Where to put Trim tabs

[gapple12]

OK, I was going to buy a Hydrofoil for my boat till i did my research on this forum. Glad I did since i came across a better option, trim tabs. Looking at my boat and watching installation videos, Im curious where the best place to put them ? I attached a pic below. From what I'm seeing, the best location is right where my tie down straps are. Can i put them closer in towards the drive right next to the straps ? Will they still work ? thanks !!!!

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Where to put Trim tabs

They will work though not as well IMHO. The further apart they are the better they will control roll attitude. For pitch it doesn't matter as much. Still, I would put them apart and figure another way to configure your tie downs if possible.

 

[dan02gt]

Re: Where to put Trim tabs

They will work great where you're talking about putting them.

Here's mine:


I have no problem controlling roll or leveling the boat.

 

[lprizman]

Re: Where to put Trim tabs

the further apart the better..as you said where your straps are,,,or email your boats pic to the manufacturer of the tabs with its specs and let them advise you where to place them,,,thats how I did it on mine.
best of luck,
Lance

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Where to put Trim tabs

as far apart as posible.

besides the fact that the wider the stance, the better stability, if they are too close to the drive, the drive hits them

 

[gapple12]

Re: Where to put Trim tabs

Thanks for everyone's replies. I'm not to worried about them stabilizing the roll of the boat, I need them more for getting on plain quicker for skiing and to keep the boat from doing a little hop with everyone in the back. So, my only options are below in the pic. I think going to the outside of the straps will be to far. ?? I cant relocate the strap rings on the boat or on the trailer since i don't think it will help me.

 

[dan02gt]

Re: Where to put Trim tabs

I agree on the outside being to far out. Put them on the inside of the straps. It will be easier and work just fine. As you can see in the picture I posted mine are closer inside than optimal but still further than the 12" minimum from the drive centerline that Bennett recommends. It was physically impossible to due to my integrated swim platform for me to move them any further out. Mine work great where they're at.

 

[gapple12]

Re: Where to put Trim tabs

I agree on the outside being to far out. Put them on the inside of the straps. It will be easier and work just fine. As you can see in the picture I posted mine are closer inside than optimal but still further than the 12" minimum from the drive centerline that Bennett recommends. It was physically impossible to due to my integrated swim platform for me to move them any further out. Mine work great where they're at.

Fantastic, thanks for the help !!!

 

[lprizman]

Re: Where to put Trim tabs

see where the reflectors are on the trailer,,inside of the chine to be exact will be fine.

 

[Tabman]

Re: Where to put Trim tabs

The inboard location you marked on your second picture will be fine. While the optimum location is further out for the best combination of side to side and for to aft control, the inboard spot should give you more than adequate results.

More important is what size boat and what size Trim Tabs do you have?

 

[gapple12]

Re: Where to put Trim tabs

I haven't ordered the tabs just yet, wanted to make sure I could use them first in my set up. My boat is a Monterey 19' with Volvo Penta 5.0GL. What are the best tabs at a reasonable price to use ?

 

[gapple12]

Re: Where to put Trim tabs

Any thoughts on these ?

SX Smart Tabs Trim Tabs for Boat Length 18' - 20' FT and 150-240 HP - Nauticus SX9510-80BL - iboats

 

[rallyart]

Re: Where to put Trim tabs

Helm adjustable tabs give you optimal control so you are better off in storm conditions and for setting the attitude of the hull the way you want. The self adjusting tabs are cheaper and reasonably effective so are an option. If you want the best control then get powered tabs.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Where to put Trim tabs

you will get the best customer service from Bennett, and they are not that expensive.

for my 19' searay, I went with the M120 Bennett Marine: The world leader in trim tab innovation, quality and service

to fit under the molded transom for the swim step, I had to get shortened cylinders which Bennett exchanged for free. I also wanted to change the switches from their rocker configuration to a set of carlings that matched the interior of the boat, and they switched their switches for a relay box as well.

cant say enough good things about Bennett.

 

[lprizman]

Re: Where to put Trim tabs

sx smart tabs are what I have and work great I have the flip hinge for beaching as well.

 

[gapple12]

Re: Where to put Trim tabs

OK, cant decide on the SX tabs or the Bennett tabs. I like the look of the Bennett stainless steel tabs to possibly last longer, but does it make a difference from the composite on the SX tabs ?


SX tabs to purchase:
SX Smart Tabs Trim Tabs for Boat Length 18' - 20' FT and 150-240 HP - Nauticus SX9510-80BL - iboats

Bennett tabs to purchase:
Self Leveling Trim Tab System, 10" x 10" - Bennett - Bennett Marine SLT10 - iboats

 

[QC]

Re: Where to put Trim tabs

Helm adjustable tabs are absolutely the best tool you can add to a v-hull boat other than a motor. If you have any doubt between Smart Tabs and helm adjustable, go helm adjustable. You will NEVER be sorry. Also, once you have helm adjustable tabs, you will find list (side to side) adjustments to be extremely helpful. You will never have to ask people to switch sides again

Go as wide as possible as most have said here. dan02gt was forced to the inside, that does not make it good. tabman is your best source of info, but all tab manufacturers recommend as wide as possible, out to the chine as lprizman has noted.

 

[gapple12]

Re: Where to put Trim tabs

Helm adjustable tabs are absolutely the best tool you can add to a v-hull boat other than a motor. If you have any doubt between Smart Tabs and helm adjustable, go helm adjustable. You will NEVER be sorry. Also, once you have helm adjustable tabs, you will find list (side to side) adjustments to be extremely helpful. You will never have to ask people to switch sides again

Go as wide as possible as most have said here. dan02gt was forced to the inside, that does not make it good. tabman is your best source of info, but all tab manufacturers recommend as wide as possible, out to the chine as lprizman has noted.

I really wish I could afford those, but I only have a budget of $200 from the wife right now

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Where to put Trim tabs

Boating is not a hobby for the weak of wallet. my recommendation is still to go with Bennett

 

[rallyart]

Re: Where to put Trim tabs

gapple12, your wife will like the ride better if you correct the list. She will also not like moving around to get the boat balanced better. Have her talk to my wife. Somethings are worth increasing the budget for. However, we all have limits to if you just get smart tabs or a foil (the cheapest) you sill notice the boat comes up on plane better so it's OK to do what you must. We get our boats for enjoyment and they are always more enjoyable if we can afford to take them out.