Trim tab settings vs. Engine Trim - Moderated Discussion Areas

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Author Topic:   Trim tab settings vs. Engine Trim

btb posted 09-21-2007 06:59 PM ET (US)
Following much advice on this board about installing trim tabs, I installed lenco's on my Whaler, to good effect.
Question: how do I set the trim tabs correctly, relative to the engine trim? On my first trip with the tabs fitted, I found that moving the motor trim "out" (i.e. away from the transom) increased revs and speed - and presumably efficiency, but I had to make small compensating adjustments to the trim tabs, giving them more "down". How do I know when I've got each setting right?
I am sure I read a post in a thread about how to do this but have spent a good part of the day trying to find that again without success.
As always, I appreciate any help or comments.
And thanks for the articles on how to install the trim tabs - they gave me the confidence to proceed - and installation went very smoothly.
BTB, San Diego
Sal DiMercurio posted 09-21-2007 08:39 PM ET (US)
BTB, leave your tabs in the up position, & use the tilt & trim on your engine, to adjust for a nice smooth ride.
Than if need to level the boat because of a strong list, drop the tab down on the side thats listing, until the boat levels out.
You wont need those tabs every time you run the boat, only when you have a bad list, or can't get the boat on plane very easy, & you need more stern lift.
Some people make the mistake of thinking they must constantly be adjusting the trim tabs.
You only use them when you need to use them, otherwise, leave them in the up position.
As far as improving your fuel economy, you may find your using more fuel by running with the tabs down or semi down, because your forcing the boat to run very flat, & in turn, the whole bottom of your boat is wet, thus, lottsa water drag & more effort on the engine to push a very flat running hull.
Your best ride & fuel economy [ all around performance ] will be, when your boat has plenty of air under it, "NOT" stuck flat like a pan cake, to the water.
Sal

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Author	Topic: Trim tab settings vs. Engine Trim
btb	posted 09-21-2007 06:59 PM ET (US) Following much advice on this board about installing trim tabs, I installed lenco's on my Whaler, to good effect. Question: how do I set the trim tabs correctly, relative to the engine trim? On my first trip with the tabs fitted, I found that moving the motor trim "out" (i.e. away from the transom) increased revs and speed - and presumably efficiency, but I had to make small compensating adjustments to the trim tabs, giving them more "down". How do I know when I've got each setting right? I am sure I read a post in a thread about how to do this but have spent a good part of the day trying to find that again without success. As always, I appreciate any help or comments. And thanks for the articles on how to install the trim tabs - they gave me the confidence to proceed - and installation went very smoothly. BTB, San Diego
Sal DiMercurio	posted 09-21-2007 08:39 PM ET (US) BTB, leave your tabs in the up position, & use the tilt & trim on your engine, to adjust for a nice smooth ride. Than if need to level the boat because of a strong list, drop the tab down on the side thats listing, until the boat levels out. You wont need those tabs every time you run the boat, only when you have a bad list, or can't get the boat on plane very easy, & you need more stern lift. Some people make the mistake of thinking they must constantly be adjusting the trim tabs. You only use them when you need to use them, otherwise, leave them in the up position. As far as improving your fuel economy, you may find your using more fuel by running with the tabs down or semi down, because your forcing the boat to run very flat, & in turn, the whole bottom of your boat is wet, thus, lottsa water drag & more effort on the engine to push a very flat running hull. Your best ride & fuel economy [ all around performance ] will be, when your boat has plenty of air under it, "NOT" stuck flat like a pan cake, to the water. Sal