Page 4
Section E
Horizon & Sundowner
Owners Manual
06/00
After stabilization of speed and direction, depress the
upper 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 depressing a trim tab switch, always wait and al-
low time for the change in trim tab position to take ef-
fect. DO NOT continue to depress 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 overcom-
pensate.
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, depress
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.
The use of trim tabs to attain quicker planing
should not be used by inexperienced boaters.
The combination of extreme inward drive posi-
tion and extended trim tabs can dangerously
affect the boats handling under certain sea con-
ditions.
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, de-
pressing 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 decrease the drag at cruising speed or above, or
when running in a following sea.
When running at an engine speed that results in the
boat falling off plane or causes the boat to plane ineffi-
ciently, lowering both tabs slightly (bow down) will im-
prove 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.
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 manufacturers
literature included in the owners 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 depressed, the
label indicates what happens to the bow of the boat.
Before leaving the dock and utilizing the trim tabs, en-
sure the trim tabs are in the full up position. Depress
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 port
trim tab upward. This will result in the starboard bow of
the boat being allowed to rise.
Pressing the lower starboard trim tab switch will cause
the starboard trim tab to move upward and will result in
the port bow being allowed to rise.
Depressing the upper port trim tab switch will cause the
port trim tab to move downward and will force the star-
board bow downward.
Depressing the upper starboard trim tab switch will cause
the starboard trim tab to move downward and will force
the port 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 1/2
second bursts. If depressed too long, you can
overcompensate, and potentially lose control.
DO NOT try to correct the situation by depress-
ing the other upper trim tab switch. Instead, raise
the tab slightly by depressing the appropriate
lower half of the trim tab switch.
