To set your outboard's trim tab (the small fin or anode located above the propeller on the anti-ventilation plate), adjust it in the same direction the boat is pulling.
Quick Adjustment Guide
If your boat pulls to one side when you let go of the steering wheel:
Pulls to the Right (Starboard): Move the rear edge of the trim tab to the right.
Pulls to the Left (Port): Move the rear edge of the trim tab to the left.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation: Turn off the engine and tilt the motor up to access the tab.
Loosen the Bolt: Use a socket wrench (typically 12mm or 1/2-inch) to loosen the bolt securing the tab. Do not remove it completely.
Adjust by Degrees: Most tabs have hash marks to track movement. Move the tab in small, "one-click" increments—usually no more than a few degrees at a time.
Tighten and Test: Secure the bolt and take the boat for a test run at your most frequent cruising speed and trim setting.
Why It Works
Although it feels counterintuitive, the trim tab acts like a mini-rudder for the motor itself. By turning the tab to the right, water pressure pushes the rear of the outboard to the left, which in turn forces the boat's bow back toward the centre to counter "torque steer".
Note: If your trim tab is heavily corroded, it is likely a "sacrificial anode" designed to protect your motor from corrosion and should be replaced rather than just adjusted.
