Trim Tab Operation

[goderda]

I recently purchased a 245 Weekender and can't figure out how to use the trim tabs. My first question is the meaning of the markings on the trim tabs. For example, on the port side switch if you push the top of the switch there is a down arrow. Does that mean that pushing the top will move the port side bow down or does it mean that it pushes the port trim tab down which would raise the bow? I assumed that you would put the trim tabs down to help it come up on plane but some of what I have read suggests that you shouldn't use the trim tabs to come up on plane but rather only use them to trim the boat once it is on plane.

I haven't been able to find anything on line in an owner's manual or other materials that describes the use of the trim tabs. Are you aware of anything.

Thanks for the help.

 

[ProfitOfDoom]

When it says Bow up/down,,thats what the bow should do,Not the tab movement.
Now this part im guessing on,but with your outdrive being able to tilt,I would think that would be enough to help you plane correctly without tabs and the trim tabs would be used to level you out if your riding at a angle like if you had more weight on one side.

 

[tbirdvet]

Trim on outdrive is used only after up on plane. Use the tabs if required to plane.

 

[RichG]

I too have read many posts on this topic - and I agree the trim tab switches are confusing, particularly as you are listing to one side on plane while feverishly trying to balance the side-to-side distribution. After several outings this Spring, and reading many posts on the topic, I have found the following works for me. When getting out of the hole, have the engine trim full down and trim tabs full up (not engaged). Once on plane, use the engine trim to take care of 90% of the listing, usually trimmed at 5 or 6 on the digital readout. When needed to balance weight side to side, use trim tabs. However, still being a new boat owned, I still get confused on the trim tab switches. I wish there was a digital feedback on the trim tabs so you knew where they were set. Good luck!

 

[At Ease]

It is not necessary to think of what the tab is doing. If the boat is riding port side high, simply press the top of the port side switch (marked with a down arrrow) for a couple of seconds. Continue with small adjustments until you attain a level ride. Starboard switch if you are riding starboard side high. When you come off plane, press the bottom of both buttons to insure both tabs are up. I come up on plane with the outdrive trimmed all the way down and make trim adjustments once on plane. I only use tabs to adjust the boats attitude based on weight distribution and wind.

 

[shore]

I too have read many posts on this topic - and I agree the trim tab switches are confusing, particularly as you are listing to one side on plane while feverishly trying to balance the side-to-side distribution. After several outings this Spring, and reading many posts on the topic, I have found the following works for me. When getting out of the hole, have the engine trim full down and trim tabs full up (not engaged). Once on plane, use the engine trim to take care of 90% of the listing, usually trimmed at 5 or 6 on the digital readout. When needed to balance weight side to side, use trim tabs. However, still being a new boat owned, I still get confused on the trim tab switches. I wish there was a digital feedback on the trim tabs so you knew where they were set. Good luck!

They make it.They have a digital trim tab for each side and then to kick ourselves anymomre they make an auto-trim tab monitor...Yes, it does the tabs itself.Yes, it is expensive and requires a certain bennet system to be installed.

That being said, different boats respond to tabs differently.I had a 95 250CR crownline and it was tall and skinny.I had to drive her into a corner on plane and use the tabs to turn her.I know it sounds odd but just small amoutn of wheel input and opposite tab and she would turn flat and sharp.Use the wheel and she would fall over on her side and upset passengers/cargo.

Odd to get used to.
My 290 now is fine and turns normally.I rarely use the tabs at speed and never to plane out.She hops right up.