Aquasport Mechanicals - things that need a wrench, screwdriver or multimeter > Controls, Steering, and Trim Tabs

Should I get Troll-N-Tabs?

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scott_gunn:
A local man has a good deal on some fairly new Troll-N-Tabs.  I could definitely use trim tabs.  I definitely need a trolling motor.  Buying these TNTs would save a good chunk of money over seperate tabs and trolling motor.  My only concern is will I be able to fish mangrove shorelines/docks with the transom mounted trolling motors?  I know a bow mount provides more precise control, but are the transom mounted ones doable at all if someone is always at the controls?

Wilson:
Scott - I can't say how they work but we just put them on our boat.  I can let you know if we ever get her lauched again.

http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery ... hp/cat/518

fishbonz:
Beleive it or not, this is a fairly controversial topic.  I just removed the TNTs from my 222 and am going with removable transom mounts (using the Lenco box) for tarpon season and a pole for everything else.

TNT Pros:

Powerful- will move your boat.
Can deploy them remotely with your tab switches.
Out of the way.
Can run them from anywhere your corded remote will reach (e.g. tower).
Stay in the water (most of the time) even in a swell or chop.

TNT Cons:

Too many things to go wrong.  You can lose your motors because the Motorguide head dies, the Lenco control box dies, the remote dies, your tabs die...
Add a lot of weight aft which may be a problem in these older boats.
Drain batteries pretty fast.
Motors are always in or near the water- corrosion.
Not very manueverable in tight spaces (along a shoreline, dock/bridge fishing, etc.).
Require at least 2 feet of depth to work well (on my 6 to 8" deep transom).  Will require more on a deeper transom.

At the end of the day, reliability was my biggest problem.  In four years I have replaced one head, one tab actuator, and had the control box repaired.  

No system is perfect, expecially on a boat, but I just finally gave up.

M.

Wilson:
I think they are GREAT for chasing tarpon on the beach, and just ok for everything else.  
I just hoped to use them for that or to ease up on a mangrove shore line.  Trying to manuver to intricately may be difficult.  I have seen the video of the guy doing it though.

fishbonz:
I agree.  When they work, they are the best option out there for chasing tarpon- on the beach or in the bay.

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