On outboard engines without power trim, the trim angle
can be controlled by using the following “Rule of Thumb”: If
the bow runs low or heavy in the water, move the unit out
one or two pin hole settings. If the bow runs too high or
light in the water, move the unit in towards the transom
one or two pin hole settings.
Trim Tabs
If your boat is equipped with trim tabs you can use them to
adjust the boat’s trim to the optimum angle for load and
water conditions. Trim tabs add lift to the boat’s stern,
thereby changing the boat’s attitude (see Figure 3.4). This
life can help the boat remain on plane at slower speeds
than if no tabs were used.
During one of your first boating expeditions, take the boat
out onto open water and experiment with the trim tabs.
After you get the boat on plane, set the tabs in various
positions and note how the boat reacts. This will give you a
feel for how the trim tabs work.
Used independently, trim tabs can also compensate for
seas, winds, or uneven loads.
Remember that all boats react very slowly to trim tabs.
Often operators do not give trim tabs time to work. Press
the trim tabs switches for only two seconds at a time and
then allow some time for the boat to react. If the boat is still
listing after a minute or two, press the trim tab switch again
for a two-second interval.
IMPORTANT:Basic safety precautions should always be
followed with the operation of trim tabs. Do not step on trim
tabs. Injury may occur from slipping.
It is possible to extend the cylinder life expectancy on your
trim tabs. To do this, keep the cylinders retracted while at
dockside. Press both trim tab controls down until tabs
reach their full up position.
3.14
WARNING:Loss of Steering Control!Do not lower
the tabs all the way at high speeds. You may lose
steering control. Lower tabs a little at a time. Observe
effect on boat operation before lowering further.
Head Seas
Following Seas
Listing due to Quartering
Seas, Beam Wind, or
Uneven Load
Trim drives in more than
usual. Lower tabs to keep
bow down and go at a slow-
er speed.
To prevent taking seawater
over the bow, trim drives and
tabs to keep bow up.
Use tabs independently to
adjust for list. If listing to star-
board, lower port tab. If
listing to port, lower star-
board tab.
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