QL vs. Zipwake


twarble

twarble

Member
curious if anyone has tried moving to Zipwake from the QL trim tabs? i like how these are more robust, and modular. i've replaced so many of the QL interceptors (not to mention j-box's and control heads) that I should own stock. that, and I don't think there's sufficient lift on my 45 with the QL tabs...could be because one interceptor seems to be always broken, but it seems to me that the swim platform drags in the water too much. i typically run full trim, or 4 out of 7. if i swapped to the Zipwake, i'd probably add the v-shaped interceptor to get more lift. i looked at moving to traditional Bennett tabs, but there isn't sufficient room due to the hull shape which was apparently built around these tabs.

i've read that Volvo was killing the QL program, and since they invested in Humphree, it's as though they're acknowledging the issue...
https://www.boatingmag.com/volvo-penta-acquires-majority-stake-in-humphree

not sure if the recent investment has changed what's being installed just yet, if there are any new 45 owners out there, would love to hear.

thanks as always!
twarble
 
Never heard of Zipwake, but IMHO the QL Tabs are pure garbage. I've already replaced one (boat is 4 months new to me) and even at that they BARELY perform.

I really have no trouble getting out of the water, when my Supercharges kick in I go into blast off mode...my issue is more about running laterally in strong wind...I just can't keep the boat "level".

On my 31, a TOUCH of tab is all I ever needed....

However, I am a long way away from spending more $$ just yet, so hopefully the pricing will come down from Zipwake.
 
yep...i'd agree. pure garbage. i've probably replaced a dozen interceptors in 7 years. remember that i run a LOT though, so i'm probably an exception...but still, something so critical shouldn't be this fragile.

i have zero issues getting up on plane. i do however think you should be able to run with zero tabs on at least a perfect conditions day...but probably more often. running half tabs all of the time puts too much pressure on the plastic internals IMO.

keep a real close eye on your control head. when you start getting flashing lights it's time to fix something. also, make sure you do a recalibration every time you swap anything out...or even unplug anything really.

when things aren't broken, i can usually get good control, even in a cross wind. just wish they worked more often. as an fyi, i was guesstimating $5k to swap to Zipwake installation included. when you figure haul out, labor and new interceptor, it's about $1,100 for each QL tab fix. so, it would pay off sooner or later.

i'm hoping to check out Zipwake at the Annapolis Boat show this weekend...and to corner whoever is unlucky enough to be working the 45 when i get there. :cool:

tw
 
Yeah, the quick search made me think of a similar $5K number in my head....so for now I just live with them.

I wonder if mine are not calibrated....I will try to read up on how to do that...perhaps that is my issue.
 
I'm looking at my second QL repair after I get hauled for the season. Last problem was electrical (mechanic replaced the little control buss in the engine space a year or 2 ago) but this time I'm sure it's mechanical... when I turn the engines off and the tabs retract, it sounds like a plastic gear with a bunch of broken teeth.

I'd always understood that traditional Bennett tabs couldn't be used on a boat as big as a 45 because the surface area required would create too much drag, and also they wouldn't be strong enough. I don't remember where I read that.

Will follow your Zipwake experience with interest.
 
for calibration of the QL tabs...

make sure the main switch is on. press the top and bottom control panel buttons and continue to hold while you turn the key to the on position, but don't start the engines. continue to hold the buttons for at least 10 seconds even if the blades start to move. after ten seconds release the buttons, and wait while the blades go up and down. when calibration is complete the two upper and lower led's will flash. if anything other than those 4 flashes, you have an issue of some sort.

good luck!
 
The installer who did my swim platform install years ago on my old boat is an installer for Zipwake. I'm going to give him a call. The one question I'm sure all of us have is what assurance can we have that these will be any more reliable than the QLs?

Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk
 
awesome, would love to hear what you find out. for what it's worth, i was told that one of the founders of Zipwake left Humphree to start ZW because the consumer market was wide open for a better solution. Humphree builds really expensive systems for commercial applications that would probably cost tens of thousands for a boat like our. so, they took the approach and made a more affordable solution for boats like ours.

i think that the VP systems are starting to integrate the Humphree solution nowadays, but that doesn't do us much good. not sure if it's retrofittable for the older boats either.
 
as it would happen, it's boat show week in annapolis, so i just went over and checked out formula, volvo penta, and zip wake...

I asked the VP guy about the trim tabs that they're using now. before i could tell him what I had he remarked that the QL tabs were 'garbage'. :confused: i found out that they are now using Humphree designed tabs that go down to 300mm and 450mm which is what I have on the 45Y from QL. apparently, the new tabs will not work with the VP system, but you could install a standalone Humphree tab system, although the holes are totally different, so there will be glass work. glad to see that they have a consumer boat alternate at least.

i stuck my head into the engine compartment of a new 45Y, and I couldn't see the servo that is installed inside the engine compartment when you get the Humphree tabs. so i have to guess that they're still using the QL version?? it was crazy there, so very hard to get an answer. in hindsight, i should have gone to the helm to see if the control panel was there. sorry...

i talked to the Zipwake guys and they said that they're using a worm drive in their motor which is much more robust than the QL version. i asked about the modularity of the system and the ability to buy single components, and the sales guy said he had never done that. :rolleyes: looking at them, they're definitely more beefy. same to be said about the Humphree tabs though. the Humphree motor is much larger though, which may have something to do with the worm drive on the ZW.

just wanted to pass on some tidbits. look forward to hearing what your guy has to say...

tw
 
Just had a few minutes to look the Zipwake system over, looks to be a great alternative. I have two spare interceptors, one will be replaced in a few weeks as one won't work, then will have to consider my next step. I saw QL on a few boats during the factory tour so Formula is still using them, must be a structural reason they haven't moved to Humphree with Volvo as yet.

If anyone installs anything else let us know, QL was the only alternative but now other more robust companies have entered the market.

Bob
 
roberthoran said:
I saw QL on a few boats during the factory tour so Formula is still using them, must be a structural reason they haven't moved to Humphree with Volvo as yet.

Bo"b
Click to expand...

Yeah, this was on my list to ask when I saw the new boats with the "problem tabs". I meant to as someone at the factory, but I think I was "high on fiberglass"
 
Last edited:
i did ask Brian about that before we left. he said that they were working to transition to the Humphree style tabs, but had no idea when that would happen. i would imagine that stock on the older stuff has to be limited by now.
 
Just spoke with Imtra on the Zipwake system. One item of note is that the control unit DOES NOT need to be mounted near the center-line as mentioned in another thread. It can replace any current control unit head wherever that might be near the helm. I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on the 450 S chine units. It seems that those would be the most beneficial replacements for my Bennetts.

Big question is....has anyone else gone ahead with a Zipwake installation and what is the feedback?
 
abvip said:
One item of note is that the control unit DOES NOT need to be mounted near the center-line as mentioned in another thread.
Click to expand...

i'll admit i'm the guilty one. :rolleyes:

i find this curious though, as their installation manual states..
"The control panel must be mounted within certain angles relative to the boat’s axes for the built-in sensors to deliver reliable output."

page 12, here...
http://www.zipwake.com/media/27495/2011297-zipwake_series_s_installation_guide_en-r1f.pdf

there's a picture immediately below this that shows it must be within 5 degrees of centerline. not saying this is a show stopper on my boat, but it sure would be nice to put it all the way on the starboard side where the current controls are.

did they provide any further detail on this? is it a change in newer software? i'm curious as to how well it would work not on centerline since it has built in gyro's...

i haven't seen any other installs yet...look forward to seeing if someone here has tried it.
 
abvip said:
One item of note is that the control unit DOES NOT need to be mounted near the center-line as mentioned in another thread.
Click to expand...

okay, i'll admit that i'm the guilty party. :rolleyes: in looking at their installation manual page 12 which is here...
http://www.zipwake.com/media/27495/2011297-zipwake_series_s_installation_guide_en-r1f.pdf

it shows that it must be within 5 degrees of centerline. which makes sense since it contains the gimbal they use to auto-adjust things. i'm curious if they gave you any reason, or details as to where it can go? in order to install this on my 45, i'd have to move a few things on the dash, assuming it has to stay on centerline.

also, did you move forward with this yet? very interested to see if anyone does...
twarble
 
Todd
We were all waiting for your to do the install and share, now your bailing on us WTF. Only kidding, best of luck in your next vessel, its been great to read your comments and to meet you at the Formula factory last year.
Bob
 
i should have thought of this months ago, but....for all of you guys that haul your boat for the winter. can someone get measurements of the transom..basically a cross section? i don't know when i'll haul....but if i do, i might want to line up this project for when i do. i've always felt like the 45 needed way too much trim tab, and when i looked at putting Bennet's on they wanted more than i could put in the areas the QLs take up now. ZipWake makes one that is v-shaped, and that might be a nice addition...but i need to make certain everything will fit first.

any takers? thanks in advance...
todd
 
twarble said:
i should have thought of this months ago, but....for all of you guys that haul your boat for the winter. can someone get measurements of the transom..basically a cross section? i don't know when i'll haul....but if i do, i might want to line up this project for when i do. i've always felt like the 45 needed way too much trim tab, and when i looked at putting Bennet's on they wanted more than i could put in the areas the QLs take up now. ZipWake makes one that is v-shaped, and that might be a nice addition...but i need to make certain everything will fit first.

any takers? thanks in advance...
todd
Click to expand...

Todd, I’d be happy to do this weekend if still needed. What exactly do you want measured?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
i'm looking to figure out how many, and of what size, interceptors i can fit along the back of the boat. basically i need a measurement of the cross section of the stern. i pulled a pic from ZipWake to give you an idea...i know the hull is v-shaped and has chines in there. would be good to know what the measurements are along bottom of the stern, and the placement of the chines. basically, how big the black interceptors could be in this pic...

feel free to ping me if this doesn't make any sense. reading it, i'm not sure it does. :cool:

thanks a bunch!!!
 

Attachments

  • Screen Shot 2019-04-01 at 8.53.14 PM.jpg
    Screen Shot 2019-04-01 at 8.53.14 PM.jpg
    21.3 KB · Views: 37
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top