Its a learning thing......
So on this Commander that we just bought it has trim tabs that I can adjust from inside the boat, however they don't have any indicators so we really never know where they're at. My qusestion is what is their purpose? How should I adjust them? And will they make my boat any Faster? THey re not those trick billet ones I see on a lot of boats but, they are pretty big and they have two rams per tab. Is it a big job to put indicators on them?
Its a learning thing......
how big is the boat
25'
I know you can buy indicators. I don't imagine it would be that big of a job. Are they electric? Hydraulic?
Unless you put indicators on them, you will just have to practice
Try putting them all the way up and get on plane. If it planes well, leave them alone. Then check the upper speeds and use them to prevent/control chine walking. Tap them down sparingly until the walk stops.
If you need to plane quicker or at lower speeds, lower them till you get the desired result. Generally, set the outdrive to best angle then use the tabs to adjust attitude :220v: (no not hers!).
Offshoreonly.com has a lot of info on this topic.
Not sure if they are hydraulic or electric.
The boat gets on plane no problem with the tabs all the way up, because that is where I have kept them.
Thanks for the advice I will try some of these things this sunday at the lake
If they are dual rams then they are probably bennetts, you will love them. I had them on my old boat and they are great. Some folks will say my boat dosent need them but until they have used them they dont know what thier missing. Check to see if thier is a hydrolic pump mounted somewere in your engine compartment, then you will know. They really come in handy when you have a full load of fuel and people (heavy load) to get on plane, and when the water gets nasty they cure the pounding good luck.
25'
which model
Bennett makes electronic Trim indicators that are pretty easy to install (as long as you have room on your dash).
I put a set on my old boat in a couple hours.