Proper trim tab usage

[arkcruise]

I have a question. I've just purchased a 29' express cruiser with twin i/o's and trim tabs. This is a new set up to me and I'm not sure of the proper way to utilize the tabs with the power trim on the i/o's.<br /><br />Anyone out there have any suggestion on the ideal way to make these systems work together both out of the hole and on cruise??<br /><br />Thanks

 

[steve forsythe]

Re: Proper trim tab usage

Ark, i use mine in the down position to get up on plane quicker, and then pull them up when crusing in smooth water. If you have an unbalanced load you can put down the side you want to raise up a little. In rougher water put them down a little to keep your nose from porposing or hopping. You can trim your engines to do the same thing...sort of, they wont do as good a job as trim tabs. At crusing speeds, trim your engines up a little to go faster, trim them down to kepp nose of boat down.

 

[Hooty]

Re: Proper trim tab usage

Hiddy arkcruiser,<br />Your trim tabs are also very useful to offset engine and/or prop torque. <br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[Tab man]

Re: Proper trim tab usage

arkcruise,<br /><br />Send your mailing address to me at Tmcgow@bennetttrimtab.com and I will send you an owner's manual for Bennett Trim Tabs (no charge). It will cover tips on how to use them that apply to any brand, and if yours happen to be Bennett you will have technical and service info for your Trim Tabs.<br /><br />Let me know if I can be of any additional help.<br /><br />Tom McGow<br />Bennett Marine

 

[sho305]

Re: Proper trim tab usage

I know a few people that were going too fast on Lake Michigan in rough water with a too-small boat and they had the tabs down. The tab caught the water and they got injured or flew out of the boat! <br /><br />Do not use tabs for this. <br /><br />They were running 60+ in 19-26' powerboats in 4-6+ footers. Yeah, they were nuts/drunk/whatever--and got broken bones for it. They work great for the above posted uses, and it is a very good idea *not* to use bigger that recommended for your boat.