Trim Tabs

JEBar

JEBar

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 4, 2012
Messages
462
Re: Trim Tabs

our boat is roughly the same size and I'm getting ready to install Bennett Trim Tabs on it .... I'm not familiar with the one in your link so I can't make any recommendation about them .... for our boat I believe they will help keep it level without having to move stuff/people around in the boat .... as a secondary benefit, I believe they will help slow down the boat's trolling speed

Jim
 
J

JasonGS

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 18, 2012
Messages
111
Re: Trim Tabs

I haven't had any issues getting the boat on plane... Just was told it's better to get one so i can get on plane faster, save gas, and it's better for skiing and tubing... Just not sure if i should get it..
 
G

generator12

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 9, 2010
Messages
666
Re: Trim Tabs

Jason,

If you don't perceive a problem, it's not likely you'll know whether you've solved one.

But the smart tabs are known for helping get on plane more quickly, reducing planing speed, reducing trolling speed at idle, and for virtually eliminating the low speed "wander" that we get with V-hulls at no-wake speed.

I can vouch for the claims on planing and on the low speed wander. Really helped with my 17 foot 4-Winns.
 
J

JasonGS

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 18, 2012
Messages
111
Re: Trim Tabs

I feel its a little squirrely at low speeds but it gets on plane relatively easy...
 
C

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,102
Re: Trim Tabs

Jason, I had Bennett Hydraulic Tabs on my 18' SeaRay I/O. They do help get you on plane a bit faster if you remember to set them in the down position. I used them mostly in the ocean to allow slower planing speed and a better ride.

I never saw a change to the slow speed wander of my boats. That is mitigatable by better driving technique.

I never used them at high speed since they add drag. I may have used them a bit to adjust for unequal weight in the boat, but it is better to shift cargo/persons to get better trim.

With they help your boat? Likely, however, I am not a believer in the Spring loaded tabs. I think it is inevitable that they will add drag at all times. The hydraulic tabs retract upward several degrees, so they are completely out of the water at planing speed. I think those are the way to go. JMHO.
 
S

steelespike

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 26, 2002
Messages
19,069
Re: Trim Tabs

Trim tabs do all the good things suggested.But a too aggressive application will use more fuel.
I read a test sometime ago that indicated the best speed and mileage was with the tabs fully retracted
Usually the fuel difference would have to be measured with a flow meter its that small.
 
southkogs

southkogs

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 7, 2010
Messages
14,973
Re: Trim Tabs

JasonGS said:
I feel its a little squirrely at low speeds but it gets on plane relatively easy...
Click to expand...
I/Os can "wander" at low speeds. It's pretty normal for that to happen. If you're planing out easily and run well on plane, you may not gain much by the addition of tabs.
 
J

joewithaboat

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jul 3, 2011
Messages
1,172
Re: Trim Tabs

JasonGS said:
Just curious if it is something that I should get for my boat... Is it worth it??? I have a 17.5ft 4.3 h.o.

http://www.basspro.com/Nauticus-ProTroller-SX/product/10228620/
Click to expand...

I have them on a 19 foot 4.3 in/out...

Get them, You will love them. They do everything they claim to do. The only down side i have found is that i can't beach my boat in the sand anymore because they dig in. Not really a down side...

I have the sx non troller...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top