Trim tab feedback

[Rprice10]

I’ve got a 2018 Tracker Targa V18 WT with. 150 Mercury 4-stroke that takes a long time getting planed off. Anybody got advice for me on trim tabs (self adjusting) ? I wondered the effect on top end & also would it adversely effect my kicker motor‘s performance? Input appreciated.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Are you thinking of something like SmartTabs? They can help, as can lots of other stuff (props, weight distribution in boat, etc.).

On my boat, SmartTabs help me get on plane and stay there at lower speeds, and they totally eliminated chine-walking at higher speeds. I think I may have lost 2-3 mph at the top end.

 

[Rprice10]

Are you thinking of something like SmartTabs? They can help, as can lots of other stuff (props, weight distribution in boat, etc.).

On my boat, SmartTabs help me get on plane and stay there at lower speeds, and they totally eliminated chine-walking at higher speeds. I think I may have lost 2-3 mph at the top end.

Yeah I got all 3 batteries in the back, gas tank, big live well (when I’ve got water in it), and a 9.9 kicker in addition to the 150. So weight distribution is an issue. It really got worse adding that kicker this spring. I didn’t think 90# would make that much difference! I was looking at some Bennett self adjusting trim tabs that are basically an enclosed spring. Push down when you start out & level out when you put more pressure ( go faster) .
Thanks...

 

[H20Rat]

Interesting to see that Bennett ripped off smarttabs now I guess! There used to be a fair amount of marketing material as to why SmartTabs were bad, now they have their own version.

Anyway, I've run smarttabs on quite a few different boats and been impressed every time. They vastly help boats that are shorter but have lots of weight in the stern.

Top end can sometimes drop a tiny amount, sometimes the same, sometimes goes up. Depends on the hull. As far as kicker, you have two options. With smarttabs, you can get a troller bracket. Normally they are supposed to be installed so that the bracket is down, the tabs are near vertical, and it drags so your main engine can troll. I installed mine so that I can lift the tabs all the way to level, if I end up getting beached and need additional clearance.

 

[Texasmark]

If you have deep pockets and smart tabs aren't smart enough for you try the hydraulically adjusted tabs...you can put them down like flaps on a 747 and raise them up and out of the way when on the Pad!

Another option is a ported prop (if yours isn't ported) in helping the hole shot. Would be a toss up which is better on your particular rig. Port plugs are available for certain props and the hole size determines the amount of RPM increase you encounter in the hole shot. Boats like yours would use the largest plug allowing for the most gas over the blades and fastest/highest PRM rise. As everyone using them know, once you clear the hole and develop enough boat speed, the new water across the prop is of sufficient velocity as to seal off the ports....the prop blades grab solid water and in some instances (like I had) you get a bit of a neck jerk, engine RPMs drop and speed takes off.

On smart tabs stopping chine walking, I never heard of that but is neat....when you are running up there where chine walking occurs...on my last Ranger, pad boat, it was 55 mph.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Mine started chine walking about 56 or 57 mph. I don't want to experience that again! The SmartTabs completely stopped that from happening.

Hydraulic tabs are cool, but seems like a bit overkill for an 18' Tracker Targa, especially if he's just looking to get on plane quicker.

 

[crazy charlie]

Yeah I got all 3 batteries in the back, gas tank, big live well (when I’ve got water in it), and a 9.9 kicker in addition to the 150. So weight distribution is an issue. It really got worse adding that kicker this spring. I didn’t think 90# would make that much difference! I was looking at some Bennett self adjusting trim tabs that are basically an enclosed spring. Push down when you start out & level out when you put more pressure ( go faster) .
Thanks...

I would start at the prop.The prop you have is prob the correct prop if you didnt have all the extra weight in the stern.You need to try a larger prop to get more "dig" into the water.Also a doel fin will get the stern up as well.Personally I would try this before getting involved in trim tabs .Not that tabs are not a great idea,they are great !!! However I dont think that tabs are the actual solution to your issue.Charlie

 

[dingbat]

I would start at the prop.

Agree.....

My 200 HP jumps right up on plane with a much bigger (22’-6”), heavier (#4,500) boat.

I’m running hydraulic tabs but only use to adjust running angle and “lean” once up on plane