When/how do I use my trim tabs on my boat?

Question

When/how do I use my trim tabs on my boat?

Answer 1

Another good use for tabs is to keep the bow from pounding in a head sea.  Throttle down and tab down a bit to keep the bow from riding so hard.

Sadly,  a truly well designed boat would need no trim tabs at all as the boat would be well balanced to begin with.  There are so many compromises with today's boats that they are almost a necessity.

Answer 2

Trim tabs do 2 important things.

1.  they level the boat when its up on "step" and planing through the water.  if there is an unbalanced load the boat will "list"" or lean to one side ..adjust the trim tabs to level the boat.

2.  without trim tabs the bow may tend to rid too hign and make it more difficult to steer. (longitudinal instability)  this is quite dangerous at high speed.  to lower the bow.  lower both trim tabs..this lifts the stern.

3. with a balanced boat, it is possible to steer with trim only.  if your steering gear is too sensitive, trim may help reduce the load on the rudder.

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