Things You'll Need:
- Installation tools according to your kit requirements
- Trim angle indicator
- A boat
- Trim tab installation kit
-
Step 1
Understand what trim tabs are. Trim tabs are essentially horizontal rudders that are analogous to the ailerons on the wings of an airplane. They are installed on both sides of the hull and the redirect water flow, sort of like horizontally mounted rudders. They can allow you to correct for all kinds of ride height issues, including minor listing, too much weight or weight improperly distributed.
-
Step 2
Decide whether you want electronically or hydraulically controlled trim tabs. Electric trim tabs typically cost less but they tend not to last as long. Hydraulically controlled tabs, because the motor controlling the actuators is inside the boat, tend to have a much longer life.
-
Step 3
Order your kit. Trim tabs are rather expensive, but they offer an excellent degree of control over your boat, especially when you want to overcome issues of weight distribution. You can order trim tabs from a variety of sources online. Just Google “Trim Tabs” to find many retailers.
-
Step 4
Decide if you want to install the tabs yourself or if you want to have a professional install them. If you are a competent boat mechanic, you may be able to undertake this task yourself. However, anytime you are drilling holes into the bottom of your boat, you should stop and think hard about it.
-
Step 5
Consider installing a trim angle indicator. This simple to install piece of equipment will help you find the ideal trim angle, and also reduce the learning curve of the trim tabs. You may also wish to consider installing an electronic indicator control, which takes the place of a lever.
-
Step 6
Install the control module. On most kits, this will be a simple lever, although some kits will have a digital system in place.
