Innovated and engineered in Vancouver, the Dometic Trim Tab system will enhance hull performance across all boating areas, from optimising fuel efficiency to the hole shot to get on the plane faster, and to keep the vessel on the plane at lower speeds.

NZ Fishing News talks with Dometic Product Manager Shane DeWitt about the technology behind the product. Based in Vancouver, Canada, Shane was the lead Product Manager in developing the Dometic trim tab system.

Can you tell us about the innovation and development of the Dometic Trim Tab system?

As a boater myself, I found the traditional trim switch not instinctive at all when it comes to controlling the pitch and roll of your boat, so we needed to come up with an intuitive way to manage the planing of your hull. The engineering team worked together to innovate a trim tab system that exceeds customer expectations; this is where the unique, intuitive dial control and its ease of use came into play.

Dometic Product Manager Shane DeWitt with the heart of the new trim tab system, the helm station mounted controller.

Can you explain their main benefits for those reading this who may have never given much thought to trim tabs?

The primary purpose of trim tabs is to quickly bring your bow down so you can see the horizon and what is in front of you. A trim tab system will help level the boat in any situation, giving you a more comfortable ride. In addition, you will gain better fuel mileage.

In your opinion, what is the most unique feature of the Dometic system?

Hands down, it’s the intuitive dial controller. There is nothing like it available today, and it removes the guesswork from levelling your boat. The controller allows you to easily adjust the pitch and roll to get your boat on the plane quickly and efficiently. A programmable favourites button makes for effortless operation. This function on the controller makes it easy to get on the plane with the touch of one button.

The Dometic trim tabs have an intuitive dial controller that removes the guesswork from levelling your boat.

There are three ranges of Dometic Trim Tabs, Standard, Adaptive, and Optimus Adaptive. Can you explain the differences and benefits of each system?

What makes it different are some harnesses in the kit that connect to the Optimus steering and joystick system. They are both smart CAN-based systems that provide hole shot mode and automatic functions like auto retract when in reverse - our premium trim tab system.

The complete package.

The standard Dometic Trim Tabs would replace other existing basic systems in the market and would be our volume system. It incorporates a dial controller and provides intuitive, precise control to level your boat quickly. In addition, it has auto-retract upon key off.

February 2023 - Grant Dixon
New Zealand Fishing News Magazine.
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