Trim tabs blowing fuse

[rover]

Hello,

I have a 22 foot C-Dory cruiser and I am having an issue with the trim tabs. My trim tabs are blowing the 15 amp fuse every time I use them. It had been stored for the winter but nothing else has changed. I have never had an issue with them in the past and the fuse and wiring has not been changed. Any ideas what might be the problem?

Thank you!

Cheers,
Marie

 

[thataway]

C Dory's have had trim tabs by Bennett, InstiTrim/ Boat Leveler (hydraulic) and Lenco (electric). Which brand do you have?

Both Bennett and Boat Leveler call for 20 amp fuses, as does Lenco.
First thing I would do is to put in a 20 amp, fuse, and see what happens. Watch the voltage on the circuit (with a volt meter), if it is going way down, then you may need stop right there. I would check out all of the issues below before putting in the larger fuses.

The most common issues are corrosion. I would trace out all of the wiring, and clean all connections. Is the breaker blown when you turn on the circuit, or when you move the tab? Does it blow immediately, or after a few seconds? Does the tab move at all? At times the pumps have also had corrosion issues, and thus the motor becomes frozen. Also there can be enough corrosion on the cylinder shaft, to cause the motor to overload. If the tab is extended you can clean the ram with WD 40 or similar material.

I prefer a circuit breaker over a fuse.

 

[rover]

Hi Bob,

Thank you so much for the reply. I have traced it back to the motor on the trim tab, it seems to have been water damaged and is toast.

Thank again for your reply,
Marie