tim tabs

[mistylady]

i am debating whether to install a set of trim tabs on my 1995 wellcraft238 coastal outboard boat. this model has a full transon and platform. the problem i have is most of the time i have to run with the motor all the way in, adjusting the motor out, causes cavitation and porposing. i fish the delaware bay in new jersey its a little rough most of the time, with a short chop<br /><br /> mistylady

 

[Boatist]

Re: tim tabs

I normaly reccommend helm controled trim tabs but in your case I am not sure it will work without motor adjustment. Trim tabs will raise the stern of your boat and if you are having Cavitation it likely will make that worse unless you lower your motor or go to a different type prop.<br /><br />I have a 21 foot runabout that I use in San Francisco bay and the Pacific ocean also in inland lakes and rivers. I selected Bennett helm adjustable trim tabs because I though it would increase fuel mileage as all the add said. Turns out that is not true with a few exceptions but it is the best thing I have added to my 1980 boat. In the short chop of or the big swells I can adjust my boat for the best posible ride. Some day that is a lot of trim and other very little trim. It makes the boat ride like it is 4 feet longer. When the swells or chop is to big to run 20 mph where my boat reaches plane with out any trim I would have to slow down and plow. That way could not use the sharp part of the bow to cut waves and the ride was very rough. With the tabs I can stay on plane to 8 miles per hour and use the sharp part of the bow to cut the waves. Today I find a safe speed for conditions and adjust boat attitude for the best ride then adjust motor trim for best speed and fuel mileage.<br />Every day at Sea is different and condition change while your out but with helm adjustable trim tabs You can alway adjust for the best ride at a safe speed. My tabs are probably bigger than most would recommend as they are 24 wide with a 12 inch cord per side on a 21 foot boat, but that means I can run slow when it really rough and still control the boats attitude for the best possible dry ride. <br />On a glassy day up at the lake use very little trim tabs but when your round a corner and see a 30 foot heavy boat pulling a wake boarder at sub planning speed all I need to do is trim bow down a little and select a good angle to the wave.<br /><br />At boat normal planing speed adding trim means more weted surface and a little more drag so a little less speed and more fuel. At speed where your boat would not plane but plow with out the tabs then adding trim brings you up on plane and the speed increases drag is reduced and the fuel mileage go up.<br /><br />Some say helm adjustable tabs are hard to learn to use. I say if get the dual rocker switch control then it about as hard a learning to raise and lower the front electric windows on your car.

 

[tprice]

Re: tim tabs

I have a 21' CC that has tabs. Last year I broke a hydrolic line and had to use the boat a few times without the tabs due to laziness. Well Trust me when I say you will not regret it.<br /><br />With the tabs you can lower the bow into a chop and it gives you a much better ride, this you can not do with the trim on a motor. You may think you can but trust me there is not comparison.<br /><br />I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER BOAT WITHOUT TABS