MY SISU
UFlex-Trim Tabs, Mente Marine ACS RP and more….

UFlex-Trim Tabs, Mente Marine ACS RP and more….

Smooth and Stable Cruising with the M/S ELLA: How UFlex Trim Tabs, Mente Marine ACS RP, Mercury Active Trim, and VesselView Link Work Together

Introduction

Welcome aboard the M/S ELLA, my 26-foot Parker 760 Quest – a sportboat equipped with cutting-edge technology for comfort and stability, whether we’re leisurely cruising along the coast or tackling exciting offshore adventures. Thanks to the combination of UFlex trim tabs, Mente Marine ACS RP, Mercury Active Trim, and VesselView Link, fully integrated into my Simrad NSS 12 evo3S, the M/S ELLA stays steady and efficient, even in choppy seas or strong winds. For my passengers, I’ll explain how these systems work together to keep the boat stable, make the ride enjoyable, and save fuel – all automatically, so we can focus on the views and the fun!

The Components and How They Keep the M/S ELLA Stable

1. UFlex Trim Tabs with Short Actuators: The Foundation for Stability

  • What are they? The UFlex trim tabs are flat plates mounted at the stern (transom) of the M/S ELLA, powered by compact electric motors (short actuators, about 2.25 inches of stroke). They move up and down to keep the boat balanced.
  • What do they do? The tabs counteract rocking motions: they prevent the bow from rising or dipping too much (pitch) and reduce side-to-side tilting (roll), such as when wind or passengers cause the boat to lean. They’re tough, waterproof, and perfect for our boat, which can zip across the water at up to 40 knots.
  • Why are they important? The UFlex tabs are the backbone of stability. They respond quickly (within 1–2 seconds) to ensure the M/S ELLA stays steady, whether in calm waters or rough seas.

2. Mente Marine ACS RP: The Smart Control for the Tabs

  • What is it? The Mente Marine ACS RP is a compact control unit that automatically operates the UFlex trim tabs. Built-in sensors detect every movement of the M/S ELLA – whether it’s pitching forward or rolling side to side.
  • What does it do? ACS RP adjusts the tabs in real-time to reduce pitch and roll by up to 50–60%. It even recognizes when we’re turning and pauses adjustments to avoid oversteering. A small LED light shows it’s working – no buttons to press!
  • Why is it great for passengers? Whether we’re hitting rough seas or cross-waves, ACS RP keeps the M/S ELLA stable, so no one gets seasick, and we can all enjoy the ride. It works quietly in the background while we relax.

3. Mercury Active Trim: The Motor That Thinks for Itself

  • What is it? Active Trim is a smart system built into the Mercury V8 Pro XS engine. It automatically adjusts the motor’s trim (raising or lowering it) based on speed and weight, like when accelerating or cruising.
  • What does it do? It keeps the bow flat to save fuel (up to 15% less consumption) and helps the boat glide smoothly. It reacts lightning-fast (under 1 second) for maneuvers like a quick start (hole-shot) or speed changes.
  • Why is it awesome? Active Trim makes the ride smoother and more efficient, especially at high speeds, and complements the tabs for even better stability.

4. VesselView Link: Everything at a Glance on the Simrad NSS 12 evo3S

  • What is it? VesselView Link connects the Mercury engine to my Simrad NSS 12 evo3S, a large navigation screen at the helm. It’s fully integrated into the system and shows what the engine is doing, like how it’s trimmed or how much fuel we’re using.
  • What does it do? It lets me control Active Trim directly via the NSS 12 evo3S – for example, switching modes (for slow cruising or full throttle). All engine info (trim angle, RPM, fuel) is neatly displayed on the screen, with no need for a separate control panel.
  • Why is it practical? Passengers can see on the Simrad how the engine is performing, while the UFlex tabs run automatically in the background. It keeps the cockpit tidy and makes operation a breeze.

How It All Comes Together

The four systems work like a perfectly coordinated team on the M/S ELLA:

  • The UFlex trim tabs are the muscles: They move to keep the boat steady.
  • Mente ACS RP is the brain: It automatically controls the tabs to prevent rocking or pitching, especially in waves or wind.
  • Mercury Active Trim ensures the engine is perfectly trimmed for efficiency and speed.
  • VesselView Link displays all engine action on the Simrad NSS 12 evo3S for easy, centralized control.

Together, they reduce rocking (pitch and roll) by up to 70%, making the ride smoother and saving fuel. Whether we’re cruising calmly along the coast or powering through offshore cross-waves, the M/S ELLA stays stable, comfortable, and ready for any adventure.

Conclusion for Passengers

Aboard the M/S ELLA, you’ll enjoy a relaxing ride without waves or wind spoiling the fun. The UFlex trim tabs, controlled by Mente ACS RP, keep the boat steady, while Mercury Active Trim and VesselView Link optimize the engine and display everything clearly on the Simrad NSS 12 evo3S. It all runs automatically, so we can focus on the sun, sea, and good vibes. Hop on and experience how smooth and comfortable boating can be!