6 Operation
CAUTION
Even a nonslip molding can be slippery to walk on when the deck is wet.
6.4.4 Visibility from steering position
The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG) demand that a proper lookout
is kept at all times, and the
right of way
rule is followed.
The following factors can considerably reduce visibility, among other things:
• Gear trim angle
• Trim tab angle
• Load and load position
• Speed
• Rapid acceleration
• Changeover from displacement speed to planing
• Sea conditions
• Rain and thunderstorms
• Darkness and fog
• Inner lighting when under way in the dark
• Position of curtains
• People and equipment that block the driver's view.
WARNING
Make only small adjustments at a time. Holding down the button for the trim tab
for any length of time can result in partial loss of control of the boat.
6.4.5 Using the trim tabs
A boat does not need trim tabs to get up on the plane or to give good performance. However, trim tabs
are a very useful aid when used correctly.
There are two situations in particular where the trim tabs need to be used:
• When it is desirable to trim the bow down in a rising sea and at speeds between going up
planing and cruising speed.
• When running with a strong beam wind.
A planing boat always leans into a strong side wind. This reduces the boat’s seakeeping qualities,
which is why listing to one side needs to be eliminated as far as possible. Lowering the trim tab on the
windward side brings the boat back into normal attitude.
For trimming the bow down, both trim tabs are used in parallel. Begin by retracting both trim tabs
completely, then lower both of them a little at a time, so that you retain complete control over how the
boat is affected. When running with a following sea, both trim tabs always need to be fully raised. The
reason for this is that boats have a tendency to “dive” in a strong following sea, which can result in
uncontrollable slowing. Therefore you must run the boat with a high bow angle in a following sea.
Brabus Shadow 500 2021-2022
Document ID: 500MY22-202205EN
Owner's Manual
© 2022 Axopar Boats / Brabus Marine
Page 53
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