Trim tab/Anode?

[MNTooner]

Hello,

I'm a newer owner of 2006 Mercury 50 ELPTO, 2 Stroke. After trailering my pontoon yesterday we saw that the trim tab was partially broken off. It was fine when I launched it, as I had just washed the boat and motor and saw it there. I was with several experienced boaters and none of us recall hitting anything. There doesn't appear to be any damage to the lower unit or prop. Half of the trim tab is left on the motor and the half with the fin is broken off, the bolt is still in place. Will it hurt the motor to run it this way or do I need to repair it before putting it back in the water? I looked online and it seems that they are not that expensive but most of the ones I found did not match mine. Mine has a grate built in to the forward portion of the mounting plate.

Thanks,

Mark in MN

 

[F-16 Falcon]

Re: Trim tab/Anode?

It want hurt the engine to run it but you might find your boat doesn't steer the same due to the torque made from the prop when it spins as high speeds. The trim tab counters this torque. I bought one for a 86 25HP merc on ebay for $20 bucks. Mine was missing.

 

[MNTooner]

Re: Trim tab/Anode?

Thanks, I will try to find one but won't be afraid to run it until it comes in.

Thanks again,

Mark in MN