What does it mean to trim a boat?

Question

does anyone know, it could really help me out!

Answer 1

The term 'Trim' means the difference btwn the forward draft and the after draft, or how leve the boat/ship is in a fore and aft line.  In regards to ships, we trim a ship for various reasons.

Answer 2

"Trimming" a boat is a method in which - while your boat is underway, you are able to cause a "tilt" of the boat either fore and aft and port or starboard. It is a method used to keep your vessel more or less "trimmed" or level both port to starboard (left to right) and bow to stern (front to back) while you vessel is moving. This is accomplished with "trim tabs".  These "trim tabs" consist of two independently adjustable stainless steel plates mounted on the transom of my  boat. They provide lift in order to compensate for changes in speed, weight distribution, and water conditions. When deflected downward, the water force on the trim tab creates upward pressure, raising the stern and reducing hull resistance. The surface area of the tab, the angle of deflection and the speed of the boat all contribute to the amount of lift.

There are two types of "trim tab" systems, hydraulic and electromechanical. Mine are hydraulic, because I use hydraulic steering.

When cruising, I can adjust these tabs from control switches on the helm station, so that my vessel is perfectly level port to starboard, and I can adjust them for the very smoothest of ride - by raising or lowering my stern to position my bow.

I use them mostly to get the very smoothest ride under the current wave or water conditions I am traveling on. I also use them to keep the boat level in a port to starboard position - when (for example) If I have 6 or 8 heavy passengers on the starboard side, walk around to the port side... by adjusting my trim tabs, I can cause my vessel to counteract the shift in weight from one side to the other - and the boat remains level... Neat huh!

I hope this explans what it means to trim a boat...

You can see pics and more information at:

http://www.boatus.com/boattech/trimtabs....

Answer 3

positioning...by raising the motor up or down

Answer 4

to trim it out. to get in a almost level posistion for better running

Answer 5

Keep it level