Trim Tabs Indication

[Gludy]

Does anyone know where I can purchase an indicator to show the state of the trim tabs? Currently there is only two simple buttons - up & down without any indication of what position the trim tabs are in!
I have looked through a number of catalogues without success to date.

 

[stuartw]

Do you really need indicators?

I personally think the correct attitude of the boat is the best indicator. If she is listing to Port or Stbd then that has to be corrected. Thus the trim indicators will be different. Like wise the best way to set the nose angle is to adjust for the highest speed, notwithstanding prevailing conditions or sea-state.

The only, & dubious benefit, might be to record the angles to give the best performance for particular conditions.

I always leave mine set for the optimum for a fairly calm sea, only changing it for high waves or a beam wind.

Indicators may look pretty, but use your eyes & save money.

 

[Guest]

Re: Trimdicators

We've got Bennett trim tabs and last year I fitted their Trimdicators and jolly good they are too and more flashing lights to impress guests!!!

You can tell at a glance exactly where the tabs are and if you want to put in just a tad of down say, just add 1 or 2 degrees, easy peasy. Also you can set the exact right pos'n each time, no guessing or hoping for the best.

You can get them here in UK, I think they're about £350. I bought mine in Florida in Oct 99 and paid $190 from West Marine (they do mail order to UK in case you didn't know), www.westmarine.com. Full details on, I think, www.bennetttrimtabs.com or something like that. Of course if you've got another make, this won't be a lot of help. Noticed at SBS that a lot of the new boats now have them fitted as standard.

 

[Guest]

waste of money

I agree with the above. I havew fitted a lot of (especialy) bennet trimdicators in the past and probably will do in the future (unless this upsets them) basicaly they are a lot of hastle for a few flashing lights and prone to malfunction
My advice forget it.

 

[byron]

There's a set for sale at Sheridan Boatyard, Moulsford, Oxon
The box looked as if he's had it a while so maybe you can have a deal.

©2001

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Re: Do you really need indicators?

It's 'adjusting for the highest speed' thats the problem. My own boat has a 2-3 kt speed difference depending on tab position and because it takes a few seconds for the boat and the log to stabilize after each tab movement, it often takes me a while to optimize the speed. I'm planning to fit tab indicators so that I can set the optimum position easily and then make fine adjustments from there

 

[hlb]

Re: Do you really need indicators?

I hace the annoying problem that one tab seems to work twice as fast as the other. So after giving them my customery
6 second blip each, I find I'm listing to one side. Then press more on one side and at least we're level again but by the time the trim is set something like right we're off Guernsey some place!!

Haydn

 

[jfm]

Re: electronic solution?

You can get auto trim actuators (gyro/mercury switch based, I think). They sound a crap idea to me, but has anyone tried em? Matt, ask for em on the Lep (everything's included sir) and let us know if worth buying.

JFM

 

[Guest]

why one tab works faster that the other

The reason one tab works faster than the other is in the pipe run's
When installing Hydraulic trim tabs the pipe for the port and starboard tab actuators should be cut the same lenth. ensuring the friction in the pipes for both remain the same. Otherwise the tab with the shorter run will always move faster.