Trim Tabs for a 16 foot tinny

[Rampant Johnny]

Are trim tabs useful on a 16 foot aluminium boat? What advantages do they offer. I'm looking at the Nauticus Smart Tab. Do I just fit and forget it, or do I have to adjust it aaccording to conditions as I go along? Anything that saves me fuel and gives stability would be a good thing.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Don't expect to save enough fuel to notice if any but do expect a better ride, and quicker planing.

Yes once dialed in you never need to mess w them.... You will still need to trim the engine differently based on how you load the boat such as if you have more or less people on board.

 

[Grandad]

I think there's trade-offs. At planing speeds, they could allow a better hull angle, potentially increasing speed or improving fuel economy, but only if your current engine trim is compensating for a bad hull angle. At slow speeds, you may get less of that annoying steering wander, but the increased drag at trolling speed could increase fuel consumption slightly. - Grandad

 

[Rampant Johnny]

Thanks for your advice. I think I'll give them a try (as soon as the Chief Inspector is looking the other way and doesn't notice I'm spending money on the boat. Again.)

 

[Watermann]

Make sure you get the correct # model for your boat. Depending on the 16' tinny and motor set up you may only need the 40# model smart tabs. I have the 60# tabs for my Chief and i's a heavy V6 IO rather than a OB.

 

[mrallen007]

I've been considering the same thing on my boat, a 16 foot tracker. My main goal is to smooth out the ride, provide a little more control at speed, and maybe reduce bow rise at slower speeds. I'm not sure this is the route I should take but I'm certainly interested to hear your results.