I lost my trim tab on the water I guess... last weekend. I noticed it was loose, but forgot to tighten it. Now I need to replace it. Whats the purpose of the trim tab? How should I align when installing to sterndrive?
Its for boats that dont have power steering. It just counteracts the torque of the drive (torque steer) to help the boat track track in a straight line.
As for adjustment its gonna be trial and error. Install the new tab (centered) and drive the boat straight (on plane). If the boat has a tendency to wander, adjust the trim tab in the opposite direction to counteract...
I lost my trim tab on the water I guess... last weekend. I noticed it was loose, but forgot to tighten it. Now I need to replace it. Whats the purpose of the trim tab? How should I align when installing to sterndrive?
What he said ^^^^^^.......
But he left out the other purpose, its function as a sacrificial anode that protects your drive from corrosion due to electrolysis.....
If you have power steering just order the flat one with no tab for a cleaner look. If you have power steering and are using a tab just center it and you'll be fine. But if no power steering i think you start with it pointed off to the right. Goodluck!
Thanks !!! That helps me understand the trim tab a little more. Just ordered one in ebay. Should be able to install back on sterndrive sometime next week.