This automatic trim tab control from Mente Marine is the ACS A model for automatic and manual regulation of the boat's roll and pitch. The system is designed for planing and semi-planing boats of 25–50 feet and consists of a control panel at the helm and a separate control unit. It can be expanded with an additional FCP control panel on a flybridge.
ACS A regulates both transverse heel and longitudinal trim using the trim tabs. The adaptive regulation adjusts to the boat type and changing sea conditions, while the desired trim setting is saved in memory and preserved when the main switch is turned off. In automatic mode, the setting can be fine-tuned in increments of 0.5°, and the regulation speed can be selected in three levels.
Operation is performed via four directional buttons and an AUTO button for switching between manual and automatic mode. The LED indicators show the calculated position for each trim tab without the need for separate position sensors, and a built-in light sensor adjusts the brightness for day and night conditions. The system also detects sharp turns and the planing threshold, allowing the automatic regulation to be paused when conditions require it. When the engine is turned off, the trim tabs are automatically retracted.
The system operates at 10–30 V DC and provides up to 18 A when the trim tabs are activated. Idle consumption is 0.02 A. The control panel measures 80 × 77.5 × 10 mm and is IP68 rated, while the control unit measures 120 × 110 × 40 mm and is IP66 rated. The operating temperature is –10 to +85 °C.
ACS A can be used with proven hydraulic systems from Bennett, Instatrim, QL, Trimmaster, TFX Teleflex, and TX Controls, as well as electromechanical systems from Lectrotab, Lenco, Eltrim, Ultraflex, Minn Kota, and Bennett Bolt. The system is suitable for boats with shaft drives, sterndrives, IPS installations, and outboards. Compatibility with QL relates to hydraulic trim tabs and must not be confused with QL interceptors.
For retrofitting, the ACS A replaces the existing control panel and connects to the existing wiring of the actuators or hydraulic pump. The control unit must be mounted upright with the UP arrow pointing up and the FWD arrow pointing in the direction of travel; the mounting deviation must not exceed approx. 8°. It can be mounted on the floor, ceiling, or wall and must not be submerged in water. The power supply is routed via a fuse to the main switch with a recommended minimum cross-section of 2.5 mm² / 14 AWG. Calibration automatically detects trim tab type, position, and power consumption, and can take up to 60 seconds.
For an additional helm station, the system can be supplemented with the Mente Marine FCP control panel with item no. 51.310.33.
Key featuresAutomatic and manual regulation of roll and pitch
For planing and semi-planing boats of 25–50 feet
Adaptive regulation with fine-tuning in 0.5° increments
Control panel IP68 and separate control unit IP66
Supply: 10–30 V DC
Max. output current: 18 A
Calculated position display without separate position sensors
Automatic detection of turns and planing threshold
Automatic retraction of trim tabs upon engine stop
Option for additional FCP panel on flybridge
