Yamarin, Silver etc.

Can I use a Zipwake system on my catamaran boat?

Yes, the Zipwake Dynamic Trim Control System results in excellent performance on both mono hull and catamaran boats. There are examples in the Reference section of the website e.g. boats from Freeman Boatworks, Scimitar Power Catamarans and World Cat.

Can I use a Zipwake system on my aluminum hull?

Yes, see the Reference section for examples of Zipwake installations on aluminum boats. There are examples in the Reference section of the website e.g. boats from Anytec, Tärnskär båtar, Marell Boats, XO Boats etc.

 

Performance

Can I save fuel with Zipwake?

The answer is yes. The Zipwake system minimizes wave resistance and saves fuel. The average is 4% to 9% in fuel savings but we have many examples where we see savings up to 18–20 % when using the Zipwake trim system versus running the boat without Zipwake or with old fashioned trim tabs. The result will vary due to different boat types and sea conditions.

Do Interceptors act as a brake/slow my boat down in the water?

Because of the small blades of the Zipwakes interceptors – 30mm for Series-S and 60mm for Series-E – the drag created is minimal. Zipwakes interceptors creates more lift on the transom than they do drag through the water.

In what speed range is the Zipwake system effective?

The lift force generated by the interceptors increase quadratically with speed, hence the amount of lift increases significantly the faster you go. From what speed the built up lift helps you getting your boat up on a plane depends ultimately on the installation, but typically from 8-10 knots.

With Zipwake installed you often extend the planing speed range of your boat, i.e you will be able to drive your boat on a plane in lower speeds.

SUPPORT

I would like to finetune my pitch curve, how do I do that?

When using the AUTO mode you can use the pitch control wheel on the control panel to add a pitch offset to get the bow up or down. The pitch offset is a temporary adjustment, but you can permanently store an offset to the pitch control curve by press-and-hold the control panels roll wheel. This can be done at some different speeds to achieve optimum performance. It is also possible to examine and edit the curve in the control panel menu. Here is a video covering this in more detail.

Is it possible to turn off only the roll control or only the pitch control?

The system can be operated in MANUAL or AUTO mode. The AUTO roll control can be enabled/disabled by a quick press on the AUTO-button (toggle between Full AUTO and AUTO Pitch). The Pitch Control can be customized to optimize performance, either permanently by adjusting the pitch curve or temporarily by applying pitch offset. This way the effect of Pitch Control being turned off can be achieved.

Do Zipwake interceptors require antifouling paint?

If your boat stays in the water for longer periods we recommend you to paint the interceptors with antifouling to minimize the growth of aquatic organisms, plants, and algae.

Which chartplotters/MFDs are supported?

Zipwake can be displayed and controlled on these compatible MFD platforms (via integration):

Garmin: OneHelm (GPSMAP models / Volvo Penta Glass Cockpit)
Simrad: NSO EVO3/S, NSS EVO3/S, IDS, GO7 XSR, GO 9/12 (note: not GO5, nor GO7 XSE)
B&G: Zeus³/S Glass Helm, Zeus³/S, Vulcan
Lowrance: HDS Live, HDS Carbon, Elite FS
Raymarine: Axiom, Axiom+, Axiom Pro, Axiom 2
Q Experience: Q Display 2 Series

(Compatibility can vary by MFD software version and configuration, so it’s always smart to double-check with your MFD supplier/manufacturer before finalizing.)

How do I get Zipwake on the MFD?

To show Zipwake on a chartplotter/MFD, you need the Zipwake Integrator Module. It’s the hardware that connects your Zipwake system to your MFD (and can also support smart-device connectivity).

If I install the integrator module, can I then do my trim control through the MFD?

Yes, with the Integrator module you get the same functions as you would with the control panel in your MFD.

WHY SHOULD I UPGRADE THE SOFTWARE OF MY SYSTEM?

The latest software includes all the latest features and improvements to the Zipwake Dynamic Trim Control System improving overall performance and robustness of the system. The latest software is always available for free download on our website. For instructions on how to upgrade refer to our instruction video on system upgrade. The video is available at the website and on the Zipwake youtube channel.

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Fill out the form and we’ll get in touch with a tailored quote and more information on how PRO can enhance the performance and functionality of your boat.

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