Install Trim Tabs yay or nay?

[Fill Ess]

You will get the nay-sayers who say don't bother. I've never talked to anyone with actual trim tabs who says don't bother. Like others, I have them on the 21 and don't use them that often -- but they are handy when you do need them. I am considering putting the auto ones on my 13.

 

[Bill Curtis]

Well I think that seals the deal, no real reason to not go with some tabs. Off balance loads are something I'm very interested in so I think that leaves me with electric and hydraulic options!

Also, I would suggest getting a setup that has the position indicator at the helm. Helps to know where they are.

 

[Bill Curtis]

So, I have been actively working on boats for over 30 years. I have done full restorations and worked on all systems. The only thing I have never had to repair or address on any boat is Bennet trim tabs. Just wanted to share that piece of info, as you decide what system to use.

And if you do, it's usually stupid simple, on the hydraulics, anyway.

 

[slomaro]

You will get the nay-sayers who say don't bother. I've never talked to anyone with actual trim tabs who says don't bother. Like others, I have them on the 21 and don't use them that often -- but they are handy when you do need them. I am considering putting the auto ones on my 13.

It seems like 98% of people I talk to especially those who have added them have nothing but positive things to say. It also sounds like they might help fix some of the 220OV's porpoising issues. I'll be pricing them out and installing this off season for sure!

 

[OllieC]

It seems like 98% of people I talk to especially those who have added them have nothing but positive things to say. It also sounds like they might help fix some of the 220OV's porpoising issues. I'll be pricing them out and installing this off season for sure!

I was going to chime in and say @Lazy Daze info is spot on. My 215 came with Bennett’s and I use them every time we go out - load balancing, porpoising, heading windward, heading leeward, boating in less than optimal conditions, hole shot, etc. You’ll be happy you installed them, whatever you choose.

 

[Avenger]

Do you lean electric or hydraulic with current offerings? My space is somewhat limited so I'm thinking electric, but I also run only a single 24m battery.

I just installed Lenco 9 X 12 Electric tabs with the LED indicator on our 22' Trophy CC. Both Bennet and Lenco make great systems and are OEM on several manufacturers. The electric option is very reliable and is a huge space saver. IMO, any boat over 18" should come standard with trim tabs and I wont own a boat without them. They give you so much adjustability for the many different conditions you will encounter while running your boat. It will be one of the best upgrades you do.

 

[slomaro]

I would not own a boat without them. Bennett for me. For all the reasons stated above.
Frankly, i dont know how you acquired a boat without them. Every boat around here has them.
Without tabs…
View attachment 152529

With tabs….
View attachment 152530

If I had to guess I'd say tabs were just less common 30 years ago when my boat was built, I actually don't even see them as an original option: https://owners-resources.searayweb.com/model-archive-files/1C1_27_74DERNQ0D708.pdf

I have some pictures in the thread in my signature from before I bought the boat too, I don't think it ever left Conneaut Lake, PA and I suspect the owner got away without tabs. My first trip to lake Michigan/Huron got me thinking about them.

 

[Scott215]

I have them on a 06 215 weekender and can get out of the hole in seconds, or keep them down anp plow through chop.. first boat with them and I love them

 

[Stray Current]

They are also great for getting on plane in shallow water.

With tabs down and shift a little weight forward, the boat jumps on plane quickly.

This used to be my secret weapon crossing the bar into the clam beds in my center console at low tide. Tabs full extend, outboard full trim and 4500 rpm. Yeah it ventilated to all hell but I could cross 16” of water without contact

 

[Arminius]

Drilling holes in the hull beneath the water line is a very bad idea. Go to a lower pitch prop. Protrusions are an issue on the trailer or while docking. These pros just want you to screw your boat up as they have theirs. Very similar to back surgery as your boat will be mauled for life.

 

[Mauler34Rod]

To tell you how I feel about trim tabs….I installed them on my 10’ dinghy.

 

[Scott215]

If you want tabs,then install tabs. You can drill below the water line just do it rite, people won't steer you wrong

 

[Lazy Daze]

Should I even comment? Nah.

 

[Scott215]

Props will fix anything, especially when going uphill

 

[Yendor]

Drilling holes in the hull beneath the water line is a very bad idea. Go to a lower pitch prop. Protrusions are an issue on the trailer or while docking. These pros just want you to screw your boat up as they have theirs. Very similar to back surgery as your boat will be mauled for life.

And yet another expanded glimpse of unbridled brilliance one should not be baffled by.

 

[Yendor]

Me thinks that Arminius would fill his diaper if he saw the 248 bolts
through my airboat hull that hold the Polymer on the bottom.

And YES . . . it stays bone dry (as long as it doesn't rain).

 

[Yendor]

Wasn't meaning to hijack your thread, Slomaro. Let me get it back on track.

Like others, I wouldn't have a boat bigger than about 18' without trim tabs.
The advantages FAR outweigh any disadvantages, of which I see none.
Yes, your trailer needs the bunks adjusted properly but you'd do that anyway.

Where make is concerned, my years of grief-free experience and vote would be for Bennett.
Although, if you find a better deal on Lenco's I would expect those to last the life of the boat
at this point as well.

Ultimately, if the acquisition expense not prohibitive; IMHO there isn't any reason to not do it.

 

[Skybolt]

Wasn't meaning to hijack your thread, Slomaro. Let me get it back on track.

Like others, I wouldn't have a boat bigger than about 18' without trim tabs.
The advantages FAR outweigh any disadvantages, of which I see none.
Yes, your trailer needs the bunks adjusted properly but you'd do that anyway.

Where make is concerned, my years of grief-free experience and vote would be for Bennett.
Although, if you find a better deal on Lenco's I would expect those to last the life of the boat
at this point as well.

Ultimately, if the acquisition expense not prohibitive; IMHO there isn't any reason to not do it.

Yep agree 100%. I would also go with Bennett as they are as trouble free as it gets.

To your point Yendor, I put the spring loaded (80lbs.) ones on my jet boat that is 18' long.

I would use something like 5200 to seal the screws to the hull.

 

[Scott215]

So drilling holes below the water line are bad idea but but damn near every boat over 21 22 ft has them there's all kinds of holes below the water line I don't see boats sinking do you

 

[OllieC]

So drilling holes below the water line are bad idea but but damn near every boat over 21 22 ft has them there's all kinds of holes below the water line I don't see both sinking do you

I found irony in his post about drilling holes on a boat, in general.