Never - Satisfied

I was on a 30ft Island Hopper last weekend and it was equiped with trim tabs. The problem is even with the trim tabs all the way up, the bow still rides low. This causes the bow to dig into the water and sprays water over the pilot house causing a zero visability issue when attempting speeds over 15 knots in 2-4fters.
Any suggestions?
Thanks

Tight Lines
Never - Satified (Harry)

Tabman

Harry,

Good question, Properly installed Trim Tabs should not hold the bow down when fully retracted. If the Tabs are causing the bow to be held doen is would be because they were not installed with enough "negative angle".

Negative angle is the degree that Trim Tabs are angled above the bottom of the hull when fully retarcted. The proper amount of negative angle allows the Trim Tabs to ride baove the waterflow when they are retracted. Since they are above the waterflow they will not make lift and hold the bow down.

Negative angle can be measured by placing a long straightedge under the hull and extending out underneath the Trim Tab. The Trim Tabs should be up above the straight edge about 1/2" to 5/8" at the trailing edge.

If the Trim tabs have this correct negative angle the owner should look into the weight distribution aboard the boat.

I hope this helps.

Tom
Bennett Marine

Never - Satisfied

Tabman,
Thanks for the advice. I will pass it on.

Tight Lines
Never - Satified (Harry)