Tech‐Talk Motorboats: Driving tips by Lars‐Erik Solvang
Interview with Lars‐Erik Solvang, Bavaria Norway
The right trim when driving: How do I use trim tabs correctly?
The trim tabs are there to optimise the horizontal position of the boat when underway. Especially before the boat is at full planning speed, it tends to point up with the bow and sink with the stern. This reduces speed and increases fuel consumption (see also below). The flaps can improve this.
To correct excessive bow rise, deploy tabs down all the way and bring your Z drive to its most negative‐trim position. This should flatten your planing angle when you give throttle and offer improved visibility forward. Once the boat is up on step, I adjust the tabs to reduce the hull’s wetted surface and keep level across the beam. Then I bring engine trim up accordingly in order to make the prop as effective to the water as possible. After that I work
with the tabs to stabilize the boat (rolling) if necessary based on loading, wind and waves.
A good tip for planing hulls is to adjust pitch down a bit based on waves in upwind conditions to get more comfort onboard. With the use of the engines digital multi‐functional display, you will find a point where you have the optimal mix between speed, fuel consumption and comfort.
A good tip for planing hulls is to adjust pitch down a bit based on waves in upwind conditions to get more comfort onboard. With the use of the engines digital multi‐functional display, you will find a point where you have the optimal mix between speed, fuel consumption and comfort.
Is it really easier to dock a boat with a joystick?
Yes, in windy conditions and with high current in the water it makes the docking much easier. You will also experience the fun and practicality of driving the boat sideways in tight harbour situations. However, keep in mind that wind and windage still affect the boat. You have to keep an eye on these factors, but the electronic system already steers the boat very precisely as you direct it on the joystick. A great feature that really simplifies mooring and maneuvering enormously.
In principle, the movements of the joystick are immediately converted by the electronics into the corresponding settings at the rudder (steering angle), throttle (speed) and gearbox (forward or backward). This means easy handling and increased safety.
What is the Bavaria Norway tip for driving a motorboat economically?
- Keep the boat as light as possible.
- Avoid driving a lot at half planing speed (10–16 knots). Either cruise below 10 or go fast in planing speed above 18 knots.
- Don’t lift the stern to much with your tabs, as by doing so you push to much water in the bow and reduce speed, which increases fuel consumption.
- Professional antifouling will keep the hull as clean as possible, which will save fuel.