2006 Sea Ray 270 Amberjack Trim Tab (?) Help

krs616

Member
Jan 9, 2011
69
Michigan
Boat Info
2006 270 Amberjack - Sold
Engines
Merc 496 Mag 375 hp
Bravo III
Getting used to my "new to me" 270AJ..I have the 496 Mag engine...

Once on plane he boat wants to lean to port, even in calm waters..the trim tabs "fix" this, although they seem to be VERY touchy
I realize the galley, batteries, and back-to-back seating is on the port side so there probably is more weight on that side to begin with...

Any driving tips would be appreciated!

KRS
2006 270AJ
 
Try trimming the engine up a little bit more. It's very normal for a boat to list when on plane if the drive is tucked in a lot. It basically puts too much hull in the water, creating drag and eventual list. The smaller/narrower a boat is, the more drastic this effect is, as well.

Is this your first go around with tabs? They take a little getting used to - that's normal, too. In most cases, tab usage is a "tap it, see what happens, tap it again, kind of thing". If you hold the button down until you get the boat where you want it, you've held it too long. You can search on this site for more info about tab usage - there's been some good write-ups. Bennett's website also has some excellent information.
 
Try trimming the engine up a little bit more. It's very normal for a boat to list when on plane if the drive is tucked in a lot. It basically puts too much hull in the water, creating drag and eventual list. The smaller/narrower a boat is, the more drastic this effect is, as well.

Is this your first go around with tabs? They take a little getting used to - that's normal, too. In most cases, tab usage is a "tap it, see what happens, tap it again, kind of thing". If you hold the button down until you get the boat where you want it, you've held it too long. You can search on this site for more info about tab usage - there's been some good write-ups. Bennett's website also has some excellent information.


Thanks for the reply! I will trim the motor a bit before tapping the buttons!
I've had numerous boats with tabs, this one just seems way more sensitive than previous vessels. A search on the web revealed a few others with this issue on their 270's.

Thanks again!
KRS
 
That is the same hull as the 260da of that Era and this is a well known issue......read Daves's posts on this he "cracked the code" on this issue and made a lot of people happy....
 
It's a great hull - planes very quickly compared to others it's size. But on the other hand, it's a bit more sensitive than others. It's nothing that a little practice won't cure... which of course means you just have to go boating more often! In the end, you'll end up with a very nice riding, efficient hull.
 
Congrats on your new boat! As a fellow 2006 270 AJ owner, everything said here so far is correct. The tabs are a little touchy and need a period of adjusting to how they operate with the hull. In my experience they not quite so touchy as the 260 DA is reported to be.

Tap and wait is the right approach, as well as trimming out the drive when on plane. I generally find that my hull is pretty well balanced side to side and about equal trim is needed - allowing for passenger movement, sea state, etc. I think you'll find them fairly predictable once you are used to them. That said, because the hull is narrow at 8' 6", you will certainly know if a passenger moves from one side to the other. You'll need to adjust the tabs based on the position of passengers.

For reference, here is my "launch" procedure when getting on plane the fastest and then for the most efficient ride:

  1. Start at idle speed (or close to it)
  2. Trim drive all the way in (down)
  3. Set trim tabs full down (most lift, minimizes rear squatting)
  4. Engage full throttle
  5. Once on plane, trim drive out (up)
  6. Retract trim tabs equal amounts (both buttons at same time). Retracted tabs leads to more efficient running.
  7. Adjust port-starboard running attitude with short presses of the tab buttons.
  8. Enjoy!

With 10 years of experience owning this model, I've found that the most efficient drive position for cruising is at least 1/2 up. For a longer trip - sea conditions allowing - I will go as far as about 3/4 up. When the seas are choppy a higher drive trim will lead to increased pounding and a rougher ride. To reduce the harsh ride in choppy seas trim the drive down to lower the nose and let the sharper edge of the bow cut through the waves vs. having the flatter aft section of the hull slam into them. If you have the drive trimmed all the way down at plane, the ride definitely gets squirrely.
 
That is the same hull as the 260da of that Era and this is a well known issue......read Daves's posts on this he "cracked the code" on this issue and made a lot of people happy....

Where can I find Daves's posts on cracking the code? :huh:
 
Congrats on your new boat! As a fellow 2006 270 AJ owner, everything said here so far is correct. The tabs are a little touchy and need a period of adjusting to how they operate with the hull. In my experience they not quite so touchy as the 260 DA is reported to be.

Tap and wait is the right approach, as well as trimming out the drive when on plane. I generally find that my hull is pretty well balanced side to side and about equal trim is needed - allowing for passenger movement, sea state, etc. I think you'll find them fairly predictable once you are used to them. That said, because the hull is narrow at 8' 6", you will certainly know if a passenger moves from one side to the other. You'll need to adjust the tabs based on the position of passengers.

For reference, here is my "launch" procedure when getting on plane the fastest and then for the most efficient ride:

  1. Start at idle speed (or close to it)
  2. Trim drive all the way in (down)
  3. Set trim tabs full down (most lift, minimizes rear squatting)
  4. Engage full throttle
  5. Once on plane, trim drive out (up)
  6. Retract trim tabs equal amounts (both buttons at same time). Retracted tabs leads to more efficient running.
  7. Adjust port-starboard running attitude with short presses of the tab buttons.
  8. Enjoy!

With 10 years of experience owning this model, I've found that the most efficient drive position for cruising is at least 1/2 up. For a longer trip - sea conditions allowing - I will go as far as about 3/4 up. When the seas are choppy a higher drive trim will lead to increased pounding and a rougher ride. To reduce the harsh ride in choppy seas trim the drive down to lower the nose and let the sharper edge of the bow cut through the waves vs. having the flatter aft section of the hull slam into them. If you have the drive trimmed all the way down at plane, the ride definitely gets squirrely.

Thank you for the helpful hints! I will definitely give this a try!!! This boat is a great upgrade from my CC I owned...plus keeps the family happy :smt038
 

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