Trim Tab? behind the prop

[Bifflefan]

The tab behind the prop is used for steering correction, is it not?
If so then by adjusting it in the opposite direction of the torque it should help to cancel this out and be a little less tering to steer, correct?

There are also numbers on the bottom ranging from 1 to 8 (i think its 8) as referance markes. but if i were to set it at 0 it would angled (from stern) to the port side. is this the right way to move it to help correct starboard torque steer?

I only ask before i move it as i dont think i could hold on it for long if the torque steer got worse. Shes a 2 hander, or at the very least a real good grip with one at anything over 2500 RPM.

Also if im not refering to it with the correct name please inform me of it.

 

[gcboat]

Re: Trim Tab? behind the prop

Yup - you're correct on all points. Now, you will need to do a little trial and error to find your sweet spot. I know this may sound like a PITA but it is almost a necessary evil. Start with ( we'll use your 8 as a guide ) it in the 4 position. It won't take long to feel if this is too much - which it just might be.
Then work your way down ( or up ) by the numbers.
You don't need to run at WOT - just run it up until you can feel a difference then slow her down and make that adjustment.
If all fails then you might want to look at your prop for correct pitch and diameter. Too much wheel will be very hard to compensate with such a small anode.

 

[QC]

Re: Trim Tab? behind the prop

Although this is technically not an engine topic, I am still thinking we should move it to the correct engine/motor/drive combo section. There are a few model specifics regarding the adjustment of the steering trim tab, but sounds like you generally have this right.

Personally, I like it adjusted to neutral where I use the boat most often i.e. RPM that I am likely to be operating at. Let us know which combo you have and I'll move it to the corresponding section.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Trim Tab? behind the prop

Just as a side note, the tab has a curve to it. From standing behind it, it would curve to the counterclock wise side, or bow out to the port side.

I will make some adjustments and post the results.

May be a couple weeks as my tow vehicle is down for repairs.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Trim Tab? behind the prop

Well I moved the tab from the "2" to the "4" and took her out. it made little if any differance. So found a nice place and bumped the beach. Grabbed the wrench and changed the to the "6". thats as far as it goes. That made it better but not as i would like it to be.
Im going to try a smaller diameter prop next, as this one is a 14" x17p Alum. and is just as big as it can take. I have a 13" x 17p SS. Hoping this will give me a good comparison.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Trim Tab? behind the prop

I went from the 14x prop to a 13x prop, i moved the tab back to 4. There is very little torque steer now. Its really nice to driver as a matter of fact.
Im thinking of haveing my 14x turned down to a 13x so i can use it also.
That 14 was the max size that would fit on the motor.
Guess this is a case of bigger isnt better.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Trim Tab? behind the prop

I went from the 14x prop to a 13x prop, i moved the tab back to 4. There is very little torque steer now. Its really nice to driver as a matter of fact.
Im thinking of haveing my 14x turned down to a 13x so i can use it also.
That 14 was the max size that would fit on the motor.
Guess this is a case of bigger isnt better.

Storing this one in my (overstuffed) memory bank!

Thanks for the followup...!

 

[RickJ6956]

Re: Trim Tab? behind the prop

For the record, a steering problem due to a too-big prop is only an annoyance. The main problem is WOT RPM. A prop that's oversized will not allow the engine to achieve its recommended RPMs at WOT. This eventually can translate into fouled plugs, carbon buildup, misfiring, and other engine problems.