A pair of trim tabs extends the portion of the boat's hull that comes
in contact with the water, creating additional lift in the back of the boat.
By engaging the tabs, the bow is pushed down from the force of the water
being deflected off the trim tab planes. This helps attain a more horizontal
running position, which improves steering ability, visibility off the bow
and overall top end speed.
Installing trim tabs will not only improve time on the water, but will
also save boaters time and money at the fuel dock. As the hull moves through
the water, the drag it creates affects how smoothly the boat runs and is
a determining factor of how much fuel the engine burns. Heavier stern loads
or porpoising increases the amount of drag. This increase forces the boat
operator to use more throttle to get up on plane and stay there. In extreme
cases, the boat may have so much weight in the stern that it doesn't achieve
proper plane at all, which causes the motor to run at higher rpm's for longer
periods of time, therefore consuming more fuel.
Through the use of trim tabs, the operator gains the ability to utilize
a much smaller surface area, the trim tab planes, to decrease the overall
amount of drag. Engaging the trim tabs also improves the hole shot and control
over the angle of the boat. This reduces the overall amount of draft while
operating at cruising speed. Thanks to the force acquired through deflection
of water from the trim tabs, a level running position is obtained and less
fuel is consumed to achieve optimal performance. The end result-greater
fuel efficiency and a safer boat that is more comfortable and easier to
operate.
Contact Lenco Marine Inc., 4700 SE Municipal Ct, Stuart, FL 34997. Phone:
772-288- 2662; Fax: 772-288-2566. todd@lencomarine.com; www.lencomarine.com.
(Editors Note- Aaron Justi is a sales representative for Lenco Marine.
He has vast experience in the marine industry and a passion for fishing.
Portions of this article were originally printed in the May/June 2005 issue
of South Florida Sport Fishing Magazine.)
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