Trim Tabs??

[AntsGrady]

Hello Everyone, I have a 22' Grady cuddy cabin with a 225 Evinrude. I am very interested in getting some trib tabs put on to even me out. I seem to run a little tilted. Does anyone have any suggestions on brands? I would really appreciate the input. Thanks!!!

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Trim Tabs??

AntsGrady;<br /><br />The use of your boat is important. What exactly would you like to accomplish with the trim tabs?<br /><br />You are probably listing to the port side (left) when running on plane. This is generaly caused by the prop torque. You may also be using a Stainless Steel prop and or a Hydrofoil on the cavitation plate.<br /><br />How about more info?

 

[Boatist]

Re: Trim Tabs??

I like my Bennett hydralic trim tabs very much. Give me total control of my boats attitude and no problems since instaled in 1981.

 

[AntsGrady]

Re: Trim Tabs??

Thanks for the reply guys!! I am using a stainless steal prop and you are correct, I seem to tilt to the port side. I just want to straighten out thats all. No problems getting on plain etc.... I don't know anything about trim tabs, size, brands etc but I know it's something I would like to invest in.

 

[garycinn]

Re: Trim Tabs??

Smart Tabs -- lower cost (at least half the price as these other two on small boats), no controls, "auto" actuating. Have to rig your own manual retract. No ability to alter side to side leveling.<br /><br />Bennett -- hydraulic (pump and res in the boat), need to add extras like auto retract and trim indicators to standard package. About the same price as Lenco. A plethora of sizes available.<br /><br />Lenco -- electric (motors in actuators). Same comments apply as Bennetts, although I believe that auto retract is built in.<br /><br />Since I want side-to-side control and the ability to retract for wakeboarding, I am trying to decide between Bennetts and Lencos.<br /><br />So far I like the Lencos for the easier install, no pumps, fluids, and auto-retract. I do like the looks/shape of the Bennett M80/120 plates though.

 

[Tabman]

Re: Trim Tabs??

Antsgrady,<br /><br />My name is Tom McGow and I work for Bennett Marine. We make remotely adjustable Trim Tabs. Since I work for Bennett I am of course biased when it comes to the type of Tabs you might want to use.<br /><br />However I am also a boater with 20 foot walk around. The difference Trim Tabs make in my boat is remarkable. I am a big guy and when I am alone in the boat my weight (and prop torque) makes my boat lean to one side. Using the Tabs I can adjust one to bring the boat nice and level. Better yet when I go out with my family or fishing with my buddies, they move around the boat, coolers are empty or full, fish box might have, in other words it is never the same and I can trim the boat out for the conditions on the fly. So I don’t have to tell people where to sit (that alone is worth the price of Tabs). <br /><br />My boat tends to pound in a chop if I throttle back, using the Tabs I can bring the bow back down. This allows the sharp forward sections of the boat to cleave the oncoming waves. This really makes a difference!<br /><br />A little trick I use is that my boat tends to get spray coming over the windward bow when I run at about a 45 degree angle into a steep chop. I use my Tabs to raise the side towards the waves a little bit and it blocks the spray coming aboard.<br /><br />Another neat thing I use the Tabs for is taking my kids, nephews and nieces skiing and tubing. I can tow them at lower speeds, and keep the bow down so I can see where I am going. When I teach the younger ones to ski I can plane at a lower speed by putting the tabs down, they are less afraid and the wake is nice and small. Then when the teenager’s want big old wakes to tube on, I bring the tabs up let the boat plow through the water and try to bounce them out of the tube on the big wake!<br /><br />I guess you can tell I like my Tabs. But of course I work for Bennett, so ask your friends.<br /><br />Please let me know if I may help you in any way.<br /><br />Tom McGow<br />Bennett Marine

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Trim Tabs??

AntsGrady;<br />Well you got some info, but I would like to correct some misconceptions. I am from Nauticus, and we manufacture Smart Tabs, which would be suitable for your boat. <br /><br />Garycinn indicated that Smart Tabs give you no control over side to side listing, and that is not exactly correct.<br /><br />In your case you have a "permanent" list, that is one that is not from shifting weight. Yours occurs due to the torque of the prop, and Smart Tabs can correct this list. Upon or even after installation, you can simply adjust the actuator pressure on one side with more resistance than the other. Once you have done this your finished.<br /><br />What gary was most likely refering to is that since Smart Tabs are automatic (they deplay and retract with the speed of the boat and the water pressure) and have no helm control, adjsuting the tabs will motoring is not an option. If you have or anticipate serious weight shifting from side to side while underway then helm controlled tabs would be something to consider. <br /><br />We find that people with boats of your size are more than happy with Smart Tabs. Like Tom from Bennett Marine I suggest you do a search on this forum under Trim Tabs, Smart Tabs, and Bennett Trim Tabs. Read the responses, evaluate you usage, and choose accordingly.<br /><br />Happy Holidays!<br /><br />John <br />www.NauticusInc.com

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Trim Tabs??

I have a 20' Grady W/A. I installed a set of Boat Leveler tabs this past spring. They add a new dimension to the control you have over the boat: side to side, bow up/dn, etc... I'm not hear to promote Boat leveler, but I don't think I would be happy with the smart tabs only because you can't adjust them while your driving, conditions change...and that's part of the reason the tabs make such a big difference. Just on another note: I got mine for free!! That's how I decided on Boat Levelers.......

 

[rwidman]

Re: Trim Tabs??

Well, I had an 18' bowrider and installed Nauticus Smart Tabs on it and was satisfied with the improvements (less bow rise on startup, lower speed planing, and reduction of bow wander at no-wake speed). I traded for a 24' cruiser which came with Bennett tabs and find that they are more appropriate for this sized boat and the different conditions I might find myself in with it.<br /><br />Since your boat is between these two sizes and has an outboard rather than an I/O, I agree with Tom and John that you should do some more research. Ask people in your area, at your ramp/marina, etc. Check with dealers to see what they normally install on your model boat.<br /><br />In my experience, both companies make quality products and provide excellent customer support.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Trim Tabs??

Every boat is different and my boat will always lean into a cross wind. With Bennett trim tabs I can always adjust. When the seas are rough and you want to slow down you can trim the bow down and slow down but still keep the sharp V at the front cutting the waves. No matter what the conditions are I can adjust my boat for the best ride. Every day is different and many days every hour is different but with adjustable Tabs can always adjust. If your boat always leans the same way then you can correct with the cheaper tabs, but for me I like being able to adjust my boat for the best ride in any condition. The Bennett Tabs I installed in 1981 is still the best thing I ever installed on my boat. Makes it ride like it is 3 feet longer. I have none of the auto retract stuff or position indicator stuff and do not need it.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Trim Tabs??

but bennett has the coolest free boat simulator on their website.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Trim Tabs??

Maybe - but try to crash your boat onto the rocks, and they keep slipping away from you.<br /><br />First guy to crash his boat gets a pair of free Bennetts!

 

[Tabman]

Re: Trim Tabs??

Looks like I win, but since I already have Tabs on my boat I will give free hats to the first 5 people who can crash, flip, or sink a boat in the simulator, and post a photo.<br /><br />Tom <br />Bennett Marine<br /><br />

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Trim Tabs??

That's sold me on Smart tabs!<br /><br />The guy was so busy constantly adjusting his trim that he didn't look where he was going.<br /><br />It's a bit like a car. A stick between the seats and a third pedal are a great novelty for a while, but get into a heavy situation and an auto gives you breathing space. One less job to worry about.<br /><br />The first manufacturer to come up with fully computerised trim tabs will be onto a winner.

 

[Tabman]

Re: Trim Tabs??

Stillfishing,<br /><br /> <br /><br />We make a computer driven system that will run the Trim Tabs to keep the boat at the best running attitude. And like cruise control in a car may be overridden and run manually if desired.<br /><br />

<br /><br />It is The AC2000 Auto Tab Control. It may be retrofitted to any Boat Leveler or Bennett Trim Tab System.<br /><br />Tom<br />Bennett Marine

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Trim Tabs??

To All;<br />First let me say that in my opinion adding any type of trim tabs to just about any power boat will offer more performance improvements than any other device. <br /><br />And once again I would like to help clarify how Smart Tabs work, and how we view our application. <br /><br />1) If the boat is a "destination boat" (a cruiser typically 24 feet in length and up, cruising from point to point for an extended periods of time) then helm controlled trim tabs are most likely the best choice. <br /><br />2) If the boat is a "sport boat" typically under 24 feet in length, and used for fishing, towing tubes, boards and skiers, short cruises, in lakes or "near" off shore then Smart Tabs are likely to be the best choice. <br /><br />Two additional factors are of consideration, one the pilot usually has multiple tasks to perform when underway, and two these boats are narrow (trailerable) making them easier to balance port to starboard. The automatic function of Smart Tabs is not only more convenient but efficient.<br /><br />3) Reference to heavy sea conditions where trimming the bow up and down is desirable and only controllable by helm controlled tabs is somewhat misleading. Nearly all of the boats in our application range are either stern drives or outboards with electric tilt trim. Smart Tabs do not inhibit the use of the motor trim. Raising and lowering the bow to suite the condition remains available. <br />4) Although control of excessive and temporary (not permanent list such as a prop torque list) port to starboard listing is more effectively controlled by helm operated tabs, Smart Tabs automatically adjust to water conditions and are generally quite effective on Trailerable (narrow) boats. In the case of permanent lists, they can be adjusted to compensate and correct these lists.<br /><br />I would bet that Boatist uses his boat off shore in the Pacific and it is 24 to 25 feet in length or more. His boating experience and his boat make helm controlled tabs more appropriate.<br /><br />As I stated before, determine the use and make the appropriate choice.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Trim Tabs??

Looks like the flak is flying a bit.<br /><br />With the Bennett simulator, I spend so much time trying to get the 'over trimmed' or 'under trimmed' flags off the screen that there's not much time left to drive the boat, let alone admire the - er - pretty scenery.<br /><br />... and I STILL haven't managed to crash it.<br /><br />There's no argument though, that fitting any kind of trim tabs is about the best thing you can do for ride, efficiency and economy.<br /><br />PS. I wanna hat!

 

[Tabman]

Re: Trim Tabs??

Stillfishing,<br /><br />I will send you a hat! Send your name and address to my e-mail, Tmcgow@bennetttrimtabs.com If you are in Malta it will take a while to get there <br /><br />Tom<br />Bennett Marine

 

[AntsGrady]

Re: Trim Tabs??

Thanks guys for all the info. I really appreciate and it will have an influence on my decision this coming spring!!!

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Trim Tabs??

Bennett's. Had mine for many years and they work great. Also Bennett is unmatched when it comes to service.