Control Listing; Induce Planing & Controlling Trim Angle - Four winns FREEDOM Owner's Manual

The proper use of electric/hydraulic trim tabs requires a
basic understanding of trim tab operation and some prac-
tice in calm water. Be sure to read the manufacturer's
literature included in the owner's packet.
The trim tab control uses two (2) momentary-type rocker
switches. The trim tab switches control the attitude or
position of the boat. The trim tab switches are labeled by
position such as "Bow Up" and "Bow Down". They are
also labeled for "Port" and "Stbd". When pressed, the
label indicates what happens to the bow of the boat.
Before leaving the dock and utilizing the trim tabs, ensure
the trim tabs are in the full up position. Press both lower
halves of the trim tab switches and hold (for approximately
10 seconds) until the tabs are full up.
A. Control Listing
Wind, loading and many other factors can result in the
boat tilting or leaning towards one side while running. This
is called listing and can be negated using trim tabs.
Pressing the lower port trim tab switch will move the star-
board trim tab upward. This will result in the port bow of
the boat being allowed to rise.
Pressing the lower starboard trim tab switch will cause
the port trim tab to move upward and will result in the
starboard bow being allowed to rise.
Pressing the upper port trim tab switch will cause the
starboard trim tab to move downward and will force the
port bow downward.
Pressing the upper starboard trim tab switch will cause
the port trim tab to move downward and will force the
starboard bow downward.
Always establish your intended heading and attain de-
sired cruising speed before trying to adjust running atti-
tude (using the trim tabs).
Always press the trim tab switches in short one
(1) second bursts. If pressed too long, you can
overcompensate, and potentially lose control. DO
NOT try to correct the situation by pressing the
other upper trim tab switch. Instead, raise the
tab slightly by pressing the appropriate lower half
of the trim tab switch.
Freedom™/Horizon™ Owner's Manual
After stabilization of speed and direction, press the up-
per half of the appropriate trim tab switch to achieve a
level side to side running attitude. Be sure to press the
correct trim tab switch to obtain the desired result.
After pressing a trim tab switch, always wait and allow
time for the change in trim tab position to take effect. DO
NOT continue to press the trim tab switch while awaiting
trim tab reaction. By the time the effect is noted, the trim
tab will move too far and thus overcompensate.
B. Induce Planing & Controlling Trim Angle
Trim tabs can also be used to facilitate faster planing and
allow better control of the running angle.
Before accelerating and trying to gain plane, press both
upper trim tab switches. This will cause both trim tabs to
move downward and force the bow down when running.
This can also be used when running the boat with a heavy
load aboard.
Moving the trim tabs downward will increase the lift and
the boat will achieve plane faster, or stay on plane at a
lower engine and boat speed.
After gaining plane and establishing cruising speed, press-
ing both lower trim tab switches will cause both trim tabs
to move upward and will allow the bow to rise. This should
be used to adjust the running attitude of the boat to de-
crease the drag at cruising speed or above, or when run-
ning in a following sea.
When running at an engine speed that results in the boat
falling off plane or causes the boat to plane inefficiently,
lowering both tabs slightly (bow down) will improve the
running angle and improve operating efficiency.
Optimum efficiency is obtained when operating at a 3 to
5 degree running angle. Utilizing too much "Bow Down"
trim tab can reduce operating efficiency and cause
substantial steering and handling difficulties. Be extremely
careful when running in a following sea. The effect of trim
tabs is amplified under such conditions. Steering and
handling difficulties can result from improper trim tab us-
age, especially in a following sea. If unsure of proper trim
tab positioning, raise the trim tabs to the full-up position.
Section E
Page 4