Trim Tabs Questions

[snookhooked]

I have a question on trim tabs. since my budget is so strict, I have looked on ebay for a deal on trim tabs. since people are bidding goofy, I have looked for better price in the buy now but I don't plan on buying till I have the money and know for sure what I am buying. I found this type with some others Nauticus Smart Tabs. they seem to be like a hydraulic type tabs. they dont have electrical switches or fluid. now I am open to what anyone may think of these and some advice. I have a 76 20ft Mako that I do plan on using in the Gulf on good days. I was told that trim tabs would make a big difference on how it will handle the waves with them on it. all ears here. Thanks

 

[Splat]

Re: Trim Tabs Questions

First you need to determine why you want tabs.

If your trying to level out the ride from Port to Starboard you will need to stick with a powered Trim tab such as benetts. Because of the need to adjust them independently to correct for a list.

If your looking for improved planing, faster planing, lower planing speed, and controll of porposing then Smart Tabs are the way to do. LOTS AND LOTS of people on here use smart tabs, and honestly I've never heard a bad thing said about them. Their customer service is generally regarded as A1, infact I believe the owner of Nauticus is a member here on these forums, and often chimes in to help with problems.

If you do a quick search on the forums you'll find plenty of information, as well as many pictures of installs.

Tashasdaddy posted a link earlier this week I believe in the Iboats store of "slightly blemished" smart tabs being sold for under a $100. I'll see if I can find it for you.

BIll

 

[Splat]

Re: Trim Tabs Questions

Try here,

TD I'm stealing your link from the earlier post,

http://www.iboats.com/Boat_Parts_Acc...--submit.y.3

Bill

 

[snookhooked]

Re: Trim Tabs Questions

That link didn't take me anyway. lol. I was told that they would help being out in the gulf and seeing that Im new to this and learning taking everything in baby steps. I want to be safe in all ways possible. they claim the hydraulics with automatically adjust to any situation but being new at it, I wouldn't know the difference. I would like to plane at lower speeds but stability is what I would like more than anything. keeping it level to me would be more important. being new at this, I need to make sure that I get the ones for my size of boat and that they do what I need them for. make any sense?

 

[Wassachu]

Re: Trim Tabs Questions

Bennett Trim Tabs are the best. Bennett Customer Service is excellent. These trim tabs mad a huge difference on my boat. I had my kicker, two batteries and me on one side of the boat and my Wife on the other side. Too much weight on my side. With the trim tabs I was able to level things out. I operate in high current and I have much more control and ease of handling now. Because of my transom configuration, the trim tab actuators were too long. Bennett sent me parts to shorten the length of the actuators free. Then, because of the lack of room aft to mount the pump, Bennett sent me longer hydraulic lines, so I could mount my pump farther forward again at no cost. Great company, great trim tabs. Worth the money. I don't think non-adjustable trim tabs would have worked on my boat. I like the fact that I can adjust my trim tabs to the varying conditions on my boat.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Trim Tabs Questions

First; your best overall performance enhancing device is going to be trim tabs in general. If you are new to boating and this boat in particular, you may want to drive another boat with helm controlled trim tabs first. They are very effective, and you will need to and should learn to use them. One of the benefits to many boaters who do not want to have other control devices to deal with is that Smart Tabs are self actuated. one way or another it is a choice you should give serious thought.

 

[snookhooked]

Re: Trim Tabs Questions

I have been chatting with a few mako owners and I believe they do have them but will ask. your right, I would like to ride with them and give me a few examples of the difference. I'm still getting everything together with this boat for safety and things like gps/fish finders before I even think of adventuring out in the Gulf. I figure take it a little at a time and learn more about out there. I have been out on friends boats but this is my first bigger boat so Im being very cautious. I want to have all my ducks in order. just sticking to the bay for now to get better with my boat. I have heard a lot about trim tabs so Im doing my research and asking questions to make the right decision. Thanks any infor help.