Improve fuel efficiency
Lectrotab trim tab systems
About Lectrotab, How do trim tabs work
About Lectrotab
Lectrotab decided to design, manufacture and market an improved trim tab system in order to eliminate design flaws inherent to existing electromechanical and hydraulic-based trim tab systems.
After recognizing multiple design flaws in the current systems available, they set out to create an improved trim tab system, backed by superior customer support.
After much research and engineering patents, Lectrotab began manufacturing trim tab systems in 1997. These innovative systems feature:
- 12 gauge stainless steel with an integrally formed 12 gauge rolled and pinned hinge to strengthen the tab and eliminate spot welds
- Dynamic motor braking for instant ram stop and accurate positioning
- Actuators with no exposed metal parts to eliminate corrosion
- Internal friction brake which prevents tab movement under all conditions
- Patented internal self-pressurization system to eliminate negative pressure
- Patented seal placement to prevent seal damage due to barnacle growth
- Precision planetary gear box for quiet and efficient operation
Since introduction, Lectrotab trim tabs manufactured in Richmond, Virginia, have been distributed worldwide. They are used on all types of boats including pleasure, fishing, commercial, and air boats in a wide range of sizes.
How do trim tabs work?
Boaters will enjoy many performance and efficiency benefits by adding Lectrotab trim tabs. Lectrotab trim tabs improve fuel efficiency, increase boat speed, accelerate shallow water planing, eliminate porpoising, and enhance the overall boating experience with a more comfortable ride.
Improved Fuel Efficiency and Faster Speeds
Most importantly, the trim tabs may be adjusted to optimize speed and fuel efficiency. Typically, the bow rides high causing the stern to drag in the water at cruising or lower speeds. A boat owner will attempt to correct this problem by trimming his outdrive down to bring the bow down. This adjustment is extremely inefficient and reduces boat speed and increases fuel consumption, because trimming of the outdrive pushes water down to allow the transom to rise and bow to lower. In this scenario, the outdrive is not only propelling the boat forward but it is also pushing the bow down. The most efficient way to operate the boat is to adjust the tabs to maximize boat speed and level. The outdrive may then be adjusted so the prop shaft is parallel to the water to maximize the thrust to push the boat forward.
Faster Planing
For shallow water starts, trim tabs allow the boat to get up on plane faster. Faster planing can be accomplished by lowering the tabs to the fully deployed position. As the boat achieves plane, trim tabs may be raised until the boat is level.
Porpoising
Occasionally, an uneven load distribution or certain speeds will cause the boat to "porpoise". This problem can easily be corrected by deploying both trim tabs simultaneously a few degrees until the "porpoising" stops.
Boat Levelling
Every boat owner has experienced passengers or equipment moved to one side of the boat, which causes the boat to lean to one side and leads to difficulty in handling the boat as well as an uncomfortable ride. Adding trim tabs to a boat corrects this problem by deploying the tab on the same side as the boat is leaning towards which levels the boat for a more comfortable ride.
Head Sea
Rough sea conditions can also be better managed with trim tabs. Typically in a head sea, the boat speed must be reduced causing the bow to ride high. The waves will pound and beat the boat bottom for an extremely uncomfortable and slow ride. Trim tabs can be deployed to level the boat out and allow the hull to cut through the waves for a smoother and more efficient ride.
A Beam Sea or Wind
A beam sea or wind can lead to a wet ride. To greatly reduce or eliminate the spray caused by waves or wind hitting the boat side, the windward side trim tab may be deployed to raise the windward side of the boat. Also retracting the leeward trim tab side may help.
Visit the best value professionals for expert advice on Lectrotab systems.
Increase boat speed
Lectrotab trim tab systems
Trim Tab Controls
Automatic Levelling Control
As wind shifts, water conditions change or passengers move about, the Automatic Leveling Control (ALC) will automatically adjust your trim tabs to maintain a level boat for a more comfortable and enjoyable ride.
The ALC automatically corrects the roll from side to side and pitch from fore to aft to enhance your boating experience and improve your fuel economy.
Features
- Microprocessor based automatic leveling trim tab control with LED tab position indicators
- Controls roll and pitch automatically
- Automatically adapts to varying sea conditions
- Completely sealed and waterproof (IP68)
- Prevents automatic corrections while turning
- Designed for planing and semi displacement hulls larger than 6m
- Actuators connect directly to ALC-1 display panel (no external power module box required)
- Automatically dims LED tab position indicators in darkness and brightens in sunlight
- Automatically retracts trim tabs when boat is off plane or using optional key switch connection
One-Touch LED Control
A control incorporating features requested by boat owners to provide a user friendly control for a more enjoyable boating experience.
One-Touch button to raise/lower tabs, automatic tab position return, completely sealed and waterproof.
Features
- Microprocessor based trim tab control with LED tab position indicators
- Single button press to move both tabs up or down simultaneously
- Automatic return to last tab position if ignition key is turned off and back on again
- Completely sealed, completely waterproof and will not deteriorate in sunlight
- Automatic tab retraction and calibration with key or accessory switch off
- No external power module required for single or dual actuator per tab systems
- LED tab position indicators dim automatically in darkness and brighten in sunlight
Manual Level Control
A control incorporating features requested by boat owners to provide a user friendly control for a more enjoyable boating experience.
Single button touch control, automatic tab position return, sleek bezel design.
Features
- Microprocessor based trim tab control with LED tab position indicators
- Single button press to move both tabs up or down simultaneously
- Rubber overlay with a sleek bezel design
- Automatic return to last tab position if ignition key is turned off and back on again
- Completely sealed, completely waterproof and will not deteriorate in sunlight
- Automatic tab retraction and calibration with key or accessory switch off
- LED tab position indicators dim automatically in darkness and brighten in sunlight
Faster planing
Lectrotab advantage
Trim Tab Actuators
Lectrotab trim tab actuators are precision-engineered to combine quiet operation with a non-hydraulic, maintenance free design.
Design, engineering and manufacturing in Richmond, Virginia, USA these premium quality actuators are covered by a 7 Year Warranty.
Features - all models
- The unit is corrosion free, ensures very accurate tab positioning, provides maximum lift force, and is totally self-contained for easy installation.
- The actuator assembly is packaged in a non-metallic permanently sealed housing.
- No components need to be installed inside the boat.
- Most importantly, unlike hydraulic trim tabs, there is no oil to leak out.
- The actuator incorporates either a standard or low profile transom mounting bracket.
- Non-metallic external structure which cannot corrode and will not deteriorate in the sun or under water
- Upper ram seal patented location cannot be damaged due to fouled ram or barnacle growth
- Utilizes patented internal pressure equalization system
- Internal brake system prevents unwanted tab movement when under way or backing down
- All actuators fully load tested to push 1000 lbs of force
- Quiet operation
Actuator (Standard)
Lectrotab trim tab actuators are precision-engineered to combine quiet operation with a non-hydraulic, maintenance free design. Actuators come in 12 and 24 VDC with 8 second recommended stroke time or 4 second stroke time.
Lectrotab recommends using the 8 second stroke time for a smoother, more controlled boat response to tab adjustments.
Actuator (Heavy Duty)
Lectrotab meets the needs of boats operating at high speeds or in rough conditions by offering its heavy duty trim tab actuator. The heavy duty actuator features a reinforced upper mounting boss and a 12 gauge stainless steel upper bracket. Actuators come in 12 and 24 VDC with 8 second recommended stroke time.
Features
- Stainless Steel upper mounting bracket
- Reinforced actuator upper mounting boss
Actuator (Extended Length)
A longer stroke length actuator precision-engineered to combine quiet operation with non-hydraulic, maintenance free design. Actuators available in 12 and 24 VDC.
Features
- Available in 4" (102mm) and 3.5" (89mm) stroke lengths
Actuator (Short Style)
Ideal for limited vertical height applications such as swim platforms. Short actuators come in 12 and 24 VDC with 6 second stroke time.
Trim Tabs
Lectrotab designs and manufactures a range of trim tabs for the leisure and commercial marine markets. They are used on all types of boats including pleasure, fishing, commercial, and air boats in a wide range of sizes.
Trim tabs are available in stainless steel and aluminium alloy in various configurations and sizes.
- Aluminum Alloy Trim Tabs
- Stainless Steel Trim Tabs
- Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Trim Tabs
- Dual Actuator Stainless Steel Trim Tabs
- Heavy Duty Racing Trim Tabs
Stainless Steel Trim Tabs
The Lectrotab stainless steel trim tab design provides unmatched strength and reliability.
Standard tabs are available in standard finish (as shown), mirror finished stainless steel, or black powder coated stainless steel.
Common Features
- All stainless steel tabs are fabricated with a continuous rolled and pinned hinge. This design eliminates the need for welding.
- The tabs are made of corrosion resistant 12 gauge, 304 stainless steel
- Standard and heavy duty tabs are available in 9" (23cm) and 12" (30cm) chord lengths (chord is the length from the transom to the tab trailing edge) and in widths between 9" (23cm) and 48" (122cm). See specification chart for dimensional details.
- All tabs exceeding a 24" (61cm) width feature a 90 degree bent up trailing edge for additional strength. Edges can be turned up or down, made straight or tapered, and reinforced in any way.
- For galvanic protection, pre-installed zinc anodes are also available.
Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Trim Tabs
Lectrotab heavy duty stainless steel trim tabs incorporate a 90° taper bent edge to provide unmatched strength and reliability.
Heavy duty tabs are available in standard finish (as shown) or black powder coated stainless steel.
Dual Actuator Stainless Steel Trim Tabs
The Lectrotab dual actuator mounted stainless steel trim tabs are designed to double the pushing force compared to single actuator tabs.
Tabs are available in standard finish (as shown), or black powder coated stainless steel.
Standard tabs are available in 12" (30cm) chord lengths and in widths between 12" (30cm) and 48" (122cm). See specification chart for dimensional details.
Aluminum Alloy Trim Tabs
The Lectrotab aluminum alloy trim tabs are uniquely designed to meet the needs of aluminum hulled boats and are an economical option for all boats.
All aluminum alloy tabs are fabricated with an extremely strong "no-break" polypropylene hinge. The tabs are made of marine grade 6005-T5 aluminum alloy material that is equivalent in strength to 10 gauge stainless steel. All aluminum tabs are sealed with a corrosion resistant epoxy coating.
Standard tabs are available in 9" (23cm) and 12" (30cm) chord lengths (chord is the length from the transom to the tab trailing edge) and in widths between 9" (23cm) and 48" (122cm). See specification chart for dimensional details.
Custom designed tabs are also available with drop fins or supports.
Heavy Duty Racing Trim Tabs
Lectrotab meets the demand of boats operating at high speeds or in rough conditions by offering its heavy duty racing trim tabs.
These racing trim tabs incorporate a 90° bend on all edges to provide unmatched strength and reliability. All stainless steel tabs are fabricated with a continuous rolled and pinned hinge. This design eliminates the need for welding. The tabs are made of corrosion resistant 11 gauge, 304 stainless steel with a gloss black powder coated finish.
Tabs are available in 20" (51cm) chord length by 14" (36cm) tab width. See specification chart for dimensional details.
Custom Trim Tabs
Evolution Marine can design and supply custom stainless steel trim tabs to suit your boating application.
Maintain a level boat
More confortable and enjoyable ride
Expert Installation, More Information
Expert Installation
Evolution Marine can advise you on a Lectrotab trim tab system to suit your requirements and boat.
Our expert installation service will ensure many years of trouble free boating.
More Information
For more information visit the Lectrotab website or Facebook.
Evolution Marine
Visit Evolution Marine for expert advice on Lectrotab trim tab systems.
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