How to Use Trim Tabs for Better Turning in a Boat
Trim tabs have several uses on a power boat, including increasing fuel efficiency and improving the turning characteristics. Every boat in the water falls into one of two design categories: displacement or planing. Displacement hulls, like sailboats and trawlers, push through the water, displacing it as they go. Planing hulls, which comprise the majority of powerboats under 50 feet, are designed to skim across the top of the water instead of displacing it. Trim tabs help create the lift necessary for a powerboat to get "on step", or plane across the water. This is how to use trim tabs for better turning in a boat.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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1
Ensure that you have a good distance in front of the boat that is free of traffic. Get the boat on plane by accelerating and activating the trim tabs together. The force and torque of the engines will dig the stern of the boat into the water and cause the bow to rise, often blocking your field of vision. Activate both trim tabs in the BOW DOWN position and the bow will steadily drop until the boat is parallel with the water and on plane.
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2
Adjust the trim tabs to reach optimal speed and performance. You'll know you've found the sweet spot when you reach cruising speed at about 75-percent of maximum RPM. Ensure that there is no traffic around before practicing trim-tab turns.
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3
Holding the steering wheel steady, activate the port trim tab in the BOW DOWN position. Rather than holding the switch down, which will cause the boat to jerk to the left, tap the switch for several seconds to make a more controlled turn. Once the turn is completed, tap the port trim tab switch in the BOW UP position to return to the straightaway.
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4
Do the same with the starboard trim tab. Holding the steering wheel steady, activate the starboard trim tab in the BOW DOWN position, remembering to tap the switch rather than holding it down. The boat will turn to the right. When you are satisfied with the turn, activate the starboard trim tab switch in the BOW UP position to return to the straightaway.
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Practice high-performance turning. Now that you know how to use trim tabs for better turning, it is time to practice a trim-tab-assisted high-performance turn. This will take practice, so proceed slowly and with caution. High-performance turning can cause a violent motion in the boat if executed incorrectly, and can easily eject gear or passengers.
Once the boat is on plane and the trim tabs are properly adjusted (and you've checked for traffic), turn the steering wheel to the left while activating the port trim tab in the BOW DOWN position. The boat will make an immediate and dramatic turn to the left. Center the steering wheel and adjust the port trim tab to pull out of the turn. Repeat the analogous steps to practice turning to the right.
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Tips & Warnings
It is best to practice high-performance turning alone or with an experienced fellow boater. A day cruise with a boat full of inexperienced passengers is not the time to practice high-performance turning.
Always use the required safety equipment and ensure that all gear is properly stowed before practicing high-performance turning.
