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Attitude Adjustment: Trim Tabs 101
Grady-White installs Bennett Marine hydraulic trim tabs, thanks to
their reliability in adding to a great boating experience. Learn about
trim tabs and polish your “attitude adjustment” skills by viewing these videos! Here are the basics.
What they do
Trim tabs are used to correct for pitch of the boat or side-to-side
heel, to add lift at the stern when getting on plane, and to lower the
bow once on plane. (See more.) They have no effect at low speed, roughly defined as below 10 knots. They have increasing effect as speed increases.
How they work
Trim tabs are controlled by two rocker switches that are individually
wired so that the port switch controls the starboard side tab, and the
starboard switch controls the port tab. For example, when you push the
port rocker switch forward, the starboard tab lowers and the port bow
goes down. Switches are labeled “bow up” and “bow down” to make the tabs
more intuitive to use. Indicator lights show the angle of the tabs: the
more lit, the greater the angle. At high boat speed, excessive tabs
down can result in the boat bow-steering which means less control and
efficiency.
Watch video “Troubleshooting trim tabs.”
How to use them
Usually you will want to lower both tabs all or most of the way to help
the boat get on plane faster with less bow rise; then, as you gain
speed, start raising them again most or all of the way. Customer Tips has more.
Engine trim and tab trim
Engines are trimmed to adjust the boat’s trim, or bow rise, to minimize resistance and maximize speed. Tabs
are used to (1) get the boat on plane more quickly, (2) allow it to
stay on plane at lower speeds, and (3) correct for heel to one side.
Grady-Whites’ trim tabs automatically return to the fully retracted
position when the engines are shut off.
See more on trim tabs at our FAQ area and Customer Tips area.
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More FAQs at gradywhite.com!
Where can I find specifications and information for my older model
Grady? Where should I install my transducers? What’s the max horsepower
rating for my Grady-White? You’ll find answers to these and many more
questions in the FAQ area of our website. Come take a look and learn much more about how to enjoy the ultimate boating experience.
New great ideas at Customer Tips!
One of the things we’re proudest of here at Grady-White is the feedback
from customers and Grady enthusiasts–your emails, letters, photos,
responses to Facebook posts (“Like” us if you haven’t already), tweets and videos on our YouTube Channel, and perhaps best of all, seeing your Customer Tips.
We post tips about everything from air circulation to winterizing
systems, to favorite ports of call, and especially enjoy “customizing”
ideas submitted by owners. Stop by often and see what’s new!
Order Grady Gear by December 13 for holiday delivery!
Order Grady Gear for gifts by December 13 for standard delivery by the big day! Check out our great selection
of handsome accessories, hats, jackets, shirts and t-shirts, special
sale items, and even things for your kids and Grady buddies!
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