Will this transom work with trim tabs?

[Plan "B"]

I have an 83 Searay 18.5' long and would like to put trim tabs on it. My question is that my transom only has wood were the outboard is and not all the way across the transom, were the pistons for the tabs will hook to the transom there will not be any wood to support it, just fiberglass. Is this ok?

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Will this transom work with trim tabs?

I would say no. You'll need to install backing plates on the inside of the transom for them.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Will this transom work with trim tabs?

I didn't know trim tabs had backing plates. Mine don't, as far as I know.
A transom should be strong enough, if it's able to handle an outboard pushing against it, I would think.

 

[cribber]

Re: Will this transom work with trim tabs?

If you're going to install them in the glass you should use backing plates. It isn't necessary to install them it just prevents flexing the fiberglass by spreading the load.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Will this transom work with trim tabs?

how can the top of a trim tab 1 inch square flex a 2" thick transom?

 

[JBF 1962]

Re: Will this transom work with trim tabs?

You'd likely be in trouble if it did flex, but it can't really hurt to over engineer either...Where's Tom from Bennett? He'd know!

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Will this transom work with trim tabs?

how can the top of a trim tab 1 inch square flex a 2" thick transom?

Well if the transom is 2" thich and there isn't any plywood there, what is there?

Maybe the OP is mistaken about the material he has to fasten to?

 

[Plan "B"]

Re: Will this transom work with trim tabs?

The fiberglass is not 2" thick, its only about 1/4 to 3/8 thick where the mount would be.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Will this transom work with trim tabs?

The fiberglass is not 2" thick, its only about 1/4 to 3/8 thick where the mount would be.

You definitely need backing plates then!

I wouldn't even trust a transducer mount on that thin of material without something behind it.


... btw, I really like your member name "Plan B"

 

[Plan "B"]

Re: Will this transom work with trim tabs?

Thanks for the input. I'm not sure I dare to put tabs on now even with backing plates. Time to make up my mind how bad I want them.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Will this transom work with trim tabs?

I don't get the insistence on backing plates. I installed Smart Tabs on my 21' Pro-Line. My 24' Chris*Craft and current 27' Four Winns both came from the factory with Bennetts. None of them had backing plates, and the boats are 26, 12 and 14 years old, respectively. I've been on this forum a long time and NEVER heard anyone (including Tom from Bennett) mention any need for backing plates.

IMO this is a non-issue. If the OP mounts tabs on his boat he'll likely see a noticeable improvement in overall performance. Just follow instructions- no backing plates required.

My .02

 

[sqbtr]

Re: Will this transom work with trim tabs?

My '25 V drive has no wood in the transom and it has huge tabs no backing plates. It's been like that since 1969 and no stress cracks or any evidence of wear.

 

[gozierdt]

Re: Will this transom work with trim tabs?

If you're thinking about Bennett tabs, I'd definitely call them. They are noted for great
customer service, and mention in their mounting instructions that you should call if
you have an unusual situation for mounting. They've sold thousands of tabs, I'm sure
they've seen every mounting problem going...

 

[Ernest T]

Re: Will this transom work with trim tabs?

I installed Smart Tabs on my 21 foot boat. I had the same situation with mounting the tabs into the fiberglass with no backing (probably 1/4 - 3/8" thick. I contacted Nauticus, and they said "No Problem". If you look at the screws used to mount the tabs you will see that they don't go in much further anyhow. I've had no issues with my tabs, no cracks, flexing, etc..

 

[Stachi]

Re: Will this transom work with trim tabs?

Uhm,... a picture is worth a thousand words.... no one can give you worthy advice until they see what you are talking about... Welcome to iBoats forums.