Definitive Guide To Using Trim Tabs?

[pkrrvr619]

I have searched the forums for a "how to guide" as to how to use trim tabs but came up empty handed. If someone knows of a link please feel free to share.

The bit of research that I have been able to find however has only small pieces of info.

Trimming the engine up but putting the tabs down to plow through the rough stuff seems counter intuitive to me but I don't know much about how tabs work.

What tab setting when turning?

Can you guys help me out and give me some best practices when it comes to tabs?

 

[Dkahnjob]

I don't think there is a simple answer, it varies from boat to boat. A good starting point would be to get a straight edge on the bottom of your boat and on the cavitation plate on the out drive and see where they are parrallel and mark the tab indicator accordingly. So try not to run the drive in negative trim (pushing the bow down), then start to trim the tabs accordingly. I know on my Hallett 270 I never lift the tabs completely up or it will chine walk at higher speed, but on the Fountain that I used to have it was quite happy with the tabs full up, so it varies from one hull design to another.
Hope this helps.

 

[HavaToon]

There is a video on YouTube where Reggie Fountain gives a how to guide. I think it's called secret to speed.

 

[fishing fool]

I am glad you asked this. I have been wondering if tabs would work on my boat.
220 eagle xp.

How I think they would help is make the boat feel bigger. Then the tabs are down and the bow comes up (due to bad water) the boat will fall on the tabs and make the boat stable.

 

[Dkahnjob]

Tabs definitely work well for trimming for both water conditions and balancing you load.

 

[28Eliminator]

Tabs down and trim up definitely works in very rough conditions. Mine also likes the tabs down a little bit (2-3 on my indicator) for cruising, and about 2 for speed. All the way up and it will porpoise depending on the weight, and the water. put a little tab in it and it instantly stops. You can also use them for keeping the boat riding level when you have more weight on one side or the other.

another neat trick is to bury them when idling, slows the boat a little and keeps it from wandering back and forth.

 

[rvrrun]

another neat trick is to bury them when idling, slows the boat a little and keeps it from wandering back and forth.

I am definitely trying this, mine hunts at no wake worse than any boat I've driven.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

I don't think there is a simple answer, it varies from boat to boat. A good starting point would be to get a straight edge on the bottom of your boat and on the cavitation plate on the out drive and see where they are parrallel and mark the tab indicator accordingly. So try not to run the drive in negative trim (pushing the bow down), then start to trim the tabs accordingly. I know on my Hallett 270 I never lift the tabs completely up or it will chine walk at higher speed, but on the Fountain that I used to have it was quite happy with the tabs full up, so it varies from one hull design to another.
Hope this helps.

A lot of boats don't run at the attitude in relation to level as they do while sitting o the trailer. For example my motor runs at slightly positive trim when not trying to plow through the slop.

 

[lavey jr]

I am definitely trying this, mine hunts at no wake worse than any boat I've driven.

Definitely works!
Although, if you slow down and need to do docking type maneuvers that include reverse you're best to bring the tabs back up. If you keep them down it will lessen the maneuverability of reverse.