Volvo Penta expands its Interceptor trim system

Volvo Penta has added additional smaller blade sizes to its Interceptor System of trim tabs and new software for greater functionality and operation on a wider range of boats.

The new smaller interceptor blades of 300mm and 450mm sizes can be fitted alongside larger blades in multiple installations — for example, 450mm and 1050mm to equal 1500mm — to create even more trim options. The stand-alone blade sizes now range from 300-1050mm.

"The new blade sizes really widens the range of boats that can use the Interceptor System, from smaller boats with twin 4lt engines to much larger boats," Marcus Pettersson, product development specialist for vehicle electronics at Volvo Penta, says.

"Up to four blades can be used in an installation, and can be combined as required for the boat. Each side, port or starboard, are treated as one unit and used together."

THE INTERCEPTOR BLADES
As with all trim tabs, the Interceptor System blades lower into the water (in Volvo's case vertically) to create hydrodynamic pressure and lift at the stern, enabling the boat to accelerate to the plane smoothly for a perfect running attitude, saving fuel in the process.

The blades can be operated individually to control list, and full blade stroke deployment is 50mm.

The blades are made of composite materials so there is no corrosion,
and the system’s self-cleaning mode minimises marine growth for
continual functionality, Volvo adds.

The interceptor blades are usually installed
during manufacture of the boat, but retro-fitting is also available
along with controls and additional hardware. The automatic options can
be over-ridden manually, and the blades retract when the engines are
switched off.

NEW INTERCEPTOR SOFTWARE
Volvo Penta Interceptor System 300-1050 has new software and is available in three versions:
>> Manual (fitted as standard) – for operator-led trim functions.
>> Auto trim and list (as an option) – by continuously compensating for wind and load, to automatically correct and optimise trim and list performance.
>> Auto, trim, list and coordinated turn (as an option) – to automatically control list angle during a turn, as well as optimization of general trim and list functions. With the coordinated turn, the boat turns quickly while remaining as upright as possible, for optimal visibility and onboard comfort.

"The whole system provides stabiliSation and a smooth comfortable ride, and is really easy to use," adds Pettersson.

Volvo Penta's Interceptor System is integrated into its Electronic Vessel Control (EVC). The abovementioned automatic options work by using GPS, rudder angle, engine data, gyro sensor and an accelerometer (which measures acceleration of movement). You just push a button and the boat handles itself. More at Volvo Pentas global website.