Fullthrottle52

As you can see from the pics below, my trim tab has some scaring on one side. Looks like worms have been eating it ( ha ha ). Does this need to be replaced or is it normal. The rest of the tab is in perfect shape. Boat gets mostly freshwater use.

Question 2. The positioning seems to be off center. It looks like it is about 5 degrees to the left of center. Will this affect the running speed. I have no pull to any side when running. I do have hydraulic steering so that may compensate. Should I bring it to dead center or leave it alone. Just bought the boat 1 month ago.

thanks for your help.

default_user8

Your pictures didn't post, but from your question I can tell you that if your trim tab looks like worms have been at it then it's doing it's job since it's an anode. Yes it will need to be replaced unless you want the rest of your lower unit to start looking the same way, and it's supposed to be off center since it's a dual purpose device. It's an anode and it's other job is to compensate for torque steer that is normal in outboard motors. Don't change where it's pointed, and replace it when your boat starts to not want to go in a straight line without input.

mystery

You might want to first understand that the point of an anode is to sacrifice itself instead of the metals on your engine being "eaten" away

If you really want to know, remove the anode, weigh it, and see if it needs to be replaced

Make sure all contact points are clean

Check the anode regularly and replace when it hits 50%

Clamcove23

Pictures say it’s working,
I would replace, and depending on brand
keep fin at same angle. (Don’t think they do much)
last one I ordered from sim yamaha for my f300
is just a rounded one (no fin)
was told these are the new part.
also I feel because these anodes are in a mix of open air and submerged
they get a oxidation coating on them when out of water which makes them slowly stop doing there job of fighting electrolysis.
so putting a new one on every year is cheap insurance.
i know all my anodes that stay submerged work until they are gone.
these seem to get to the point like yours
and stay kind of like that and don’t degrade further.
this is all my experience and I’m no pro.

default_user8

LOL, you think that looks bad, mine literally looks like swiss cheese.

Cobia 217

From your pictures that anode looks like it's got a few years left if your boat is trailered.

toggestwee

Also that's not a "trim tab" thats the lower unit sacrificial anode. It looks pretty good. It's saltwater use that eats it away within a year or two. Freshwater you could get a lot longer use out of it.

Clamcove23

no they are not “trim tabs”
yet if you look up the factory parts diagrams
they are called trim tab anodes.
and there are also trim tab anodes you can buy
from lenco etc. that are for actual stern mounted trim tabs.
which are usually r-2 anodes.

Fullthrottle52

A trim tab anode is what they are called on most sites to order new ones. That’s what I went by. I know what trim tabs are. Used to have them on previous boats.
Thank you to all that answered. I will just leave it alone for a year or two and see if they get any worse.

default_user8

I think you missed the point it is supposed to get worse.

Dacman

Some call it a steering tab anode. It is doing its job as an anode.
You have years of use left in that one..
Normally on a right hand prop such as yours. The trailing edge of the tab should go slightly to starboard or right , instead of port as your is .
The hydraulic steering is compensating for it.
You could adjust it thusly , or leave it alone since you have no steering issues.
Hydraulic steering systems sometimes just have a non finned anode there.
Youre fine either way.