Trim tabs

[ronnies1965]

I have a 1988 Capri 1950 with a GM5.0 OMC drive. The boat runs great, but when at slow or just under cruising speeds the bow wants to drift to the left then right. If I keep the wheel straight I pretty much stay on one course, but the bow drifts back and forth. I was told that trim tabs might help this. I found a set by Nauticus from Overtons and wondered if anyone had any experience with trim tabs and if you thought this might solve my boat drifting. Thanks.

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=73367&pdesc=Nauticus_SMART_TABS_SX_Series&aID=601N2&merchID=4006

 

[NYBo]

Re: Trim tabs

Welcome to iboats!

Low-speed wandering is very common in V-hull boats, and you are already doing the first thing to fix it: not over-correcting with the helm. Smart Tabs or manual trim tabs often help with this, and have other benefits, so they are worth a try.

You can find them here at a slightly better price, and also help keep this forum afloat.

 

[styk]

Re: Trim tabs

I just put these on my boat. I took it out for a few minutes the other day and they seem to be well worth the money. i cant wait to really try them out.

 

[ronnies1965]

Re: Trim tabs

Well, I have been looking at my transom and I don't think I will be able to put tabs on after all. I will have to live with the bow wandering at low speeds. Thanks for the replys.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Trim tabs

Hmm. There should be spots for them. What's in the way? How about a picture?

 

[ronnies1965]

Re: Trim tabs

Here are a few pics of my transom. The steps in the transom and the location of my ladder make me think the tabs wont mount in the correct spot.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Trim tabs

It may be tight, but I think they should fit. Maybe a call to Nauticus' tech support line would be in order.