Attention: Have 2 pages to see today

Author Topic: Attention Tab Man  (Read 1612 times)

October 12, 2012, 09:37:10 AM
Reply #30

Tabman

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Re: Attention Tab Man
« Reply #30 on: October 12, 2012, 09:37:10 AM »
Chris,

Since using Trim Tabs is new to you, here is a primer on how to get the best out of them.

All boats react differently to Trim Tabs and the best way to find out what works best for yours is to experiment, and remember, use short bursts of the controls and let the boat settle down between corrections. Using them will soon become second nature.

Tom McGow
Bennett Marine

Getting and Staying Trimmed

All boats assume different fore to aft attitudes at different throttle settings and vary in sensitivity to lateral weight distribution.

A boat’s optimum running attitude is determined by the operator. While some people may define optimum running attitude as the highest possible speed for a given amount of engine RPMs, others desire the best possible fuel economy, yet others may be trimming the boat to get just the right mix of speed and wake (such as for waterskiing.)

Optimum running attitude is when the boat is running to the operator’s satisfaction for the given operating conditions. There are as many optimum running attitudes as there are boats and boat owners

A good way to determine a boats optimum running angle is to run the boat lightly loaded at full speed in calm water. During this test observe the boat’s bow in relation to the horizon. Most boats run at or near their optimum attitude under these conditions. This should give you a feel for the appearance of the wake and bow spray when running at an efficient attitude. Note that not all boats will achieve their optimum running attitude under these conditions. Some boats will benefit from extra lift even when running at their maximum throttle settings. If you feel the boat will benefit from added bow down trim when running at speed start with the trim tabs fully up and deflect the trim tabs in short bursts. Be alert to changes in the boats handling, as you bring the bow down. Observe any changes in RPMs and/or speed. Adjust power trim if applicable.

Indications of Running Untrimmed
When a boat is running untrimmed the bow spray will exit the sides of the boat far aft. The stern wave (wake) is high and curling like a breaker on the beach. The rooster tail is high and close to the stern. The engine is laboring and the ride tends to be less smooth.

Indications of Running Trimmed

The bow spray moves forward and is flung not as far from the boat. The wake diminishes in height, as the rooster tail flattens out and moves away from the boat. The engine is operating under less load as evidenced by the tachometer and speed as well as sounding “less strained”.

One Step at a Time
The key to obtaining optimal results from trim tabs is to operate them in short “bursts” and let the boat react before making another adjustment. The amount of time between corrections is influenced by the size of the trim tabs and the boat’s speed. This will help avoid overtrimming or ending up with one tab too far down when correcting lateral trim. You will quickly become acquainted with a boat’s particular traits.

Take Off
Properly sized trim tabs can significantly reduce the time needed to get up on plane. They also allow a boat to keep its bow down and stay on plane at lower speeds.
As the throttle is advanced the stern of the boat begins to squat, lifting the bow. As the boat accelerates, push the bow down position of the helm control in short bursts. The boat reacts by the stern lifting, the bow coming down, speed increasing, and reduced engine laboring. If you over do it and deflect the tabs too far the boat will end up overtrimmed. When over trimmed, the steering becomes “over sensitive” and wants to pull off course to port or starboard. If this occurs, operate the control “bow up" until the desired attitude is established.

Getting the Most from Power Trim

Adjust the trim tabs to achieve the desired running attitude. Then use the power trim to position the propeller thrust parallel to the water flow. If necessary, re-adjust the trim tabs to fine tune the attitude. By observing the boat’s speed and engine RPMs the best combination of trim tabs and power trim will be apparent. Trim tab angle indicators and a power trim angle indicator are particularly useful in duplicating effective settings.

Trimming to Sea Conditions
When running into a head sea you want to trim the bow down so the sharp forward sections of the boat do their work cleaving the waves. This provides the most comfortable ride and minimizes stress on the boat (and passengers). In a following sea the tabs should be fully retracted for maximum steering response.

Correction of a List

The normal control setup for trim tabs operates in relation to the desired changes in trim and not the actual movement of the tabs. Therefore, do not think about what the tabs are doing, but rather on the control and what you want the boat to do. As above, make the corrections in bursts and allow the boat to settle to the new settings. You may find it easier to correct the boat’s fore and aft attitude before you correct the side to side trim.

Correction of Porpoising
Operate the tabs in very short bursts of about half a second. Continue until porpoising subsides. The objective is to have only a very slight amount of tab deflection, just the amount needed to cure the up and down motion of the bow.


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October 12, 2012, 08:03:35 PM
Reply #31

Whitewater

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Re: Attention Tab Man
« Reply #31 on: October 12, 2012, 08:03:35 PM »
Very valuable information Tom. I know this is going to be a huge help in getting me and anyone new to tabs started.

Chris.

1984 222 Sandpiper Dual console
1987 Black Max 200hp

October 12, 2012, 08:13:09 PM
Reply #32

dburr

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Re: Attention Tab Man
« Reply #32 on: October 12, 2012, 08:13:09 PM »
Extremely cool that the tabs are working! How satisfying is that!?!?!..  Some POs don't do us any favors except sell us there boats....
Dave

88 222 Osprey
00 Yamaha OX66 150
CAS # 2590

October 12, 2012, 08:26:17 PM
Reply #33

seabob4

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Re: Attention Tab Man
« Reply #33 on: October 12, 2012, 08:26:17 PM »
I've re-wired a lot of boats...a LOT of boats.  Most with Bennett tabs.  Have had to replace 1 pump and 1 switch, both due to neglect.  Some systems 15 to 20 years old.

That's a pretty good track record.  One boat I did, an '96 Pursuit, pump looked like this...



A little cleaning?



Not bad for a 16 year old pump...worked like a charm...


Corner of 520 and A1A...

October 12, 2012, 08:36:51 PM
Reply #34

Whitewater

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Re: Attention Tab Man
« Reply #34 on: October 12, 2012, 08:36:51 PM »
Quote from: "dburr"
Extremely cool that the tabs are working! How satisfying is that!?!?!..  Some POs don't do us any favors except sell us there boats....

Dave I'm blown away kind of excited !  Potentially these tabs are from the date of the boat manufacture so they could be 29 years old.  

Bob great looking pump for 16 years old. Much  cleaner than mine looks. I have an awful lot of moisture in my rear hatches.  It has been rainy but it is down right muggy in there. I am going to run an air mover through hull on Sunday to see if I can dry it up a little.

Chris

1984 222 Sandpiper Dual console
1987 Black Max 200hp

 

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