Smart Tabs for a flats boat?

[UNCC Grad]

I have a 16? flatbottom boat with floatation pods and a box tunnel for running flats and shallow water. My problem is that the tunnel creates a terrible vacuum that sucks the stern of the boat down, reducing my speed by almost 25% and severely lugging(3500-4000RPM) the 70HP 2 stroke I have on it. It actually does fine with just me in the boat, but start adding weight and the stern wants to get sucked down. After sometime, it will break suction and pick up speed and engine RPM (5300-5500), as well as raising the stern to where it should be (on top of the water).

The only location I could place trim tabs would be on the back of the pods which are 12?L x 6 ?? H. I?m concerned 6 ?? is not enough height on the pod to mount the gas piston and still keep the tabs at the recommended 20-30* angle.

The guys at Nauticus are looking into putting some shorter 7" actuators in so I can mount the tabs to my pods. Do you guys think it will help aleveiate the problem I am having with stern squat?

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a387/UNCCGrad/Fishing/redfish6-07005.jpg

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Smart Tabs for a flats boat?

i assume you have tried all your trim and height adjustment. the guys at smart tabs, know their business.

 

[UNCC Grad]

Re: Smart Tabs for a flats boat?

Height well, not so much, but trim yes. I'm set on my height. I am not going to lower the motor...kinda defeats the purpose of the tunnel hull and $$$ cupped prop.

I can trim from negative to as far as the limit switch will allow and it won;t break suction with a heavy load (most of the time). If it does break suction, you can feel the stern lift and engine RPMS and speed increase.

If the guys at Nauticus can't get something to work, my next step is to have a local fab shop weld some fixed tabs or wedges to add hook to the hull.