Automatic trim tabs

LWD

Seaman
Joined
Aug 2, 2011
Messages
66
Does anyone use, or previously used, automatic trim tabs? My boat is rear end heavy, and could benefit from a bigger engine. Unless there's just a few of us, and not all sitting in the rear of the boat, it can take a little longer to plane out than what I would like. And of course it's worse getting tubers started. They claim it helps to offset weight if there's an odd number of people, or the heavier ones sit to one side. One concern is that someone could cut themselves on it when swimming. Are these worth it?
 

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Stinnett21

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 24, 2012
Messages
605
I have the black plastic ones. My boat didn't need much help but they did improve plane time and especially helped with slow speed wander. Good product. Wish I had thought of it years ago lol. I also bought the flip up brackets in case I needed to defeat them for some reason. Now keep in mind when they say "automatic" that only goes so far. If you have weighty passengers sitting on the bow you will have no way to reduce their affect.
 
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Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,336
Hydraulic trim tabs are adjustable, and much better IMO. They can really help stern heavy boats, or underpowered boats. The auto ones retract under water pressure, always causing drag. This drag reduces fuel economy and performance.

So, with hydraulic trim tabs, and when the fatties are in the stern, or you want to pull a tube, put the tabs down, trim the motor down, and hit it. When she planes, cut back on the throttle, and raise the trim tabs a bit until she runs light and fast.

Also, if it gets rough, you can put the tabs down and cut back on the throttle and it's resulting speed and still stay on plane.
 
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