Non-adjustable trim tabs, pointless?

[240sx4u]

Sorry guys, I searched this one too. I found nothing but the info regarding the automatic/adjustable ones which are pretty awesome.

My boat currently has a pair of trim tabs installed. They have to be adjusted by a wrench. From the reading I did on the site it seems they are not very useful if they can't be tweaked "on the fly".

They are also installed about 2-3" from the bottom of the hull on the rear, so I imagine they aren't doing anything anyway at this point. I will just remove them when I replace the floor if they are pointless.

Thanks guys, sorry for all the noob questions.

Evan

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Non-adjustable trim tabs, pointless?

Some boats just do not set up with the proper "attitude" while underway. Usually due to owner mods, incorrect weight balance etc. Your tabs could adjust for that. Do they extend down beyond the bottom of the transom at all? 2-3 inches above is not the usual mounting location, but it is close. Depending upon the manufactrer, you may be able to replace the fixed brace with a hydraulic one.
All I can say is I have noticed abig difference since installing smart tabs several weeks ago.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Non-adjustable trim tabs, pointless?

they should be mount about 1/2 inch from the bottom. and being fixed i doubt they worked very well any way. bang for the buck is Smart Tabs, for a great deal money money, are the helm hydrolic adjustables.

 

[240sx4u]

Re: Non-adjustable trim tabs, pointless?

They were definitely installed after the fact. I am wondering if they were put on to counteract waterlogged foam, which I have yet to embark on.

They are mounted higher than 1/2 inch for sure, and do not extend below the bottom of the boat.

Ill just plan on removing them when my project goes underway. I know they were screwed into the boat without sealant after looking closely. Ill bet that was one of the points of intrusion for water.

Ill do smart tabs if I find they are needed.

Evan

 

[eburr]

Re: Non-adjustable trim tabs, pointless?

On ski and recreation boats (not destination craft), the electric and hydraulic may not be worth the cost and install effort, from many I have heard from. Smart Tabs are automatically adjusted using a gas charged cylinder, and are ideal for sport-craft. I have them on my very stern heavy hydra-sports 1850 CC, and it planes much better, stopped porpoising, and added 2-3 MPH to the top-end speed. Also much more stable ride, especially over wakes, as they are self-adjusting and compensating just like shock absorbers. Others don't do that. I use the pro-troller series, which have the added benefit of converting to trolling brakes to slow you down. Read the information on this site on smart tabs, and then check out www.nauticusinc.com. Easy install and very well made. They are far from "pointless". For small boats they are virtually "indespensible".

 

[240sx4u]

Re: Non-adjustable trim tabs, pointless?

Thanks for the tip ^^^

170 bucks or so seems very reasonable.

Mine are literally adjusted with bolts, so they indeed are pointless IMO!

Thanks again guys - Evan

 

[QC]

Re: Non-adjustable trim tabs, pointless?

Mine are literally adjusted with bolts, so they indeed are pointless IMO!

They may have been installed simply to control one issue, so they may actually have a significant point to them. While they cannot do anything close to Smart Tabs or Helm Adjustable, they may have been installed to control porpoising for example. I could see even set fairly high up on the transom that they could help at higher speeds and trim levels . . .

 

[240sx4u]

Re: Non-adjustable trim tabs, pointless?

They may have been installed simply to control one issue, so they may actually have a significant point to them. While they cannot do anything close to Smart Tabs or Helm Adjustable, they may have been installed to control porpoising for example. I could see even set fairly high up on the transom that they could help at higher speeds and trim levels . . .

And the plot thickens..

Evan

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Non-adjustable trim tabs, pointless?

So, you run the boat with them on and run it with them off and see the diference, or you just go ahead with the smart tabs installed properly and you will be good to go.

 

[SnappingTurtle]

Re: Non-adjustable trim tabs, pointless?

Not the expert of the others here but ...

You don't say what type of boat you have, so it is hard to say if your tabs are there for a purpose that they fulfilled or not.

Many different boat/hull types have such tabs and with a good reason. They are not trying to fix trim problems in all situations, just in one, the one that is a problem.

My small boat had them also, but they were stolen off the boat. I wish I had them back, or at least a cheap replacement for them.

This boat has an adjustable tab in the middle, but the outer two aren't.

This one has no adjustment.

 

[QC]

Re: Non-adjustable trim tabs, pointless?

Even those non-adjustable ones have a turnbuckle that can be adjusted. Of course not under way, but if there is one thing you are trying to fix . . .

 

[240sx4u]

Re: Non-adjustable trim tabs, pointless?

Its a 14' chrysler runabout 1972. Very small boat.

My trim tabs are much shorter than all the ones I have seen on your boats.

Thanks, sorry for the mis information.

Evan

That boat with the enormous motor, and trim tabs reminds me of the boat from "the great outdoors"!

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Non-adjustable trim tabs, pointless?

Never mind..(posted some performance info originally )...lucky what ya got there even planes out...toss'em..