Recently purchased a 01 353 with 500 EFIs wondering approximately where you all are seeing the best performance in drive and tab settings? My 292 fastech liked trim. Any input would be appreciated.

Need some more input...are you running extension boxes, do you have shortie lowers???? We run Imco extension boxes and sport master -2 lowers.... best trim for us is about 3.5 -4. While cruise we run 2.5-3

No boxes standard length lowers. On XRs

Every boat is different, even exact same model; and props make a big difference.

Best to mark neutral on your indicators with a Sharpie or tape; and go from there.

Set tabs at neutral, or parallel with aft section of hull.
Do the same with the drives.

Then set the throttles at 3500 RPM on clean, open water and watch the decimal places on your GPS speedometer while trimming out & in until you can’t increase speed any longer with the drive trim. This is how you can determine where your best cruise trim setting sits. Usually best to have a navigator onboard for this.

Top speed trim is different. Racer/speed contest trick is to over-trim until props JUST start to blow out; to bring RPMs up. Then trim back down 1/2-1 full tick to get props to bite again at the higher RPM.

Of course, all of that changes with water conditions. It was RF that said to always keep your tabs at neutral, not all the way up. Once you know the boat, teach yourself how to trim it side to side in a breeze or quartering sea with the drives at different settings...
...because trim tabs waste gas.

Seriously, that is the best way to trim a boat for a long cruise in water that puts the boat at an angle side to side. If the boat is low on the port side, pitch the starboard drive out/up up to 3 ticks or so higher than the port side. This leverage will lift the port side bow.

Thanks sydwayz. I’ve had multiple twin engine formulas sr1 then a 292 fastech. This 353 hull responds completely different to trim then both of those boats. It is much more sensitive to weight distribution. I’ve been playing with the trim. Trying to get it figured out and have settled in a cruise with the drives right about 2 on the gauge but the high speed running is proving to be a bit tricky. Mostly due to lack of good weather to run her hard. My last fastech responded well to trim. The previous owner said this 353 loves trim as well. That’s why I was looking for input. Some guys say they don’t respond after 2 or 3 and some guys say trim her to the moon and it will go.

I know now I just need more seat time but any input from real world operators of the hull and I can give myself a starting point.