*** Trim Tabs? ***

[SmokinBarrel]

I am getting ready to purchase a Hewescraft 22' Sea Runner, and the dealer recommended getting trim tabs on the boat. I am thinking that I don't need them.

Trim tabs are only for rough water, and when you have a lot of people in your boat making it imbalanced, correct?

I will be doing most of my boating on the Missouri and Mississippi river, and it can be choppy at times, but that's the exception versus norm. Maybe during the day when boat traffic is high due to pleasure boats, but other than that, it isn't that bad. Besides, I don't plan to have more than 4 people in the boat. And when we're running down a lake or river, we'll be seated with weight being balanced as possible.

Note: If I purchase the trim tabs now, I can have the manufacturer install them. Would after market trim tabs void the hull warranty? ....having to drill into the hull, etc...?

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: *** Trim Tabs? ***

You are making assumptions that are not correct. Would you fly an airplane without Wing flaps? I would do more research on the value of trim tabs, and what is available and the pricing. You are looking at retail prices from as low as $99.00 to $599.00. Regardless of the cost, the boat efficiency will be improved dramatically and your fuel savings will pay for the tabs in a short time.

I congratulate your dealer since most are not knowledgable enough to understand the benefits.

 

[SmokinBarrel]

Re: *** Trim Tabs? ***

I beg to differ Jdea....

With an airplane flaps are standard (required for operation).

With a boat, trim tabs are an option, and are not required for operation.

A simple adjustment of weight within a boat can minimize the problem. Besides, the waves we see down here are minimal, maybe 6" - 3' on the worst of worst days (15%) of the time. So, my only need would fall under two categories....

1. Large number of people in boat
2. An extremely busy day on the river or lake causing extremely choppy water. Which is rare at most.

So, I have to weight the benefits, or costs upfront. Roughly $1000 factory installed, or wait until after purchase and if I do have problems, purchase after market tabs. If tabs were so important, or critical, I would think every boat would ship with them.

Thanks, I just answered my own question. lol.

 

[dmccaffrey]

Re: *** Trim Tabs? ***

I wouldn't buy any boat larger than a canoe without helm adjustable trim tabs. Seriously. Once you run with a set of them you will never go back.

With trim tabs you can: improve the hole shot, get on plane in shallower water, stay on plane at lower speeds, reduce the spray when traveling with a beam wind, eliminate porposing, and reduce low speed wandering. Oh yeah, they can also be used to improve the ride in rough water and correct the side to side trim of your boat.

Get the trim tabs. I will be the best $500 you spend on your boat.

 

[SmokinBarrel]

Re: *** Trim Tabs? ***

dm,

Thanks for the reply, just what I was looking for. So, with that said, I am convinced it would benefit me. Although, the factory wants $1000 for factory installation. Ridiculous. So, I'll wait until afterwards and install myself. The brackets are pre-welded for placement at a later time.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: *** Trim Tabs? ***

It would be worth the money to me to have the factory install them..
Work with your dealer and i bet they could get that price down..
If they want to make the sale they should about throw in the factory tabs...

 

[Bondo]

Re: *** Trim Tabs? ***

I wouldn't buy any boat larger than a canoe without helm adjustable trim tabs. Seriously. Once you run with a set of them you will never go back.

With trim tabs you can: improve the hole shot, get on plane in shallower water, stay on plane at lower speeds, reduce the spray when traveling with a beam wind, eliminate porposing, and reduce low speed wandering. Oh yeah, they can also be used to improve the ride in rough water and correct the side to side trim of your boat.

Get the trim tabs. I will be the best $500 you spend on your boat.

Ayuh,.... I Agree almost completely,....
The exception being,.. Some hulls respond very nicely to Smart Tabs,...

Any tabs, whether manually operated, or automatic, give to overall effect of having a hull 2' Longer than you actually have...

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: *** Trim Tabs? ***

imho, Nauticus Smart Tabs, is the least expensive add-on to a boat, but gives the most performance difference, than any other item you add. more bang for the buck!!!

you really did not give enough info, what powerplant are you getting.

 

[MikDee]

Re: *** Trim Tabs? ***

If you have them installed, make sure they are mounted a little above the boat bottom, there is a measurement for this, but I forgot what it was?

 

[SmokinBarrel]

Re: *** Trim Tabs? ***

Here is the boat I'm getting:

Hewescraft 22' Sea Runner w/ extend transom (24'). Yamaha F150 4-Stroke.

Also, will I have to drill holes through my transom in order to mount the cylinder, or top portion. The bottom (tab itself) will mount on the welded plates already in place. But, I am concerned about the top portion, or cylinder. I know the Bennett tabs require a drilled hole to mount the hydraulics. Is there a gasket used to seal between the cylinder mount, and transom? Probably best to have the factor mount them on. But wow, do they want the jack $$ to do it.