Humphree Lightning system owner review and real-world performance insights

This owner-led interview provides a detailed insight into how the Humphree Lightning system performs in real-world use aboard a Formula 35SS. Drawing on extensive boating experience, Andy Sweet shares his perspective on installation, day-to-day usability, ride control and overall value, offering practical feedback on how the system behaves across a range of conditions.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us how long you’ve owned the Formula 35SS?

My name is Andy Sweet. I have been boating my whole life. I grew up with a family boat as a kid and have owned five boats of my own since the late 80s. I’ve been fortunate to have spent my career in the marine engine industry where I have had exposure to all sizes and kinds of boats with various kinds of propulsion.

How do you typically use the boat (day trips, overnight, fishing, cruising, etc.) and how many hours per season do you usually run it?

Most of our boating is “day trips” where we head up the James River or Chesapeake Bay to spend a few hours at the beach/sandbar or float out on the Bay. A few times a year we will plan overnight trips of a few days.

What made you decide to install Lightning on your Formula 35SS?

I have always been sensitive to my boat’s trim. I find myself constantly adjusting the engine trim or the trim tabs to get the best ride for the speed and water conditions we are in. The auto trim and list control were the features that attracted me to Lightning. Automatic list control is the feature I like the most because it levels the boat out no matter what the wind does or if someone moves from one seat to another.

How was the installation process – did you have it professionally installed or did you fit it yourself? Any surprises or challenges?

I was building a new Formula 350SS and I wanted Lightning on my new boat. Formula and Humphree worked together and my Lightning was installed at the Formula factory. The template made it easy for the factory to determine where to drill for the mounting screws and the wiring that goes through the transom. I like the fact there are mounting screws that securely hold the units to the transom.

How long have you had Lightning installed?

One season.

What differences did you notice in the boat’s handling after installing Lightning?

a) The boat gets on plane faster because the blades fully extend when the bow goes up to get over the hump. The blades automatically retract once the boat is on plane. I can fine tune depending on the sea state.
b) The list control is always keeping the boat level regardless of which way the wind is blowing or where people are sitting. These two features make it worth it for me to have Lightning on my boat.

How does Lightning affect the boat’s behaviour at different speeds (idle, cruise, top speed)?

The system is always looking to optimise the trim based on the angle of the boat, so as the bow goes up or down depending on the speed, the system is always adjusting the tabs, so I don’t have to.

Have you noticed any changes in fuel consumption after installing Lightning?

Just knowing that the system is optimising the boat’s trim, I know I’m getting the best fuel economy at whatever speed I’m running.

How has Lightning influenced passenger comfort?

Just keeping the boat level improves the ride which translates into passenger comfort.

Does the system make a noticeable difference in rough sea conditions or in wake from other boats?

Yes, whether it is automatic, or I dial in the trim with the display pad, the system responds quickly to the changes in wave height.

How intuitive are Lightning’s controls and interface? Any suggestions for improvements?

I find the display pad to be “backwards” from what I would expect the blades to do, so it has taken me a little while to realise that “swiping” down raises the blades (bow up) and “swiping” up extends the blades (bow down). I still have not quite figured out which way to swipe for right or left, but list control typically takes care of that.

Have you had any issues or maintenance needs with Lightning since installation? If so, how was the service/support experience?

A: No problems. The system has been flawless. I’ve also performed a software update over-the-air using my cell phone and the update was quick and easy.

Do you feel Lightning was a good investment for your Formula 35SS? Why or why not?

Yes. I really wanted the trim to be automatic and for the most part it is. There’s enough to do when you are running the boat in congested areas or in rough seas, so if I do not have to focus on adjusting the trim there is value in that. I feel strongly the system is doing what I wanted it to do.

Would you recommend Lightning to other Formula 35SS owners or boaters in general? What type of boater would benefit most?

Yes, for all the points I’ve made above and for the simplicity of operation, I highly recommend Lightning. The system responds fast and it is predictable and reliable with no downside to the performance of the boat. Since Lightning works independent of the engine’s control system, it can work on any boat, regardless of whether it is inboard, outboard or stern drive. The installation is simple and pretty much self-contained since the motors are integrated into the unit. Inside the boat is the control panel at the helm (or you can use the boat’s MFD display with the addition of an ethernet cable), the control unit mounted near the transom, and a harness to connect everything together. Even a set of underwater lights are built into each unit and controlled by the display.

Is there anything you wish Lightning could do differently or additional features you would like to see?

In my application, I find that in very calm water the tabs do not fully retract after my boat gets on plane, so the bow feels a little like it is digging. A quick swipe down on the display raises the blades a few more degrees and frees up the bow. That said, on a day with a one-foot chop the blades retract perfectly and the “V” breaks the waves just like I want them to do. I would like the system to be able to figure out the difference between really smooth water and a small chop.

Any final thoughts or stories about how Lightning changed your boating experience?

I think I’ve said it all above. Lightning is far superior to the old-fashioned manual trim tabs and buttons that we’re constantly tweaking as an operator. The simplicity and overall performance of the system make it worth it to me.