White Paper on DuraPlane Trim Tabs

General Purpose of Trim Tabs:
The modern trim tab is generally utilized on planing hull vessels, mono and multi-hull, for the purpose of adjusting the boats attitude while in motion. Several distinct areas are aided by the incorporation of aft-protruding tabs mounted at the base of the transom, on either side, giving the user the capability of adjusting the roll and pitch of the boat. Tabs are commonly adjusted to compensate for a load condition which has caused the boat to list. Also, by adjusting the attitude of the bow, the boat can be forced to be more stable in following seas by reducing the porpoising commonly encountered. For boats that struggle getting on plane from a stand still, tabs may be trimmed all the way down to help lift the transom up out of the water and then trimmed back up after the boat is on plane.

DuraPlane's distinction from other products:
Conventional trim tab designs expose hydraulic hoses and indicator cables/wiring to potential damage and corrosion from the external environment. Dura Plane has created a product which places the cylinder, hoses and indicator/wiring inside the engine compartment, away from the corrosive effects of water. This is accomplished with an innovative design which combines the hydraulic cylinder with the cast transom plate. The hydraulic barrel, with it's attached hoses and internal gauge sensor, is completely within the engine compartment ahead of the transom. The rod which articulates the tab/plane protrudes through the transom and connects to the link rod on the tab. A Buna rubber boot is mounted between the transom plate and the moving rod to keep barnacle growth to a minimum, although it is not needed for prevention of leakage in that the seals in the rear of the cylinder are adequate.

Benefits of using Dura Plane trim tabs:
1. The transom of the boat is cleaned up with all of the hoses and cables inside. Backing the vessel is safer in that chances of snagging hydraulic hoses or damaging fittings is eliminated. This is especially advantageous in icy waters. Corrosion of these components is also subverted.

2. Minimize the chance of hydraulic fluid ever getting into the outside environment.

3.Custom sizes and configurations are easily designed and delivered with standard internal components, thereby making spare parts readily available.

Practicality:
Access to hoses and indicator cables or wiring is inside the engine compartment instead of in the water. A certain amount of cylinder maintenance can also be performed from inside the boat, thus preventing the need to haul a vessel simply to work on trim tab cylinders. The bronze and 17-4 PH stainless steel parts utilized in DuraPlane trim tabs are virtually inert to the effects of seawater with proper maintenance of sacrificial anodes. Installation of DuraPlane trim tabs is actually simpler than that of standard tabs. Also, the practicality of having a clean transom without fragile components is self- evident.

Cost effectiveness:
Everything presented thus far supports the mission of DuraPlane to create a trim tab system second to none in the industry. Durability yields low maintenance and less costs to keep the system functioning as it should. The initial cost of bronze is higher than cast aluminum units, but if the vessel is to be used in saltwater, the costs incurred over time will eventually be less. Every component in the DuraPlane design (including gauges, switches and hydraulic pumps) is designed and specified for heavy duty, long lasting use.