Help on using trim tabs

[Prospective]

Another recent post on boat improvements got me wondering about trim tabs. A couple of people said it was the best improvement they've made.

As a new boater, I don't think I fully appreciate the use of trim tabs. I have a Monterey 282 express twin volvo 5.0's I/O with Bennett Trim Tabs and have played with them a couple of times. My boats previous owner said he didn't use them much. I get how they fuction, ie.. lower the bow port and starboard. I am more interested in how others use them. What kind of conditions, sea state, situation, to what effect etc...

As always your thought are appreciated, Happy Holidays...

-Prospective

 

[L Hall]

unless you have a fuel flow monitor, you won't be able to get maximum benefit. However, you can see the effects on your tach and GPS speed reading. Every boat has a point where the attitude of the boat reaches minimum drag. More bow down will decrease speed and more bow up will also decrease speed. If you have I/Os, adjustments in trim will also affect attitude and efficiency. On a relatively calm day, you can play with various trim tab/trim-tilt settings to see the effect. The correct settings will improve your "mileage."

As mentioned, bow down will also help get you up on plane faster and bow down in chop will also reduce pounding. If 400 lb. Aunt Tillie decides to change seats, you can also correct list.