Trimming Bravo III

[pjrogers]

After 20 yrs w/ Alpha 1 outdrives, we now have a boat w/ a Bravo III. When we test drove it, the broker said that Bravo IIIs don't need to be trimmed in/out as much as single prop drives - just set it and leave it was his opinion.

So the question: is that opinion accurate? And if it is, why is it so?

The data: 2001 SeaRay 23' bow rider, 6.2 MPI, Bravo III 2.2:1, 26" props. No SmartTabs yet.

BTW, would 1290-80 be the correct SmartTab model for that boat?
Happy Easter, & Cheers,
pjr

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Trimming Bravo III

It's relative. You might use the trim button a little less, but you'll still use it a lot.

 

[QC]

Re: Trimming Bravo III

He must've been referring to the fact that Bravo 3s tend to get the bow up on their own and they have good hole shot, so maybe the need for trim is lessened, but I like playing with all of my toys, so I can't imagine me leaving the trim alone.

I am going to throw out one plea to consider helm abjustable tabs before pulling the trigger on Smart Tabs. Both are great, but like I said, I like to play with stuff . . .

 

[Bondo]

Re: Trimming Bravo III

With a BravoIII,+ a reasonably Small boat at 23',.......

I'd Seriously consider Waiting to see if you even Need Trim Tabs,.... At All.....

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Trimming Bravo III

I used to have a 29' boat with a III on the back. (fun in the water, not fun at the fuel dock). I used the trim button all of the time; you still have to adjust to changing sea conditions, loads, wind, etc, etc.​

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Trimming Bravo III

I went from an Alpha II on my second boat to a B3 on my third (and current boat) on two very similar stepped hulls. The B3 equipped boat is far less affected by drive trim settings and has far less useable trim range. With the Alpha, I used the entire bottom half of the trim gauge for various speeds and conditions. I can only use the bottom quarter of the trim gauge on the B3. One trim setting, about 1/8 of the gauge, seems fine for cruising from 25 to 40 MPH.

Both boats use the same Faria gauge and trim sender and both were/are properly adjusted.

 

[blouderback]

Re: Trimming Bravo III

I use the trim button on my bravo III just as much as I did with my old Alpha I.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trimming Bravo III

i think it's a matter of how fine tuned you want to get it. for some, as long as it gets on plane is ok, the rest of us want it perfect.