QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Below you will find a number of questions that may arise about the Lightning Trim and Stabilization System. Questions regarding Service, Maintenance, or reparations are also right here.
Lightning release notes
We often release new software versions for Lighting, follow this link to read the latest and greatest!
Lightning is a fast and automatic trim and stabilization system. The blade is very fast and use a larger stroke 2” (50mm) compared to the competition using about 1” (25-30mm). Our larger stroke creates more availble lift, and ultrafast movement allows us to dynamically change the lift. This results in better stabilization and performance of the. 20 years of experience in the field have given us a technical advantage. Oh, and we are the only brand that integrates with your rudder signal to give you the ultimate turning experience.
By creating lift on the transom, it creates comfort by keeping the boat close to 0°, meaning balancing trim and list angles. Thanks to the fast interceptors, it can dynamically stabilize pitch and roll unlike anything you've felt before, creating less slamming, seasickness and more comfort onboard.
Due to the more powerful stroke 2” (50mm), a smaller Lightning interceptor can be used where the competition would need almost twice the size. With the possibility to install it closer to the chine where the rightening arm is greater, creating a more efficient lift force. The result is faster response and an increased performance for the Auto List and the Roll stabilization functionalities.
The system works up to 62knots, above this speed, the system does not move the blade at all.
The system will adjust the blades more “gently” at high speeds for safety reasons.
You can buy the Humphree system at your nearest dealer, to find the nearest dealer, please check DEALERS on the Humphree webpage. They can also assist with installations. https://humphree.com/contact-humphree-dealer-network/
The Lightning system uses function packages and is ready to be upgraded at any time, so you can go from a trim tab feeling to fully automatic stabilization system in an instant. Your Humphree dealer can assist with license upgrades.
Yes, of course! The system supports upgrading to any of our function packages, no hardware installation required*
Contact the dealer or center where you purchased your system or boat and they can help you go through the available upgrades.
*A rudder signal is required for our coordinated turn function for comfortable and sharper turns.
Yes, the lightning system supports function trials. This means that a Humphree dealer or partner can give you a test period for a set amount of days, so that you can make up your mind in your own boat and really feel the difference.
Yes, the underwater LEDs are fully RGBW which enables you to choose the colour to suit your mood. As of June 2025, Underwater lights are included in all our function packages, so everyone get's to have a fish disco!
For navigational safety reasons, underwater light can only be activated when the boat is at speeds close to zero knots. Note that if speed source is not activated at system start up, eg GPS turned off, the Humphree system will wait 90 seconds before lights can be activated.
You can have the lights turned on at speed, but you have to choose between interceptors and underwater lights.
Each Interceptor has one 10x2.5W LED’s giving a total system power of 50W. The lights can also be dimmed, and the Colour can be adjusted.
The system is not autonomous but very easy to set up. Our system can be tweaked to any boat type and owner preference, unlike any system on the market. An experienced boat user or a dealer can perform this with the instructions included in our setup manual, available in the manuals section of our website.
One year from delivery of the system or two years if the warranty form has been submitted. You can find the warranty form here, on the website, on the QR code on the box and if you have portal access, you can fill it in directly on the system details page. You can check if the form has been submitted by filling in your system information in the form.
Yes, an optional second control panel can be used. You can also use our MFD integration for that operation.
The system will automatically look for the latest software when connected to the internet, just like your phone. Enter system settings, and press connections. Press wi-fi and connect to a nearby network, if you don't have a network nearby you can connect to a mobile hotspot. You can find the software update screen under the advanced menu. You can only install an update if the boat is still for safety reasons.
Usually this is setup related, we are confident that you would be satisfied with our performance. We recommend reviewing the functions in the system setup manual to ensure perfect system settings. We've also released performance improvements over time, so updating software is a good starting point.
If you have an alarm in your system, see the DTC / Alarm page for help.
If the system is not setup or installed propperly, look at our manuals on the downloads section in our Customer Center
If you want to look for spare parts, drawings or technical specifications look at downloads section in our Customer Center
Please follow all the suggested steps in the Control Panel and our guides in the customer center: https://humphree.com/aftermarket-support/diagnostic-trouble-codes/
If you require further assistance, please check our dealer locator and contact the nearest one. Note that in the alarm list, alarms can still be visible even after a system reset. Press the refresh button with an arrow icon to refresh the alarms.
No, but it requires good technical skills and know-how. It's strongly required to follow our Installation and setup manuals for installations, it's not hard to install but it's important to be thourough. This will also give you the best experience. Manuals are available on our website or on the QR-code on the systems packaging. You can also view our installation video in the customer center.
The clever and included “mounting bracket” is mounted to the transom first. The bracket have two stainless steel thread inserts and the interceptor is then attached to the bracket with two included M8 bolts.
No, you can mount the cable through hull fitting either below typically behind the interceptor or above the water line. There is a cable cover included in the box, that can be adjusted.
Position the control unit on the transom or a position within reach for the 4m cables to the interceptors. The control unit can be rotated, however it has to be positioned in a 90° angle to the keel, not in 30° or 45° as example. The orientation is later configured in the control panel. This is essential for the system to know what is forward/aft/Stb and port. Place the unit close to the centreline (within 1m from centreline is OK). We strongly advise to place the control unit somewhere where it's less exposed to vibrations from engines or equipment.
The cable between the control unit and interceptor is 4m.
The cable between control unit and control panel is either 10 or 15m.
The included NMEA2000 drop cable is 1.5m
Yes.
The kit comes with a NMEA2000 drop cable. The cable connects to the NMEA2000 network and the system use the GPS signal available on the network. If a separate antenna is required, there are alternatives, consult your nearest dealer.
The rudder signal comes from your steering system, some electrical steering systems transmit the rudder signal on the NMEA2000 network by default, some systems requires converters.
For Mercury, having a Mercury vessel view usually solves any issues.
For Yamaha, you need a "Yamaha Command Link Gateway To NMEA2000 (6YG-8A2D0-10-00)". Like this one: https://www.marine-surplus.com/product/yamaha-command-link-gateway-6yg-8a2d0-00-00-to-nmea-2000-network-kit/
We support Garmin, Simrad and Raymarine brands, via the ethernet cable on the LCP. Ensure your MFD supports HTML5 applications, connect the control panel to the display using the Humphree Ethernet cable according to the Lighting Installation Manual. Don't forget to ensure your system is updated to the latest software, as MFD integrations require the latest software update, and are often updated to support more features and screens.
Humphree Lightning supports MFD integration with an HTML5-application. The LCP connects with MFDs through the ethernet port. Supported MFD's are Garmin OneHelm displays and Navico Group displays (Simrad, B&G and Lowrence) and Raymarine Axiom and Axiom 2 displays. Ensure your display is compatible with HTML-5 apps.
Currently, For Simrad, we recommend a NSX Simrad series, the NSS series have troubles with the trim and list controls. We are working on solving the issue.
For the Garmin 9000 series with bluenet, you will need an RJ45 port available, either through a Bluenet to Garmin marine network switch, or an adapter cable. These are supplied from Garmin, the part number for the adapter cable is 010-12528-20.
For Simrad installations you will need an adapter cable supplied by Simrad. One such cable has the part number 000-0127-56.
For Raymarine installations you will need an adapter cable supplied by Raymarine. RJ45f to RayNet Adapter, part number A80247
We recommend looking in the installation manual for further assistance.
Unlike some of our competitors, no separate purchase is needed. You only need the right cables, the integration is included in the control panel.
You can use this link by Garmin to see if it's supported https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=WVSuH7wnMc6MbVcplpChYA
Very important. The cable protection is fitted to protect the cable/cable gland from whatever can damage it.
Yes, and it should be properly fitted and secured. The Lightning Control Unit has a class IP67. (1meter in 30min)
Yes, the cable is waterproof, according to spec (23149883_01_1).
Molex 150 connectors are protected by class IP6K7.
No, not necessary. The system will inform you if it wan'ts to do a calibration using a red badge, very much like a notification on your phone. It's an automatic calibration, and you can do it on land or in the water.
There are no torque limits, only calibration OK, or calibration fail. Calibration can sometimes fail due to installation related issues, such as over-tensioning the interceptor to the mounting bracket, providing insufficient width of power cables. See installation manual for correct installation instructions or contact a Humphree Center.
The underwater light should not be painted, only with coating used for underwater lights.
Apply anti fouling to the parts that are exposed to water for more than two weeks at a time. You can use the same anti fouling as your hull, just mind the underwater light and avoid painting over it.
Sure thing! Annual inspections of interceptors are recommended, but annually is enough. No 3 months or 6 months here! We have automatic cleaning modes that keep interceptors clean and there is no parts that needs to be replaced.
Visual inspection consists of checking interceptor, cables, control panel, and LCU annually. Recommend checking the interceptor bracket every 4th year. Check interceptor bolts annually. Connect system to the internet and install updates at least every six months. You can see the latest release notes on: https://humphree.com/lightning/release-notes/
Nope, we don't do that. Would be really annoying to have to replace zink every year or so don't you think?
No service is needed, replace only if leaking.
No service is needed, change only if broken or if there are any cracks.
You need to remove the interceptor from the transom. See the installation manual to understand how the interceptor is mounted, generally make sure that the top corner screws are removed and loosen the M8 bolts in the center and the interceptor is detached. Reattach them and ensure sealant is applied correctly, but for this we recommend a quick Look in the installation manual.
The cable protection is made of PC/PBT, this will last and withstand the sunlight for many years.
Yes, like all Humphree systems the Interceptors have an automatic cleaning function. Update your software, go to function settings and activate it. You can configure cleaning intervals. Make sure system has power so that it can perform cleaning. The interceptors will move at every start-up as well.
Brush the interceptors regularly to avoid marine growth is best practice. Soap and water but also high-pressure water is ok to use. You can of course apply anti-fouling paint as well.
If more than one Led stops working on the underwater light, and this is under warranty time, then you will get a new interceptor on warranty.
Same as Interceptor. The interceptor has a long life span and if it's maintained properly it should last many years.
Humphree does not supply spare parts for the interceptor (Humphree supplies a complete new interceptor under warranty period), warranty is not valid if the interceptor is opened during the warranty period.
This is a rare occasion. Regarddelss if it doesn't get any power and fails to boot up the system, or that the LCP indicates that it cannot communicate with the control unit, the LCU needs to be replaced. Contact Humphree dealer and they will assist you further. You can find your closes dealer at this link: https://humphree.com/contact-humphree-dealer-network/
Please contact a Humphree Center/Dealer. Go to: https://humphree.com/contact-humphree-dealer-network/
Contact our center/dealer network. Spare part list is available in our customer center.
Go to: https://humphree.com/contact-humphree-dealer-network/