Steering Trim Tab

steam_mill

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 16, 2002
Messages
413
Just got a brand new boat and it pulls to the right. The trim tab is dead centre. I've done the before but I forgot which way to adjust the trim tab on the outboard to make the boat go straight.<br /><br />I think it is if the boat pulls right then the trim tab is adjusted to the left. Can someone confirm this?<br /><br />Tx.<br /><br />Joe
 

Terry H

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Sep 25, 2001
Messages
1,862
Re: Steering Trim Tab

You got it...to the port. Normally don't need to adjust much...1/8"-1/4" usually does it...just a Thought
 

SingleShot

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 24, 2003
Messages
113
Re: Steering Trim Tab

This came out of my merc service manual.<br /><br />Trim Tab Adjustment<br /><br />Propeller steering torque will cause your boat to pull in one direction. This steering torque is a normal thing that results from your outboard not being trimmed so the propeller shaft is parallel to the water surface. The trim tab can help to compensate for this steering torque in many cases and can be adjusted within limits to reduce any unequal steering effort. NOTE: Trim tab adjustment will have little effect reducing steering torque if the outboard is installed with<br />the anti-ventilation plate approximately 2 inches<br />(50mm) or more above the boat bottom. Operate your boat at normal cruising speed, trimmed to desired position. Turn your boat left and right and note the direction the boat turns more easily.<br />If adjustment is necessary, loosen trim tab bolt and make small adjustments at a time. If the boat turns more easily to the left, move the trailing edge of trim tab to the left. If the boat turns more easily to the right move the trailing edge of trim tab to the right. Retighten bolt and retest.<br /><br />If your boat is pulling to the right or Starboard you will want to move the trailing edge of the trim tab to the right.<br /><br />SingleShot
 
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