what are the best type of trim tabs?

[sid the squid]

I've seen tabs advertised that are automatic and those that you can control yourself, which are better?

 

[QC]

Re: what are the best type of trim tabs?

Ooops 1

 

[QC]

Re: what are the best type of trim tabs?

Ooops 2

 

[QC]

Re: what are the best type of trim tabs?

Ooops 3. What a mess I made of that . . .

 

[QC]

Re: what are the best type of trim tabs?

First, I believe that all v-hulls should come standard with trim tabs. I am a HUGE fan.<br /><br />IMHO the answer to your question comes down to three things<br /><br />1) Cost, the SmartTabs are less than half the price of adjustable tabs<br />2) You, if you are into adjusting and playing with things, then go adjustable from the helm. If you are more of a turn-key guy and just want it setup once and forget it, then go with SmartTabs<br />3) The importance of side-to-side adjustments (correct for list) to you. If you want the ability to adjust for uneven weight from port to starboard and visa versa, then adjustables are the only way to achieve this.<br /><br />Like your other post, you haven't really said what you're trying to achieve. If the boat plows, you are barking up the wrong tree. If it is correction for porpoising and/or hole shot, then you are in the right neighborhood . . .

 

[mattttt25]

Re: what are the best type of trim tabs?

go with bennett or ****** (god, i can't remember the other popular brand). anyway, helm controlled tabs are simply awesome. i will never own a boat again without them. and surpringly, you don't need the indicator (expensive option) at the helm. once you understand what they do and how they operate (5 minutes of reading), they really take 5 minutes to learn how to operate them when on the water. so much control, really amazing.

 

[QC]

Re: what are the best type of trim tabs?

The others are Lenco . . . Easier install as there are no hydraulics, they rae electrically actuated. I had one friend with a set and he had no issues and they worked well for him.<br /><br />Support from Bennett is awesome though. I don't know about Lenco. The only reasons I would not go adjustable are noted above. The great thing about the Smart Tabs is that they also give that awesome "solid" feel to your boat like the adjustables do at low speeds. They deliver this without the higher cost and they are the simplest install of the three as there are no helm controls or through transom drilling to deal with. They are not for me as I love playing with adjustable tabs, but they are right for a friend of mine as he would rather just go . . .

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: what are the best type of trim tabs?

The helm indicators are nice for people just learning how to use the tabs.

 

[QC]

Re: what are the best type of trim tabs?

The helm indicators would be nice . . . mo money, mo holes etc. Like matttt says, you get used to them quickly and also realize quickly if there is an issue. With all else being equal, no question, I want the indicators. If you were unfamiliar with the boat and took off with one tab down, that could be pretty scary. Particularly if you made a turn in the direction of the lean . . . <br /><br />Edit: RF, tabs on the new boat? I'll help you poke holes in your brand new transom if you're squeemish

 

[Boatist]

Re: what are the best type of trim tabs?

I have Bennett hydralic helm adjustable tabs with the dual rocker switch. Best thing I ever added to my 1980 boat. Makes the ride better and I can adjust for any sea condition at any speed.<br />With the steering wheel straight can even steer the boat.<br /><br />No need for any trim indicator of any kind, just something else to work on. You adjust your boat for sea condition for the best safe dry ride. I never set mine the same on any two trips or even if I change direction I change. On a flat lake with no waves trim mostly off but if a big boat pulling a wake boarder crosses ahead I just hit the tabs for a second until the bow comes down to my best wave cutting angle. After I cross the wake back up.<br /><br />Offshore they can be the difference between a wet pounding ride or a dry easy ride. With a big following Sea you want no trim at all so turn all the way off. With a big head Sea I use lots of trim so I can get up on plane at a slow speed and keep the deepest part of my V Hull cutting.<br /><br />If all you want is to Plane faster at a slower speed but have no desire to adjust for the best ride then get the cheaper spring loaded models and do not go offshore where you will get caught in a big following SEA.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: what are the best type of trim tabs?

I have the Smart Tabs on my boat. It has significantly improved planing speed and handling. I have learned to work around the lack of hands-on control by using motor trim. I go 25-30 miles offshore and can adjust for a comfortable ride by using the motor trim. I haven't used hydraulic tabs so I really can't comment on the difference, but I certainly recommend the installation of some kind of trim tabs. I think all boats should come with them.