Trim Tabs

[JES233]

Hello everybody.I recently bought a 92 Wellcraft Eclipes 233 with a 350mag.I want to install trim tabs on it.I saw a add for Smart-Tabs,they give themself a great reveiw.Has anybody tried them and did you like them.My other option is to install Insa-Trim brand.Input on this would be very helpful.Thank You, John

 

[pigrge]

Re: Trim Tabs

I put the SX Smart tabs on my 17.5ft Sea Ray Closed bow. I since replaced the floor, stringers, foam and transom. Took a TON of weight out with the foam replacement. I didn't really try the tabs before I replaced all the stuff, but I can tell you, the boat takes, literally two seconds to plane out. Before, it took almost a minute. It took me a bit to realize that there actually is a pressure adjustment on the tabs themselves, as I had a REALLY rough ride, it stayed on plane, but it ran like it was running on concrete, til I found that adjustment. Now it runs FANTASTIC! Smooth as can be! I HIGHLY recommend them!

 

[superbenk]

Re: Trim Tabs

Smart Tabs are awesome! I installed them to take away the slow-speed wander & it did an excellent job of that! It also helped me plane a bit quicker & provided generally more stable handling. I'm extremely happy with them. I bought the $99 "blemished" ones (here on iBoats) & couldn't tell you where the blemish is on them. They look like new to me.

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: Trim Tabs

Lordy....do a search and you'll find scores of satisfied smart tabs customers.....keep in mind though reading thoroughly you'll find alot of people that do mostly open ocean boating that they much prefer adjustable tabs for various reasons.....of course the price is substantially higher. I dont have either, just giving you other side of the coin. Do a search you'll find all the reading you could ever want.

 

[QC]

Re: Trim Tabs

I am a huge adjustable tab guy. If you like to manipulate things, switches, levers, play with stuff, go adjustable and you will be blown away. If you are a point-and-shoot kinda guy, go Smart Tabs. Either way, get tabs!!!!!

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Trim Tabs

Hi Guys;

Many of you have read my responses in the past to various questions, so I will keep this short.

Note that we now include a Installation / Demonstration DVD in every package which we hope will do a better job of explaining things than written instruction (these are also in the kits).

For many years, the focus on boat performance has been centered around the motor which is only half of the "story". The boat hull dictates the performance of the boat far more than the power plant, but you can not run down the lake and change the hulls design to match your needs at the time. OR can You! You can. Trim tabs become an extension and integral part of the hull shape (design). This portion of the hull can be adjusted (reshaped) to compensate for the conditions.

For example, upon start up (acceleration) the trim tabs are deployed to create a "hook" in the hull shape and provide immediate lift to the stern so that the boat rises in the back as quickly as it does in the front. The result = little or not "hole Shot" because there is no hole. Now all of the HP previously used to drive the boat up hill (out of the hole) is used to accelerate forward. Once on plane the tabs rotate up to create a longer (adjustable) running surface.

Changing props (lower pitch) is unnecessary and is similar to down shifting into second gear then driving around all day. The results are that you can drive up hill easier, but limit your top speed, increase the engine rotations for every mile, and use more fuel.

The boat hull is like a car chassis. If you were to race at Indy would you use a formula race car chassis or a greyhound bus with your hi performance 1500 HP engine.

Trim tabs are the single best thing you can have and use on any planing hull boat. When the hull design is fixed, so is the window of efficient performance. Trim tabs expand the port hole window to a nice big bay window in terms of efficiency and performance.

 

[ovrrdrive]

Re: Trim Tabs

I agree that tabs are some of the best money you can spend on your boat. Personally I installed a set of Bennetts adjustable tabs on my boat but I also run in some pretty rough water and sometimes need to bury the nose and other times need to let it come up as high as it will dpeending on water and weather conditions. I've seen probably a hundred people on this forum that love the smart tabs though so if after you do your research they seem like they'll fit your bill they most likely will.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Trim Tabs

I have adjustable. I don't trust anything "automatic" that takes decisions away from me. But I know others love them. I wonder if those who love them, boat in the same conditions (a nice day on the lake) or like me, find myself in all kinds of conditions doing all kinds of stuff.
My boat came with Lenco (electric) and I have had problems; I question whether they are sufficiently water proof. Others have, too. But I'm sticking with them; if I had the choice I might look into hydraulic.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Trim Tabs

But I know others love them. I wonder if those who love them, boat in the same conditions (a nice day on the lake) or like me, find myself in all kinds of conditions doing all kinds of stuff.

My experience is only with relatively mild lake conditions. I think if I were doing something more advanced, I'd seriously consider hydraulic (as well as a bigger boat).

 

[Boatist]

Re: Trim Tabs

I also have Bennett Hydralic adjustable Trim Tabs.
You simply can adjust for every possible condition you encounter on the water.
I boat in the Pacific Ocean about 50 percent of the time where adjustable tabs make the boat ride better and I can slow way down and stay on plane.
Weather inland lake with light or heavy chop or the Pacific Ocean with 8 foot swells you can adjust for the best safe ride.

Even in a light chop on a inland lake the best adjustment is different going into the wind and chop than it is going with the wind and chop.

Strong cross winds when your boat leans into the wind is easy to adjust out.

Simply, with adjustable tabs can adjust for every condition.

Smart tabs are very good to get boat on plane quicker and at a slower speed plus are cheaper.

I will never have another boat without adjustable tabs.

 

[koko1]

Re: Trim Tabs

I have the Smart Tabs SX on my boat.. 19 Ft Bowrider that was taking forever to plane and would not until around 18-20 MPH, low speed wonder was so horrible it was almost impossible to drive up on the trailer enough to strap it in, and porpoising with the drive trimmed out the smallest amount. Now I plane in seconds and at 12-13 MPH, the low speed wonder is reduced to about nothing and I can trim out past 1/4 on the trim gauge and still get no porpoising... I highly recommend them but on a bigger boat like others have said the hydraulic tabs have their advantages.

 

[stubbsboogie]

Re: Trim Tabs

I love the Smart Tabs SX. I put them on my boat about a month ago. Planing speed was my issue. Now it pops right out of the "hole"
If I was in a bigger boat or routinely went to the ocean with big water I would put adjustable tabs on but for my style of boating the Smart tabs work wonders!

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Trim Tabs

Regardless of your choice (Helm controlled tabs or Smart Tabs) the point is that trim tabs will greatly improve the overall efficiency, ride, handling, and performance of a planing hull boat.

There should be no debate or competition between helm controlled tabs and Smart Tabs as the choice should be based on how the boat is used, and the personal desire. Smart Tabs have never been intended to compete with helm controlled trim tabs. The intent has always been to provide an economical option for what we call "sport boats" typically from 10' to 22' in length. The performance deficiencies associated with these boats have been traditionally addressed with changing props, and / or adding hydrofoils. These options usually create undesirable compromises in handling and efficiency. In other words they help in one area and hinder in another.

The use of a "sport boat" often includes more tasks for the driver than simply piloting the boat from point A to point B. He may be pulling a tube, skiers, or wake boards. They may be heading north until they get to the fork in the river and then west for a few minutes. They may be running from one fishing spot to the next. Smart Tabs lend themselves very nicely to this type of boat use since they adjust to the conditions and to not require constant adjustment. However, if the boat is a larger "destination" boat and requires maximum port to starboard control, then helm controlled tabs would most likely be the best choice.

Determine your needs and use, then make your choice.

 

[JES233]

Re: Trim Tabs

Thank you everybody for the input.I have ordered a set of "insta-trim" tabs.I do some coastal boating(lived on the south Jersey shore for 11 yrs)and it is a 23' weekender.I do like to make adjustments and tinker(sold a 10 sec drag car for this boat!)Again,thank you all!John

 

[amanphoto]

Re: Trim Tabs

I also have a Wellcraft 233 eclipse. Love it. But I have a terrible hole shot. My bow rises way up and then it launches. Once on plane I can do about 47 mph. I'm considering installing tabs also.

I would like to hear what you ended up putting on your boat and how they worked.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Trim Tabs

I have adjustable (Insta-Trim by Boat Leveler) trim tabs, but as others have pointed out, it depends on what conditions you run in. If you are in varying water conditions or range in 1-6 people on the boat, spend a little extra and get the adjustable.

If you are always in the same flat lake and go out with the same people and equipment every time, get the automatic tabs.

Either way, get some tabs. You'll be amazed at the different ways you can control the handling of your boat depending on wind, waves, and load. Minor issues such as an amidship wind or porpoising can be easily corrected.

 

[JES233]

Re: Trim Tabs

Also the Smart Tabs are not rated for the size or HP rating for my boat.