Trim Tabs - Monterey Sport Cruiser 260SCR Owner's Manual

Section 7
• Adjust steering to the direction of travel.
• Using a controlled and constant motion, move
the throttle control forward. WARNING! When
accelerating forward, the bow can rise and
restrict visibility. Never remove your hand
from the helm. The rotational thrust of the
propeller under rapid acceleration can
create high steering torque and rapidly
change the direction of steering, causing
loss of control, personal injury or death.
• As your boat begins to move, the bow will rise
and the boat will tend to plow through the water.
As acceleration increases, your boat will begin
to plane or level out within a few seconds. If it
will not plane to a near-level position, slowly
reduce the throttle back to the FORWARD
detent idle position. Recheck your load and trim
equipment position to determine the cause.
• Once the boat is on plane, the steering torque
will diminish; however, never remove your
hands from the helm while under way. While
running at a planed position, you will notice
greater throttle response and steering control
as you continue to accelerate or achieve the
most comfortable and safe speed for the
conditions. You can achieve better
performance, control and running efficiency
using the engine's power trim and the boat's
trim tabs, if equipped.
• Be aware of the wake you create and anticipate
the effect it will have on others. During
acceleration, deceleration and at speeds other
than on plane, a heavy wake is usually created.
You are responsible for your boat's wake and
any damage or injury it causes.
• Obey no-wake areas and speed-controlled
areas.
• Stay clear of or at a safe distance from other
boats.
• Avoid collisions; at high speeds your boat will
require more time and distance to stop or slow.
7-8
Checks During and After
Operation
• Check gauges frequently for signs of abnormal
conditions.
• Check that controls operate smoothly.
• Check for excessive vibration.

Trim Tabs

Trim tabs adjust the boat's trim angle and are
primarily used to compensate for uneven weight
distribution, listing, water conditions and other
factors that can hinder efficient planing. Trim tabs
are either power or manually adjusted, and vary
in application, style and shape.
Trim tabs are added to a boat's hull at the stern to
lift the stern and effectively make the hull longer.
Trim tabs raise and lower to deflect and redirect
water. This change in water flow creates upward
pressure under the tabs, raising the stern and at
the same time lowering the bow. The tabs are
commonly used at the same time. They can,
however, be used independently to adjust for
water conditions, wind and boat weight
distribution.
Trim tabs can sometimes help to keep a boat on
plane at lower speeds and help a boat achieve
plane quicker. The boat operator can adjust trim
tabs by using a switch at the helm area. Trim tab
gauges are available in most applications to
provide a visual gauge-to-trim position. Most
gauges indicate trim position in a range from UP
(out) to DOWN (in).
Trim tabs are primarily used in conjunction with
the engine's power trim.
General trim tab operation guidelines:
• When getting on plane, adjust the trim tabs to
the best position to allow the boat to plane. A
few trial runs will help you determine what
position works best for your application. In most
applications, this will be full up or parallel with
the hull at a neutral angle. The further down the
trim tab position, the more the stern lift
increases and the bow lift decreases.
Cruiser