Trim tabs in reverse.

mhlbnghm

Seaman
Joined
Aug 4, 2008
Messages
57
Been thinking about Smart Tabs for my 19' boat but have a concern about trim tabs in general. I'm in & out of the dock slip a lot during the day. What does backing the boat up do to the tabs? Does it put a lot of stress on them? Does it effect what little reverse steering I have to start with?
Figure it's better to ask now than later!

MB
 

Searay 150merc

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 1, 2008
Messages
34
Re: Trim tabs in reverse.

I just installed smart tabs on my boat and have not noticed anything different when running in reverse. The tabs completely improve the performance of the boat, you won't be disappointed.
 

Jdeagro

iboats.com Partner
Joined
Jul 30, 2003
Messages
1,682
Re: Trim tabs in reverse.

Does the boat have a jet drive?

I doubt that you will back up fast enough to make this a problem.
 

nlain

Commander
Joined
Nov 17, 2005
Messages
2,445
Re: Trim tabs in reverse.

I back into the beach all the time and have no problems, mine are the stainless steel version, do not think it would hurt the composite version either, as John said you are probably not going to back up that fast. I have been to places that I had to back in to the dock/slip and had no problems there either. Oh and going forward you will wonder why it took you so long to get them, they do everything advertised.
 

Tahoe 55

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 15, 2008
Messages
226
Re: Trim tabs in reverse.

I just installed smart tabs on my boat and have not noticed anything different when running in reverse. The tabs completely improve the performance of the boat, you won't be disappointed.

I 100% agree.
 

ckone0814

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 2, 2008
Messages
255
Re: Trim tabs in reverse.

tabs are my next purchase and this may be a dumb question, but, don't they interfere with tie downs?
 

Tahoe 55

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 15, 2008
Messages
226
Re: Trim tabs in reverse.

Guess it depends on where you're tie downs are?
Mine don't interfere...
 

southtexas

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 8, 2009
Messages
137
Re: Trim tabs in reverse.

I don't think the tabs make a difference when in reverse. Given that I have a wide bodied flatbottom, my control at low speed is terrible to start with, and doesn't get worse with the tabs.:D

However, as everyone pointed out, they make a HUGE difference in performance while underway.
 
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