How to use trimming aids correctly on pleasure craft is always a huge issue for skippers. We also frequently hear from dealers that many customers often have questions about trimming and want to be shown how to use it correctly.What common trimming aids are there?
There is theWeight trimfor example by a heavy anchor chain that pushes the bow down. The second variant is thePower trimwhich is used to change the angle of attack of the outboard motor or sterndrive to the boat transom and thus the thrust angle. Third option:Trim tabswhich raise the stern and at the same time push the bow down. This ensures better visibility during the transition phase from displacement to planing.
The lower glide speed can also be reduced with flaps (positive for fuel consumption). FurtherAdvantageThis makes it possible to compensate for inclined positions caused by wind or different loads. The flaps are usually operated via two parallel arrangedRocker switch. Pressing the button at the top lowers the trim tabs and lowers the bow. Press down: The trim tabs move up and so does the bow.
As long as the skipperBoth buttons in parallel and only presses via theTransverse axis trims, it usually copes well. However, ifLateral position If you do this, confusion can arise. For example, if the left button also operates the left trim tab, the boat does not move to the left side as expected, but to the right. You also have to keep making changesby hand equalise themselves.
To make life easier for skippers in these respects, Mente Marine has developed aAutomatic trim have come up with. This is aControl unitwhich is simply swapped with the trim switch in the dashboard and theTrim tab control takes over. The system is compatible with trim tabs from: Bennet, Eltrim, Lenco, Lectrotab, Insat-Trimm QL Trimmmaster and Ulatraflex.
Six cables are used toConnectionwhich is clearly described in the operating instructions. The same applies to the tasks: Checking the connections and calibrating the system. If you are not familiar with trim or electronics, we recommend having the system installed by a specialist.
We tried out the automatic control system on aSea Ray 260 andBuster Super Magnum. On both boats, the system switches on automatically from 8 km/h and lowers the trim tabs as the speed increases. When accelerating the Sea Ray, the bow is pushed noticeably lower than when travelling without the automatic system and flaps. However, it is noticeable that the hull swings back and forth a few times before it stabilises.
Peter Osteberg from Mente Marine comments on this:"We have to fine-tune the system even more to the boat, because the high centre of gravity makes it react very sensitively."
The behaviour on the buster is more perfect, with good visibility and a stable position during acceleration. It reacts to weight shifts after about 4 s (time variable) and compensates for the heeling.Cornering? Does the control system notice and does not work against it? It goes without saying that the automaticswitch off and use the panel as a manual control unit, which is useful forRough water ride is useful to trim the bow even lower and thus make the ride more comfortable.
How much does the fun cost? Just the function via the longitudinal axis €599, plus the transverse axis it's €699. www.ferropilot.de
