Trim tab location

[chris111179]

I think I may have made a mistake when I had the trim tabs on my Four Winns 205 Sundowner installed. With the bunks of the old trailer extending past the end of the boat, the tabs were installed 9 inches away from the center line of the boat. I did see the minimum distance was 8 inches. So it’s just past that. Would it be a possibility to install another set on the outside of the boat (just inside the outside chine?) They are currently installed on the red line in the photo. I was thinking of getting another smaller set on the outsides to try to help the side to side action of the boat. Thoughts?

 

[alldodge]

Tabs work best when they are close to the outside edge. Placing them near the props will give little help and can cause the prop to ventilate

 

[Pulse186]

Have you tested the boat after the tabs were installed? how did it feel?

All boats are different so the location of tabs on one hull may be a terrible location on another. If that location works on your boat then you are good.

Adding another set of tabs is a waste.

 

[chris111179]

Have you tested the boat after the tabs were installed? how did it feel?

All boats are different so the location of tabs on one hull may be a terrible location on another. If that location works on your boat then you are good.

Adding another set of tabs is a waste.

I have had it out once. They help it get on plane and reduce the planing speed. But they help side to side listing very little. On my previous boat where the tabs were mounted on the outside it held the boat level in almost all conditions. That’s why I was thinking that another smaller set of tabs on the outside would help with the side to side motion. I also normally have much more stern weight (passengers and fuel).

 

[Scott Danforth]

I would move the tabs and patch the transom.

 

[Alumarine]

What Scott said.
Would also help to move the boat back on the trailer so the bunks don't interfere with them.
If the balance is off then you could move the axle(s) back as well.

 

[Buzzsaw420]

Is there room to move the trailer winch back so the boat is flush or hanging over a hair so you can put the tabs in the proper spot and fill the old holes?

 

[Buzzsaw420]

Oops missed Alumarines post.

 

[chris111179]

I would move the tabs and patch the transom.

You guys talked me into it. The new aluminum trailer doesn’t stick out past the transom. Gonna move them and patch. I’ll report back as to how much of a difference it makes.

 

[04fxdwgi25]

If the tabs are installed properly, the trailing edge of the tab should be about 5/8" above the hull bottom and should not be touching a bunk.

 

[chris111179]

As suggested I moved the tabs out to 3" inside the outer chine. As recommended by the instructions. I went ahead and used a small amount of fiberglass resin and cloth and got the holes patched up and was also able to patch some old transducer holes. I will report back as to how much of a difference it makes in the chop!