Trim tab operations on the new 2018 R-27/OB

[baz]

Subject: Trim tab operations on the new 2018 R-27/OB

It took me a while to get the hang of how to operate the trim tabs on my R-25 (Classic). Having mastered trim tab use on the R-25 has made it a lot easier for me using the trim tabs on the new R-27/OB model.

One of the annoying things I found with the R-25 was always having to ensure the trim tabs were fully raised before setting off from the dock.

With this new R-27/OB model I no longer have to remember to raise its trim tabs at the start of a cruise. Why you may ask ? This is because when the engine is turned off the trim tabs automatically are raised. The sound this makes is very similar to the noise heard when the outboard motor is being trimmed up and down or when the motor is being raised out of the water when docked for the night for example. Unless you know that the trim tabs are automatically raised when the engine is turned off this fact may go unoticed. :roll:

 

[NorthernFocus]

I'd find that little feature quite nice. Wish my boat had it. I suspect some would find it annoying.

 

[Boatagain]

Silly question? Why is it necessary to raise the tabs when setting off from the dock? I usually leave mine where they are so there's not much to adjust when hitting the throttle to get up on plane.

 

[ixlr8]

Silly question? Why is it necessary to raise the tabs when setting off from the dock? I usually leave mine where they are so there's not much to adjust when hitting the throttle to get up on plane.

Not a silly question, I was wondering the same thing. I would find it annoying to have to reset the tabs every time I restarted the engine.

 

[Brian B]

If you leave the tabs in a downward position aren't you risking marine growth on the actuator piston? I make sure mine are retracted every time I leave the boat.

 

[Red Raven]

Yes, that is the concern, and I'm sure it's a real one if you don't use you boat often. We use our boat at least once every two weeks and to be honest I don't always make sure they are retracted when at the dock. I think it takes a couple of months of no use in the saltwater of the PNW to become a problem. It's definitely a good practice to retract them but not a huge concern if you use the boat at least once a month and activate the tabs with each use. Even if you use the boat often a good cleaning is necessary at least every 6 months as the buildup at the piston ends can be a problem after that even with continous use. We get significant mussel and barnacle growth on the piston ends around 4 to 6 months even with barnacle buster etc.

 

[baz]

The trim tab pistons are not operated with hydraulic fluid; they have small electrical motors instead.

I assume when power is off the motors will reset and the trim tabs will be retracted.

For me, having the trim tabs up when I start off is ideal as their primary purpose IMO is to balance the port/starboard leanings. If you have people on board who move around this will throw the balance off.... the trim tabs can be used to compensate for this. I do not employ the trim tabs to affect planing or bow up/down. I use the motor throttle lever's Up/Down trim control button for this. I find on my R-27/OB I can leave the motor trim at 3 bars on the Yamaha display for most speeds.

 

[NorthernFocus]

Electric trim tabs are nice. They are simpler than the hydraulic type and on boats simple is usually good. We had them on our C-Dory and they were trouble free through 10 seasons. Haven't had any issues with the hydraulics either but on small boats they are unnecessarily complex.