Bennett Marine Tournament Tab Kits Owners Manual - Manual (Page 3)

GeTTinG and sTayinG Trimmed
Most boats “break over” (get on plane) at a particular speed. This speed is determined
by weight distribution, water conditions, etc. Bennett Trim Tabs enable your boat to
plane at speeds lower than natural planing speed. By pressing the control to the “Bow
Down” position, your trim tabs move down. This will raise your stern and lower your
bow, getting you up on plane faster, usually increasing your speed.
yoUr BoaT’s oPTimUm aTTiTUde
A good way to find your boat’s optimum attitude is to conduct this test. Run the boat
lightly loaded, at full speed on flat water. Notice the bow in relation to the horizon.
This should be your boat’s best running attitude. Properly sized trim tabs can be used
to recreate this ”optimum attitude” regardless of weight distribution, speed or water
conditions.
GeTTinG Used To THe “Feel” oF yoUr
TaBs
When learning to use your tabs, begin by
pressing the helm control in half second
bursts for gradual trimming. A momentary
delay occurs from the time you press the
control to the time the boat reacts. This
is normal, and varies with boat speed. Be
careful not to over-trim your boat. An over-
trimmed boat will “plow” or “bow-steer”. If
you over-trim the boat, simply press “Bow Up”
and the bow of the boat will rise.
TrimminG From a BridGe or Tower
When steering from a bridge or tower, a good trimming method is to watch the bow
spray, stern wake, or the rooster tail. An untrimmed boat will produce more spray aft
of the bow and it will produce a larger wake. When trimmed, the bow spray is farther
forward, the wake is reduced, and the rooster tail is smaller and farther behind the
boat. You’ll also notice that the engine RPM will increase when the boat is
properly trimmed.
How to Use
Your Trim Tabs