Poor mans trim tab question (see image)

[Moody Blue]

Re: Poor mans trim tab question (see image)

NautiJohn thanks for the clarification. I think I have a clear direction to go now. The fin will definitely come off. The S/S plate I've got is only 13" x 10" so I will have to settle on tabs that are 10" x 6.5". Thats 90% the size of the 9x8 you recommended. Now all I need is for the 2ft of ice on the lake to melt so I can start trial runs. For interest sake, I'll post results once I am able. Thanks again.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Poor mans trim tab question (see image)

If you can't afford the Smart Tabs I don't see how you can afford to own and operate a boat! Sorry, it's not a cheap hobby.<br /><br />What is your time worth? By the time you play around with some sort of fixed tabs and readjusting them for a compromise in better performance you could have just bought and installed the real thing. Shovel some snow, cut some grass, or do some housepainting to earn the $140.00 and install the tried and tested product.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Poor mans trim tab question (see image)

You see a new Caddy go by and you say, 'There goes a rich man.'<br /><br />Maybe not. Maybe,like many of us with boats, he's spent his last nickel on the car, and can barely afford the gas to run it.<br /><br />I can identify with Rod. I'm sure many of us can.<br /><br />I'd rather be a broke boater than keep my money in the bank.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Poor mans trim tab question (see image)

rwidman I think you are implying that all boaters are wealthy. Sorry to say but thats not reality. Many of us own a simple boat and are happy to just be able to get out and enjoy the water. We need to prioritize where and how we spend our money. Bottom line is that I have other things to spend my money on. Boating is a pass time for me not a life style. I do what I can with what I've got.

 

[55Crestliner]

Re: Poor mans trim tab question (see image)

I tried the fixed tab method for one outing. I just used 8" long 2x2 angle aluminum glued to each side of the transom. It was just an experiment. I sat in the back of the boat, using the tiller. The boat was very quick on plane, and was very stable at speed (25mph). Without the fixed tabs, the boat porpoised a bit, but took much longer to get it's bow down. I found I could have the motor trimmed out more with the tabs.<br /><br />I took them off that day to test back to back. I have not put them back on, but have considered doing the turnbuckle thing. I almost always sit in the middle at the steering wheel, so I found that for most of the time, the tabs were not required at all. But there are times when I want to cruise slower, some local lakes are 7-8 knots max. I think for me the turnbuckle type would work well.<br /><br />If I were you, I would try doing some 90* angle tabs, with your 8* transom, that puts it just a little bit down from parallel to the bottom of the boat. And even though it's cheesy, try just gluing them on at first, to see if it's what you are after. I used a very strong waterproof polyuerathane glue, they didn't come off easily, but they did come off.<br /><br />I also don't have the money for smart tabs, and I preffer a more classic look for my old boat, but I don't doubt for a second that I would like the way they work if I had them.

 

[TexomaAv8r]

Re: Poor mans trim tab question (see image)

Originally posted by rwidman:<br /> If you can't afford the Smart Tabs I don't see how you can afford to own and operate a boat! Sorry, it's not a cheap hobby.<br /><br />What is your time worth? By the time you play around with some sort of fixed tabs and readjusting them for a compromise in better performance you could have just bought and installed the real thing. Shovel some snow, cut some grass, or do some housepainting to earn the $140.00 and install the tried and tested product.

I can relate to not always being able to afford $140 too, but I could also find away if I wanted too, however, for many ppl the time spent tinkering arround for a DIY project, even a compromise, is part of the hobby and fun...I like experementing with these things too, as long as no ones safety is comrpomised then I say go for it.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Poor mans trim tab question (see image)

Thanks for everyones ideas and comments. I am a tinkerer at heart and get enjoyment out of the do-it-yourself projects. Even better if they work out as planned. From everything I have read so far I am certain that this idea will work. Maybe not the most hi-tech approach but I'm sure they will do the job as well as I need them to. Again I will post results when able, sometime this spring for anyone who might be interested.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Poor mans trim tab question (see image)

RodC;<br /><br />I may be able to help you find some part that may make your job a bit easier. If you wish to call 800-233-0194.

 

[55Crestliner]

Re: Poor mans trim tab question (see image)

Forgot to mention - My boat was slower with the tabs when I sat in the middle at the wheel - but was nicer going slow.<br /><br />When I sat in the back, it was faster with them, because I could actually drive at full throttle. In the back without them is just too unstable.<br /><br />If I always drove from the back, there would be no doubt that I'd have them on all the time.<br /><br />Sounds like with your boat, you'd be happy with the fixed.

 

[steve n carol]

Re: Poor mans trim tab question (see image)

nautijohn, that was a nice offer!...sl<br /><br />RodC, A word of caution, when you place your boat back onto the trailer, you may run interference with your trim tabs and the trailer bunks, also, round off the corners of your 'tabs' to help prevent accidents/cuts...sl<br /><br />P.S. enjoy the winter....it will be summer before you know it!

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Poor mans trim tab question (see image)

55Crestliner;<br /><br />Beautiful restoration! <br /><br />The reason the boat went slower with you at the wheel is that the permanent change in hull design(fixed trim tabs) created too much lift when the boat was cruising. The extra lift becomes more pronounced as the boat increases in speed. The extra weight forward plus the extra lift drives the bow down and therefor a slower speed. That is one of the compromises of fixed tabs (permanent hull design change). It is why adjustable tabs are adjustable or Smart Tabs adjust automatically. <br /><br />One suggestion is that if you wish to ride forward without the loss of speed, try setting the motor trim out one hole. Although in this position the time to plane will suffer. Another compromise.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Poor mans trim tab question (see image)

55Crestliner I don't mind a little sacrifice in speed as long as overall performance is improved. What I'm shooting for is better mid range or cruising speed performance. As it is now I can't plane below 25MPH. I'm always running 3/4-full throttle to keep it on plane. I'd like to be able to plane at 18-20MPH. I also use the boat for tubing and skiing and I think the tabs would help performance there also.<br /><br />StevenCarol thanks for the heads up. I will mount them up about 1/4" from the hull bottom to avoid interference. The tabs are already cut and I have chamfered the outer corners as you suggested.<br /><br />NautiJohn thanks VERY much for the offer. I look forward to talking with you. By effectively increasing the hull length with the tabs, can I not compensate for this by trim angle of the motor. I have power trim and can adjust on the fly. Right now I have to run the motor fully trimmed in to keep from porposing and to keep it on plane. <br /><br />Again I want to thank everyone on this fantastic forum for their ideas and support. The knowledge base here is invaluable to anyone who owns or is thinking of buying a boat. As I become more knowledgable myself I hope to be able to return the favor.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Poor mans trim tab question (see image)

RodC<br /><br />Mount them up 1/2" off the bottom.<br /><br />Im order to help in the hole shot or plaining, and to eliminate the porpoising you will need to deploy the tabs (trailing edge down)otherwise you will not see too much help. How much you deploy them is trial and error. It is the compromize I have been talking about. Enough deployment angle to help you plane may be too much for cruising, as it will drive the bow into the water more than your trim can compensate for. Too little deployment may not do much to get on plane, but may be enough to stop the porpoising and not effect the top speed too much. Trial and error!!!

 

[rwidman]

Re: Poor mans trim tab question (see image)

Originally posted by RodC:<br /> rwidman I think you are implying that all boaters are wealthy. Sorry to say but thats not reality. Many of us own a simple boat and are happy to just be able to get out and enjoy the water. We need to prioritize where and how we spend our money. Bottom line is that I have other things to spend my money on. Boating is a pass time for me not a life style. I do what I can with what I've got.

I didn't mean to insult you, just to suggest that doing it the right way will get you back on the water with an enjoyable boat. $140.00 buys me gas for the truck and boat for three trips. Just the gas! <br /><br />B O A T = break out another thousand.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Poor mans trim tab question (see image)

Well got the boat out today for a trial run and it went better than expected. Ended up making tabs 10" wide x 6 1/2" deep modeled somewhat after the Smartabs that Nautijohn sells. Took the whale tail off the motor and went for a spin not knowing what to expect. The result was spectacular. Hole shot is about the same as before (was great to start with) but the porpoising is gone which means I can now trim the motor out. My top speed went from 33MPH to 44MPH because I can run WOT now. Ride is much more stable on choppy water and I can now cruise at 16MPH. Very happy with these new additions.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Poor mans trim tab question (see image)

lets see pics

 

[Mahoney]

Re: Poor mans trim tab question (see image)

I ordered a set of smart tabs from an online store for a lot less than anywhere I have seen recently. 109 for the smallest and 169 for the largest. West marine is wanting 249 for the large set I ordered for 169 and they were her ein 4 business days. <br /><br />I dont think you can advertise for other sites, out of respect for iboats, which does have great prices, so I can email you the add if interested.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Poor mans trim tab question (see image)

Sorry no pics. These 4x6 prints just keep falling off the monitor when I "paste" them on the screen Guess I need to get a digital camera now. How can I explain to the wife why I need one as a safety issue , afterall, safety first <br />These tabs, even though home made, have made a huge improvement in overall performance. I imagine the real Smarttabs must be even better. I was sceptical but now I am a believer. They work, even on my small boat. Can't wait to try them out on some calm water and really give them a good testing.