Trim tab history?

[dbuffington]

An odd question, I know...

When did trim tabs first appear on recreational boats?

Thanks!
Dave

 

[skargo]

Re: Trim tab history?

Bennett says they introduced the first adjustable trim tabs more than 50 years ago.

 

[Tabman]

Re: Trim tab history?

An odd question, I know...

When did trim tabs first appear on recreational boats?

Thanks!
Dave

Dave,

Charles Bennett, the founder of Bennett Marine developed the first adjustable Trim Tabs in 1959. Bennett Marine was founded in 1960 offering the first remotely adjustable Trim Tabs to the marine market.

 

[dbuffington]

Re: Trim tab history?

Bennett says they introduced the first adjustable trim tabs more than 50 years ago.

Thanks!
Dave

 

[dbuffington]

Re: Trim tab history?

Charles Bennett, the founder of Bennett Marine developed the first adjustable Trim Tabs in 1959. Bennett Marine was founded in 1960 offering the first remotely adjustable Trim Tabs to the marine market.

Cool! It's great to hear directly from the source!

Here's why I'm asking...

I have a 1957 Whirlwind runabout that I believe would benefit from tabs.

Now, I'm not totally adverse to adding modern conveniences. (For example, I've installed a modern depthfinder to keep me from running aground ... again.) But I'd like to keep the basic period look.

So...

Would it have been credible -- or even semi-credible -- to see Bennett tabs on a 1957 runabout?

Thanks!
Dave

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Trim tab history?

I think they'd have to be made from beaten brass, and powered by steam cylinders

 

[BigBoatinOkie]

Re: Trim tab history?

or cast iron and actuated by pedals or a crank handle.