Trim tabs mounted on outboard bracket?

[gboswell]

I have a new Starcraft Islander 191-OB, a 19 foot cuddy design. The OB (outboard bracket) indicates that the motor is mounted on a 2-foot extension bracket. I'm wanting to install Smart Tabs to address performance issues related to the inherently stern-heavy weight distribution of the rig but I've been advised against mounting them on the bracket by an engineer at Starcraft (who suggests simply shifting weight toward the bow or adding sandbags). I assume this advice is motivated by structural concerns but perhaps Starcraft simply doesn't want to open a liability can of worms by OK'ing a bracket mount. Mounting the tabs on the main hull is not possible (they just won't fit).

Has anyone had experience mounting tabs on the Starcraft OB models or a similar hull with a bracket (like Proline)? I'm not trying to second guess the Starcraft engineer but I suspect that his hands are tied for legal reasons and he can't OK the mount even if he knows the bracket is strong enough. I might add that the bracket is rated for 150 hp and my motor is a 115.

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trim tabs mounted on outboard bracket?

i've asked John to look at your thread.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Trim tabs mounted on outboard bracket?

How wide is your bracket? You want tabs as far apart as possbile for stabilty. If you mount them on a narrow bracket your going to create a fulcrum in the middle of the boat and throw the boat off balance creating stability issues

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Trim tabs mounted on outboard bracket?

gboswell;

We have been working with Starcraft for the past few months and only because of the Hard water (ice) the testing is not finnished. Initial results are positive. Anyway, you may be correct in that they do not want you to add the bracket. Adding weight to the fron is not a solution I would recommend either. The boat obviously needs some balance help but permanently adding weight is not good for handling.

Call me so that we can address the problem directly and in detail if you wish.

800-233-0194

 

[gboswell]

Re: Trim tabs mounted on outboard bracket?

Here are a couple of pics. It's a wide bracket compared to, for example, the ones used on Alumaweld hulls which are just wide enough to accommodate the motor. The bottom is 5 feet wide. The main hull is only 16 inches wider (also measured at the bottom). The aluminum contraption you see in the pics is a rack I built to carry a flatboat.

There's at least a chance that the transom hinge on the Smart Tabs is narrow enough to fit beneath the bracket on the main hull. That clearance is only about an inch though. But then I'm not sure I could attach the gas cylinder arm to the transom at the required right angle. I'm going to West Marine today to look at the tabs. I may just buy them and take 'em home to see if they fit. I can always return them if they don't. If they would mount on the hull the bracket mount issue becomes a moot point.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trim tabs mounted on outboard bracket?

call John.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Trim tabs mounted on outboard bracket?

Wow, interesting design. I've never seen one that wide in proportion to the beam.

Good luck