Will trim tabs help?

[sirtweek]

Howdy

I have a 79 Wellcraft tri hull with a 40hp Nissan OB.

My top speed is 20-21mph. It planes out between 11-15mph.

I have ordered one of the hydrofoils for my motor to see if that helps plane quicker.

The gas tank is in the back of the boat so the rear end always seems to sit down in the water, worse when people are sitting in the back. I also notice that when I am out by myself it leans to starboard as it is a starboard console.

Wanted some input on adding a set of lenco electric trim tabs.

A couple of the things I read and wanted to find out about is that if with boats that are heavy in the rear end you are better off getting the bigger tabs as it will help plane faster. I plan on repowering to a 70 or 90 hp in a few seasons so would I have to upgrade the trim tabs when doing so?

thanks for reading

 

[Hitech]

Re: Will trim tabs help?

For that boat I would recommend Smart Tabs (SX series). That's what I have and they work very well.

 

[QC]

Re: Will trim tabs help?

If you can afford and want adjustable tabs they are very cool. If you want a simpler install and would rather have a passive experience vs, active (adjustable) go with Smart Tabs (great product). I would not use these with a hydrofoil and ultimately tabs are a superior product for your needs. Neither tab would have to be upgraded for the power plans you have . . .

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Will trim tabs help?

agree with QC, at present you are a little under powered. you are the captain, to get the boat to perform. you have to tell people where to sit. put some in the bow, you load it all to the stern, you may never get on plane. you have to balance the load. if they balk as to where you tell them. take them to the dock and leave them.

 

[sirtweek]

Re: Will trim tabs help?

thanks for the info.

I have read a little bit about the smart tabs so I will look more into those. I do not have a preference when it comes to passive or active adjust as I am just looking for better planing performance.

I know it is a smaller motor for the boat but just purchased this year and it is my first boat so want to make it last a few seasons before upgrading. The hull is in good condition as it was reconditioned a few years back. I plan on redoing the floor at the end of this year as it is soft in some spots and carpet is comming up on the corners.

I am working on moving as much weight forward to the bow to help with this.

Would it be pratical/safe to move the batteries to the bow? I currently have a starter and a deep cycle and they are located in the back next to the fuel tank.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Will trim tabs help?

the cost of the copper wire is ridiculous.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Will trim tabs help?

It sounds like you are seriously thinking about the tabs, this is a good thing.

You already ordered the hydrofoil, this is a bad thing. Don't bother even trying it, just return it. You already have a situation where the boat leans when you are by yourself. The hydrofoil will provide additional lift along the hull centerline making the lean even worse, and possibly even dangerous.