Trimming with Outdrives and Trim Tabs

[Horigan]

I recently acquired a 50% share in a 30' Commander Sport Cruiser with twin Volvo diesels and outdrives. The boat also has trim tabs that I don't have much experience with since my current 21' Chris Craft only has an outdrive, which I trim up and down to trim the boat.

I know how to trim with trim tabs, but was wondering what's the typical method when you have both trim tabs and outdrives? Do folks typically trim the drives all the way bow down and vary the boat trim with just tabs, trim mainly with the outdrives, or some combination of both?

I plan to play around with what feels best when the weather cooperates, but was wondering what you all would suggest.

 

[tpenfield]

Trim tabs are more for port/starboard trimming. As for the outdrives, see what the boat likes and doesn't like, then go from there.

My 33 footer likes the trim fairly far down, your boat may vary.

You say 50% ownership. . . what about the person with the other 50% ? Would they be a good source for advice on the operation of the boat . . .

 

[Scott Danforth]

trim your drives up/down as needed.

trim the tabs both down just a touch to bring the bow down if you need, however as Ted stated, mostly for port to starboard list.

maybe read the trim tab owners manual. https://bennetttrimtabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/owners_manual.pdf

 

[Chris1956]

I only used the tabs in rough seas. Then it was outdrives down, and tabs down for a smooth ride. Maybe trim the drives for a bit more speed/efficiency.

In smooth seas it was tabs up, and trim the drives for top speed/efficiency.

Of course, I never had any listing issues.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Of course, I never had any listing issues.

the beer cooler is on my port side...... I start the trips listing to the left.....

 

[tpenfield]

the beer cooler is on my port side...... I start the trips listing to the left.....

Same here

 

[Horigan]

You say 50% ownership. . . what about the person with the other 50% ? Would they be a good source for advice on the operation of the boat . . .

Thanks for the response. While the other owner has had the boat for five years, their background is sailing. They are just putting the drives all the way nose down and solely trimming with the tabs.

Thanks for the manual Scott. The Bennett manual with the boat didn't have a section on Trim Tabs with Power Trim section.