Trim tabs are independently manoeuvrable stainless-steel plates, or tabs, that attach to the bottom of your boat’s hull, that adjust the attitude or running angle of your boat. When used correctly they can vastly improve the speed, fuel economy, safety and overall performance of your boat. How do trim tabs work?When deployed, the trim tab plates push down to come in contact with the water, which has the effect of lifting the boat's stern out of the water. They're operated by a control panel in the cockpit, that lifts the trim tabs up or down through a hydraulic power unit, which attaches to the actuator on the plate. Trim tabs are fitted either side of the hull’s centre so there’s a port and starboard tab that can be used independently - moving the boat towards the port or starboard side. Trim tabs also adjust independently of your outboard’s power trim so you can always keep your prop at the optimal level (parallel to the water) while being able to adjust your hull’s attitude, or running angle, in the water. The advantage being that your prop is working efficiently and you’re minimising prop slippage. Do I need trim tabs on my boat?If you're experiencing any of the following issues then trim tabs can help. 1. Your boat rides ‘bow high’ An excessively high bow can impede your visibility on the water, which is not only dangerous but will also affect how the boat performs. When the bow rises, the stern drops - sometimes called 'squatting'. This creates drag which massively affects your fuel economy. When you deflect the trim tabs down, the force of water on the trim tabs causes upward pressure to raise the stern to assist you in getting the right running angle. 2. Your boat has a tendency to heel or lean to one side If your boat leans or heels over, trim tabs can help correct it. That’s because you can adjust your port and starboard trim tabs independently, to counterbalance the boat. So, if your boat is leaning to the port side, meaning the starboard side is high, you’ll press bow down on the starboard side of your controls to maintain level attitude. A boat can lean for a variety of reasons, such as wind, hull shape and weight distribution in the boat. If it’s due to weight distribution in the boat and it’s always best to correct this first. 3. Your boat struggles to get on (and stay on) the plane A boat that’s slow to get on the plane will also fall off the plane easily, especially at lower speeds. When you can stay on the plan at lower speeds your boat spends less time labouring, saving you valuable fuel. If your boat is sluggish with poor hole shot, trim tabs can help get you on the plan faster by raising the stern as you accelerate. 4. Your boat porpoises Porpoising is the action of the bow rising and falling at higher speeds, making it appear like the boat is bouncing through the water. By deploying the trim tabs down the bow will lower, correcting the rise and fall and giving the boat the correct running attitude. When installed and used correctly trim tabs can improve boat handling and reduce fuel consumption by enabling the boat to run at the correct angle. What size trim tabs do I need for my boat?
How to trim a boat with trim tabsWhen operating trim tabs a little goes a long way. The best way is to make gradual changes - a quick push of the button and let the boat react before pushing it again if needed. You can use trim tabs from start up to get you on the plane quicker. As you take off you’ll feel the bow rise and stern ‘squat’ causing the engine to labour. Push ‘bow down’ on your trim tabs in small increments to get onto the plane. You’ll know if you’ve gone too far as the boat’s bow will be too low and plow through the waves and cause excessive spray over the bow. Changes in sea conditions: Trim tabs can help you enjoy a smoother more enjoyable ride no matter what the conditions throw at you. In rough sea when you're travelling into the waves, deploy the trim tabs down to allow the bow to slice through the waves. In a following sea (waves going the same direction as you) lift the tabs up to ensure the tabs don’t push the stern around. When the waves hit from the side trim tabs can be useful to raise the side of the boat that the waves are hitting – keeping your boat's occupants drier! Get in touchWe recommend only using a qualified Marine Technician to install trim tabs as incorrect placement can seriously affect boat performance.
If you think trim tabs might be right for your boat get in touch and we can help. We can supply and fit the right trim tabs to your boat. Comments are closed.
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22/3/2024