Trim Tab....Whats the purpose of the tab??

[snunez]

I lost my trim tab on the water I guess... last weekend. I noticed it was loose, but forgot to tighten it. Now I need to replace it. Whats the purpose of the trim tab? How should I align when installing to sterndrive?

 

[Alpheus]

Re: Trim Tab....Whats the purpose of the tab??

Its for boats that dont have power steering. It just counteracts the torque of the drive (torque steer) to help the boat track track in a straight line.

As for adjustment its gonna be trial and error. Install the new tab (centered) and drive the boat straight (on plane). If the boat has a tendency to wander, adjust the trim tab in the opposite direction to counteract...

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Trim Tab....Whats the purpose of the tab??

I lost my trim tab on the water I guess... last weekend. I noticed it was loose, but forgot to tighten it. Now I need to replace it. Whats the purpose of the trim tab? How should I align when installing to sterndrive?

What he said ^^^^^^.......
But he left out the other purpose, its function as a sacrificial anode that protects your drive from corrosion due to electrolysis.....

 

[90stingray]

Re: Trim Tab....Whats the purpose of the tab??

If you have power steering just order the flat one with no tab for a cleaner look. If you have power steering and are using a tab just center it and you'll be fine. But if no power steering i think you start with it pointed off to the right. Goodluck!

 

[snunez]

Re: Trim Tab....Whats the purpose of the tab??

Thanks !!! That helps me understand the trim tab a little more. Just ordered one in ebay. Should be able to install back on sterndrive sometime next week.