|
Post by nickbhw on Jul 19, 2023 10:23:21 GMT -5
I thought I'd start a new thread on this. This is the first boat I've had with trim tabs. I think I'm doing OK with them, but I'd like it to become second nature. I'm looking into auto tabs, but I'd also like to learn how to properly use them manually. Anyone have any general 'tips' for using them? Obviously, the situation will determine use, and there are so many variables, but are there general 'starting points'? For example, trimming all down when pulling a tube, or putting them all the way up when idling through a lagoon. I've also been experimenting with using the bow up switch when taking a wide turn. When do you NOT use them? Etc...
Getting on plane, leveling out the load and maneuvering efficiently isn't so much the issue. I do a lot of boating on the bay. Even when I go outside, it's a good 20 minute ride to the inlet. So I am often stuck with a ton of boat traffic and narrow channels...and it seems like there aren't a lot of boaters who understand the regulations. So, it's kind of a free for all and sometimes it can get pretty sloppy. I can blast through any chop with the Sailfish, but sometimes I have to alter a bit and we start to lean, especially around noon when the wind picks up. I don't mind rolling a bit, but my wife isn't a fan. I'd like to be able to react quickly but wanted to get some ideas on where to start.
|
|
|
Post by hookedup on Jul 19, 2023 14:47:09 GMT -5
It's going to be up to you and family as what is best for you. When my wife is in the bow the tabs are down to level us out and go through the waves rather than over them...Little or no bouncing. If my youngest granddaughter is in the bow it's no tabs and trim the engine up until we start to porpoise..lots of bouncing and spray if possible.
When heading offshore 30 to 80 miles, I trim the engine and tabs to get the best economy, speed and ride. I want to make sure I have enough fuel to get back and enough time to fish, but not get beat to death on the way out.
As far as when pulling a tube. It's tabs all down when getting on plane, then reduce trim or go to no trim once you get on plane. I always have an observer watching the kids so I can concentrate on what I need to do. I mounted a GoPro on the hardtop camera mount and use an iPad to watch and film the towable, but if boat traffic is heavy I focus on that and just film it all and edit later. The observer will let me know if I need to change speeds or stop.
I don't use tabs much when not on plane. My boat has always listed to starboard so when I go out alone I usually put the port tab down a notch or two or fill the livewell before starting out. Where I am now it's a short ride to get into Chesapeake Bay and only when the Navy has cluttered the channel is there any serious traffic and I yield to them.
|
|
|
Post by fishnfool on Jul 19, 2023 15:32:57 GMT -5
My only tip(s)... 1) If boat is heeling to port, trim the port tab (starboard button) down until level. 2) If your boat is heeling to starboard, trim the starboard tab (port button) down (that is after you've trimmed the port tab back up). Otherwise I don't touch my tabs and now with the auto switch I hardly touch them at all. But you're on the right path, get to know how they work and when to use them.
|
|
|
Post by abouttime2fish on Jul 19, 2023 17:30:19 GMT -5
Large following seas = no trim tabs. A small amount to level left/right is ok, but properly balancing boat is better.
Try full nose down at no wake vs fully retracted. Also start trimmed full down then slowly push up power until it’s coming on plane then start bringing them up. Do it again not using tabs … you can stop when it ventilates! In a chop some bow down helps stop the bouncing.
You can really play with them pretty aggressively unless you are running WOT. Remember the faster you go, the more effective / more response you get.
|
|
|
Post by nickbhw on Jul 20, 2023 6:46:24 GMT -5
Great tips. Thanks. I have noticed two other things, but I'm not sure if there is a correlation. When I trim the motor up a good bit, I don't have to use the tabs as much. And when I have 6 people in the bow, I have to use them more than when I have 6 people in the stern. What do you think? Are these accurate general statements?
|
|
|
Post by abouttime2fish on Jul 20, 2023 7:22:49 GMT -5
Yes both motor trim and weight distribution will affect tab use. My 2360 loves more weight in the bow. It’s always about keeping the bow down and air out of the props. On the ICW I may play with motor trim, but in the ocean they stay buried full down. I have a 65 qt yeti I’ll put in the bow and it creates a noticeable improvement.
|
|