Ray K
Member
My 44 Sedan Bridge is a bit stern heavy and have been reading posts where others have dealt with this issue with larger trim tabs or drop fin addons. I have the GHS hydraulic lift on the boat which adds about 600lbs when it's empty and at a 25mph cruise I still have close to full tab to achieve the best speed. I'm only one or two quick touches of the tab button off full when loaded with fuel, water and gear, much more than my last boat. Was at the boat today (winter storage) and confirmed it currently has OEM Bennett 12" x 24" tabs. There only seems to be 28" along the transom from the prop pocket to where the deadrise flattens out as it approaches the chines. The other problem even if I was to change to a 12" x 30" tab I cannot relocate the cylinder due to underwater lights on that side.
Many of the posts I have read where various modifications where made where on express cruisers between 30 to 40 feet. Not sure if having a slightly larger tab with drop fins custom made would help a heavier boat like this. Also have the partial hardtop option on this one. Not sure what that weighs. I am looking to just improve the performance a bit as having that much tab down always is adding drag and counter acting the lift to some degree.
The current tabs are mounted about 1/4" up from the bottom (was surprised as I thought they should be flush) of the running surface so there would be space to perhaps have a larger tab fabricated and attached to the bottom of the existing one without taking anything apart. Maybe 26" x 15" with drop fins. If I had room for the 12 x 30 that would be the way to go but I really don't see how they could be installed as I think it will be necessary to relocate the cylinder
Many of the posts I have read where various modifications where made where on express cruisers between 30 to 40 feet. Not sure if having a slightly larger tab with drop fins custom made would help a heavier boat like this. Also have the partial hardtop option on this one. Not sure what that weighs. I am looking to just improve the performance a bit as having that much tab down always is adding drag and counter acting the lift to some degree.
The current tabs are mounted about 1/4" up from the bottom (was surprised as I thought they should be flush) of the running surface so there would be space to perhaps have a larger tab fabricated and attached to the bottom of the existing one without taking anything apart. Maybe 26" x 15" with drop fins. If I had room for the 12 x 30 that would be the way to go but I really don't see how they could be installed as I think it will be necessary to relocate the cylinder