How to Use Boat Trim Plates
Trim tabs are flat, stainless steel and hydraulically activated, and they come in pairs. They're mounted horizontally, near the bottom and on opposite sides of your boat's transom, as far apart as possible. Used properly, they get you up to speed quickly and help you run more economically. If the weight in your boat is distributed unevenly -- not all fishing buddies and their gear weigh the same -- trim tabs can mitigate the tendency of the boat to lean one way or another in the water while traveling, making boating a safer experience.
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Instructions
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Lower both trim tabs fully, using the trim tab switch at your boat's control station, when you get under way. Lowering both tabs fully increases the lift on the stern of your boat and decreases lift at the bow, keeping your boat level as it rises from the water while gaining speed, eliminating bouncing and improving control.
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Raise the trim tab on the "high side" of your boat to level it, once you're moving. Raise the tab in increments, watching for its leveling effects before raising it farther.
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Lower one trim tab when backing up. If your boat tends to pull to port -- because the motion of the propeller pulls the boat to the left -- when backing up, lower the port trim tab fully before shifting your motor into reverse. The increased resistance against the water on the port side will help you back the boat more straightly.
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Tips & Warnings
Raise your trim tabs before trailering your boat. When you pull the boat up onto the trailer, the trim tabs can strike the rear edge of the traile, which may damage them severely.
