What are these called?

[ericcarr2000]

Can any one out there please tell me what these are called? And if they would help keep the ship from veering port of starboard when I let go of the helm?

 

[Bondo]

Re: What are these called?

Ayuh,... It looks like a really mangled trim tab...

Yes, they usually help immensely with boat handling...

 

[oops!]

Re: What are these called?

not only that.......

but your hull is in dire need of cleaning......a dirty hull like that will steer all by it self !

 

[ericcarr2000]

Re: What are these called?

Thats kinda what I thought the were called. This pic is NOT a picture of my boat. Ive been trying to come up with a way that would help keep my ship from veering to the port side upon acceleration. I thought If I installed a pair of these, they would help out. Im assuming so then? If so, about how m,uch do these cost and are they hard to install?

 

[Fed]

Re: What are these called?

What is your ship & what is your motor?

 

[wire2]

Re: What are these called?

They're easy to install if you're the least bit handy. The cost will depend on what size you need, which is governed by your boat HP.
Just click on the iboats store logo above and shop around.

 

[5150abf]

Re: What are these called?

I'm with Fed, easier to answer you if we know what kind of boat you are talking about, do we have a 12' jon or a 30' Chris Craft.

If it is an outboard there is a small tab just above the prop that is there to correct prop steer.

 

[ericcarr2000]

Re: What are these called?

Well, It is a 20 foot Larson DC 190 with a 3.7 Mercruiser 4 cyl. motor, rated @ 170 HP.

 

[Tabman]

Re: What are these called?

Well, It is a 20 foot Larson DC 190 with a 3.7 Mercruiser 4 cyl. motor, rated @ 170 HP.

The item in the photo is indeed a Trim Tab. Specifically it looks like an 18" x 9" Bennett Trim Tab. To me it doesn't look mangled, it is in the fully down position meaning that it is holding pressure.

Remotely adjustable Trim Tabs like the one in the picture allow you to adjust the boat's attitude through a broad range of speed, sea conditions and passenger / weight distribution. To learn more about what they do here is a link to the Bennett Website http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/guidetotrimtabs.php

Additionally lowering them low speeds can help with the "low speed wandering" steering that some inboard/outboards experience.

A set of 10" x 12" M120s by Bennett would be a good choice for your Larson. You could also use 12" x 12" or 18" x 9" (like the one in the photo), by Bennett or other manufactures. The M120s use less transom space and usually fit easily under swim platforms making them easy to install.

I hope this is helpful,

 

[ericcarr2000]

Re: What are these called?

Would It be ok to install a pair of smart tabs on her?

 

[Fireman431]

Re: What are these called?

Hydraulic steering would be a better option if your problem is during acceleration. Trim tabs help more with the leveling side to side and fore/aft while under way.

 

[PKomrowski]

Re: What are these called?

You should start by adjusting your sacrificial anode fin (cant get brain to call up the proper name) Its right above your prop and will effect running straight like a rudder. Sounds like its not turned right.

 

[ericcarr2000]

Re: What are these called?

Ive done this many times to correct the problem, does nt work at all. So looks like im gonna get some trim tabs and try them out then..

 

[Bondo]

Re: What are these called?

Ive done this many times to correct the problem, does nt work at all.

Ayuh,... Have you tried a different Prop,..??
Is the skeg bent in any way,..??
Have you tried a different torque tab,..?? they make different 1s...
Is the bottom of the hull straight, 'n true,..??

 

[ericcarr2000]

Re: What are these called?

Bond-o, Yes Ive tried a couple different props, all do the same thing, veer to the port side. I dont think the skeg is bent at all. what exactly is a torque tab. And I believe the hull is straight. Can I check the straightness by using a chalk line?

 

[ericcarr2000]

Re: What are these called?

What all would I need to install a pair of these on my boat which does NOT have any on it as of now? Do I need some sort of a pump?

 

[Fireman431]

Re: What are these called?

What all would I need to install a pair of these on my boat which does NOT have any on it as of now? Do I need some sort of a pump?

Buy a trim tab kit. Comes with the tabs, hoses, pump, switch, relay, etc. For your boat, plan on spending about $300-$400 dollars.

 

[ericcarr2000]

Re: What are these called?

So when I purchase a kit, It should come with a pump then? The reason Im asking, when I look at some online, it doesnt say anything in the description about having a pump in it...

Buy a trim tab kit. Comes with the tabs, hoses, pump, switch, relay, etc. For your boat, plan on spending about $300-$400 dollars.

 

[Tabman]

Re: What are these called?

So when I purchase a kit, It should come with a pump then? The reason Im asking, when I look at some online, it doesnt say anything in the description about having a pump in it...

If you purchase a Bennett or Boat Leveler system they will come with a hydraulic power unit (pump) as they are electro-hydraulic systems. Lenco, MinnKota, and Lectro Tab do not have a pump as they are electo-mechanical systems. All of these systems are remotely adjustable.

Smart Tabs utilize gas filled struts and are not remotely adjustable.

 

[vindicator101]

Re: What are these called?

Sounds more like a steering problem than anything else. Check your steering rams they're probably worn out unless the boat is new. Trim tabs will do nothing to help with your problem, it will help getting on plain faster which inturn may give you the feeling that it's not veering as bad but theres cheaper and more cost effective ways to accomplish this like adding a hydrofloil. This will do the same thing as the tabs for about $50.00 instead of $400.00.