trimtab inflatable advice needed

randyl

Recruit
Joined
Jun 29, 2007
Messages
4
I recently bought a Zodiac Mark 1 11'6 inflatable with a 20 hp Merc engine.I use it mostly for touring or fishing. It gets up on plane fast if I crack the throttle wide open but for the most part I like to start out slow and travel about 1/2 throttle. As soon as I ease off a bit it the bow comes up. I weigh about 220 lbs and the gas tank another 50 so it's tough to redistribute the weight to the front of the boat too much. My 110 lb son sits up front and it does make a big differance where he move to in the boat.My question is- Would trimtabs or a hydrofoil be worth the cost to make the boat more managable at lower speeds ? And which one> I'm adverse to drilling holes in the lower leg so am leaning towards the Smart tabs or to other trimtabs on the market. Any experianced advise would be appreciated.
 

Boatin Bob

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Sep 24, 2001
Messages
1,858
Re: trimtab inflatable advice needed

I use to have the same problem with my inflatable (don't have it anymore) and I bought one of those hydrofoil's, the brand name was a Stingray. Canadian Tire was clearing them out for $10 and it was the best $10 I ever spent on boating, brought the nose down and seemed to give me more control. This was over 10 years ago and Smat Tabs weren't out then, everything I've read about them makes them sound great but they do cost more than a foil. I did have to drill 4 holes in the cavitation plate but it didn't cause any problems.
 

jnewtonsem

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 20, 2006
Messages
100
Re: trimtab inflatable advice needed

Had a similiar problem on my 15'Avon with 30hp. Had to be full throttle or would almost buck you out of the boat. Just put Smarttabs on and has made a big difference in handling. Boat handles much better and ride seems much smoother.
 

randyl

Recruit
Joined
Jun 29, 2007
Messages
4
Re: trimtab inflatable advice needed

Thanks for the info. I think I will go with the trim tab or Smart tab idea. Does anyone know of a Canadian supplier?
The brokerage fees are as much as the purchase on some items I've bought from the US.
 

jnewtonsem

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 20, 2006
Messages
100
Re: trimtab inflatable advice needed

I bought my SmartTabs on e-bay. A definate advantage to smarttabs is the support you get. Just read the posts on this board haven't see an unsatified customer yet.
 

lifeisfun

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 21, 2006
Messages
304
Re: trimtab inflatable advice needed

Insist on shipping by USPS Air Mail and you will pay only $5 + GST&PST
Or contact John @ Texpro marine ( Ontario) for pricing.
 
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