Trim tab question

[jthomas5150]

Hi,

I was working on my Classic Fifty 45hp and noticed the trim tab as some point has been removed. I have never noticed any problems while driving my boat. Do I need to install one? If so, what exactly does it do?

 

[Chris1956]

I presume you mean the zinc fin behind the prop. They have two functions. They sacrifice themselves to save your gearcase from being eaten away in saltwater.


They also adjust to counteract the torque of the prop. A RH prop will cause a pull to the right on the steering wheel. This pull can be different on different boats.

If you are in freshwater, and have no pull, you can likely skip replacing it.

 

[dingbat]

Unless you boat in chemically “pure” freshwater, galvanic corrosion can be an issue with freshwater keep boats as well.

If you don’t keep the boat in water, there is really no need for sacrificial anode(s) in fresh or salt water

 

[jthomas5150]

Thanks for the advice. I ordered one from Amazon and it fits perfectly. I will adjust next time I hit the water.