Setting up my boat

[quazerboy]

Hello, <br />I've an old Avon Inflatable (not rib) that's around 16' And I have an 1972 Evinrude 18hp on the back (tiller controlled). I know I could do with a bigger motor etc, but frankly I only use my boat a couple of times a year on holiday and I don't want to put any more money into it. I really am new to motor boating and just want to know the basics of setting up the boat. It did seem to stick its nose very high in air last year at WOT, but we got about 12knts according to the GPS with 3 "stout" gentlemen on board. I've seen "lifters" advertised, which look little more then large trim tabs, but are designed to improve planing area and reduce drag. Do you think a home made version of these would help? Sorry for the long post<br /><br />Lee

 

[bayman]

Re: Setting up my boat

If Nauticus Trim Tabs are available then I would look at those. The cost is fairly low and they really work great. For example, in addition to keeping the bow of the boat down, they can keep your boat much more steady when going over a wave or a wake. If you were to compare the results (with something homemade), I think you would be really pleased with the results from the Nauticus tabs.

 

[quazerboy]

Re: Setting up my boat

I have looked at those tabs and they do look good, however I cannot find a UK dealer, and I suspect they would cost at least double here than in the states. I was looking at something like the lifters from allinflatable. I really don't believe much of the sales hype but If they do make a difference they look fairly easy to imitate, I don't know anything about how high on the transom to mount my motor, and what difference the motor trim angle makes (the angle that is adjustable with the little bar on the clamp) Some fairly generic advice covering the basics would be appreciated<br />Lee

 

[stevens]

Re: Setting up my boat

A quick search for "Smart Tabs UK" on Google came up with many hits, including the following link:<br /><br /> http://www.novuraniaribs.co.uk/accessories/smartabs.htm <br /><br />On that site there is also a webshop where you can order the tabs.<br /><br />I've had my Smart Tabs for almost a month and couldn't be more pleased with the results. I doubt you'll be able to duplicate these tabs with anything home-made, and at these prices, I wouldn't bother to try.

 

[quazerboy]

Re: Setting up my boat

Once again, the tabs do look good, and as I suspected are double the price that they are in the states. Surely it must be agreed that in order to get the most from my boat, tabs or no tabs, I first have to set up what I have to the best that it is capable. If I wanted to spend a couple of hundred pounds to improve the performance of my boat then I could maybe buy a more powerful outboard. What I actually want to do is make the most out of what I already have, and for this I need advice on how best to set up my boat.<br /><br />Lee

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Setting up my boat

I certainly understand how you'd like to do any appropriate adjustments before you spend a lot of money - like you said, you should get it set up as well as possible first.<br /><br />Since you are new to boating, are you familiar with the trim adjustment pin? It is the pin which adjusts the angle of the motor's drive compared to the transom. It has adjustments that change the angle of the motor's leg compared to the transom. The adjustments are downward/inward and upward/outward.<br /><br />Just off hand, the first thing I'd suggest based on what you've mentioned, is to trim the motor in a little to bring the nose down a little. You'll have to experiment.<br /><br />You could also just experiment with adjusting the way the weight is distributed in the boat. (actually, THIS would be the first - the trim would be a close second) <br /><br />Good luck and tell us what happens.

 

[cuzner]

Re: Setting up my boat

Hey Lee, a regular on the forum, think his name is Rod c, made some for his boat... he claims to have great results... maybe he will chime in and give you some suggestions.<br /><br /> Jim

 

[quazerboy]

Re: Setting up my boat

Thanks guys, this is what I need. but getting away from the trim tabs, which direction on the motors trim adjustment pin would bring the nose down? and also, just how high on the transom should the motor be mounted, I think I read somewhere about some part of the outboard leg lining up with the bottom of the hull? We did try moving as much weight forward as we could when she was in the water last year, but the pilot obviously has to remain at the stern because of the tiller control and the stern did seem quite deep in the water with the nose up, which I understand would cause a lot of drag, which is why I mention the aft boards<br /><br />Lee

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Setting up my boat

Those guys have already hit the basics, Lee.<br /><br />Move weight forward - that's the first rule, and it's FREE.<br /><br />Along with this, move the trim pin into a hole nearer to the transom. This will allow the motor to come closer also, with the effect that the prop will help lift the stern.<br /><br />Assess results from these two simple freebies before buying add-ons. Having said that, the best add-on for correcting trim is a pair of trim tabs.

 

[stevens]

Re: Setting up my boat

OK, as far as moving weight forward goes; I remember as a kid, I made an extension for the tiller handle on my 9hp Evinrude outboard so that I could sit further forward in my 12' dinghy to make it get on to plane.<br /><br />You can either make something like this yourself, or buy one ready made, complete with fasteners, joints, etc.<br /><br />Here are two places that sell them:<br /><br /> http://www.force4.co.uk/acatalog/Outboard_Brackets___Tiller_Extensions.html <br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cg...ension&**********=205391689&*******=523982298 <br /><br />Going back to making homemade fixed tabs for a second, here's the previous thread on the subject (started by RodC, mentioned by Cuzner above).<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=011110;p=1#000000