Trim Tab Question

S

Sandy K.

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exMember
Joined
Mar 15, 2001
RO Number
3775
Messages
406
Many of you read about the issue I had regarding my port trim tab breaking off and doing damage to the prop and strut. Well, we're now back in the water and I want to make sure it doesn't happen again.

The switches for my trim tabs are labeled "Bow Down" and "Bow Up". Since I have a swim platform and can't easily see how the tabs are working without getting underneath the boat, I would like to verify that "Bow Down" also means the tabs are down and "Bow Up" means the tabs are in the up position.

I think I've got it right, just looking for some verification. Anyone?

Thanks,
 
I leave my tabs alone until I am ready to get up on plane, then I put both "Bow Down" all the way. After I'm on plane, I tweak the trim based on conditions. As I idle back to the marina, I put my Trim Tabs "Bow Up" all the way. And when I turn off the engine, they are designed to automatically go into Bow Up position if I forget. I've never had a problem and I wish I would have had them installed a long time ago!

If anyone is "thinking" about having Trim Tabs installed, DO IT! Some of the best money spent for my boat IMHO.
 
Even though you can't see the tabs, can you see the actuator? If so, you can usually tell that the tabs are down just because the shaft is out of the housing. Also, since you had this problem, you may want to spend the bux to get the trim tab position indicator.
 
Watch the tabs sometime and count how long it takes the tabs to go from full down to full up. That way you will have a better idea of how long to hold the buttons down to bring them all the way up.

I take it you did not install any kind of stops or cables to keep it from happening again?
 
Thanks for the replies.

Can't see the actuators and didn't have any "other" devices installed. Had to have the tab manufactured specifically for my boat by Bennett. Got the call that installation was done on Wednesday afternoon - gave it an extra day for all the 5200 to dry and we had to get her in the water early this morning to make the high tide. Otherwise I would have lost this weekend.

To date this season I've got less than 3 hours on her so I was quite anxious to get back in and get going. I hear the tuna are near....
 
Bennett does make a position indicator. You'll have to seer if it's compatible with your system. Another thing, I know with my Bennett system I see the voltmeter needle move slightly just as the tabs reach their top end. I guess there is a momentary power surge at that very moment. You might want to see if your guage does the same.
 
Yes, mine does that too. And I can hear them if I have my engine in idle or off.
 
When I am on the hook, I often leave my trim tabs in the BOW DOWN position. It seems to help a little to lessen the affects from side swell. Anyone have an opinion.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Sandy K.

Click to expand...


Sandy, I agree with your thoughts" "Bow UP" means tabs are UP, "Bow Down" means tab s are DOWN. I always power my tabs on the "Bow Up" position for about 15 seconds before going into docking or going into reverse.
 
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