Variable trim deflector system and method for controlling a marine vessel

A variable trim deflector system for a marine vessel, comprising:

• a first surface having a first area wherein the first area forms at least a portion of an effective trim deflector area;
• a second surface having a second area wherein the second area forms an additional portion of the effective trim deflector area;
• and
• a first pivot joint and a second pivot joint, wherein the first pivot joint is configured to be fixed to the marine vessel, wherein the second pivot joint is at a first diagonal relative to a transverse axis of the marine vessel,
• wherein the first surface is arranged to be pivoted about the first pivot joint and the second surface is arranged to be pivoted about a combination of the first and second pivot joints so that a magnitude of vertical and transverse force components provided by the variable trim deflector can be varied,
• wherein the first surface is a first plate and the second surface is a second plate movably coupled to the first plate so that the first plate and the second plate can be positioned at different angles relative to each other,
• wherein the variable trim deflector system further comprises a third plate,
• wherein the first plate and the third plate are connected to each other by a hinged joint,
• wherein a hinge axis direction of the hinged joint is at a second diagonal relative to the transverse axis of the marine vessel, and wherein the second diagonal is different from the first diagonal.