Trim tab question

[dan t.]

Hopefully Tabman will catch this one. I am currently running 18x9 Bennett trim tabs which work well but are a little undersized. My question is will my present rams work with 18x12 tabs or would I be further ahead to go to a 24x9, they both have 216 sq. in. area. Any knowledgeable feedback would be appreciated

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: Trim tab question

Wait for tab man. He will have some questions about your boat.

 

[Tabman]

Re: Trim tab question

Hi Dan,

Can you tell me what type of boat and power you have?

 

[dan t.]

Re: Trim tab question

Tabman, glad you spotted this. The boat is a 92 Bayliner 2452, loaded weight about 6000 lb, power is a tweaked up Merc 350 magnum about 280 hp,leg is Alpha1 gen II 1.65 ratio, prop is Michigan wheel 15.5 x 19. With lots of experimenting I have found it works best with a Stingray hydro foil as well as the trim tabs. In a quest for better fuel economy I would like to eliminate the hydrofoil,but need more trim tab to do this. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Tabman]

Re: Trim tab question

Thanks Dan,

The actuators would be fine with either the 18 x 12 or the 24 x 9. We use single actuators on Trim Tabs up to 42 x 12 or 54 x 9, so no worries there.

In theory the 24 x 9 would be more efficient since less water pressure is lost out the sides in relation to the water flowing over the Tab's surface. But the difference between the 24 x 9 and the 18 x 12 is pretty minimal, and since you can simply remove the existing 18 x 9 Trim Tabs from their mounting plates and install the 18 x 12 in the same mounting plates and not have to move the actuator's position it makes it easy to recommend them over the 24 x 9s.

You could also consider going to the 18 x 12 with the 3" drop fins for a bit more lift. The drop fins capture water pressure normally lost out the sides and channels it aft to increase the lift it can produce.

Let me know what you think.

 

[dan t.]

Re: Trim tab question

Thanks for the prompt reply, I think I will look for a set of 18x12 with the 3" drop fins, sounds like the most practical way to go. If you could tell me the part number that would be great. Boating season doesnt start until May around here so that gives me lots of time to find some and install them.
Thanks again
Dan

 

[Tabman]

Re: Trim tab question

Dan,

The part number for just the Tab is TPO1812DF. This is just the Tab since you will be using the same mounting plates. You will need two each, one for each side.

Dealers likely have them in stock, but can order them for you.

 

[dan t.]

Re: Trim tab question

Thanks again Tabman, I have found a dealer who gives me pretty fair prices so I think I should support him. I will start a new thread in the spring to report the results of the change
Dan