Trim Tabs

[foreverstrung]

Can someone recommend a good source to inform me about trim tabs. There's many types for sale, new and used, but need to be well informed in order to make a wise decision

[Capt. Bob]

Your killing me here Dave.
viewtopic.php?p=71595#p71595

First one's free but.. you've had a bunch today  

Tabman can help with his product (Bennett) I have been running those (same set on two boats) since 1996 but...
There are the Lenco electrics which are an easier install, have the same claimed durability (used by professionals on this forum) and have a faster response
time so I'm told. Therefore.....

Spend some time, read and ask. Both products are very good and have a great service record. There are enough experience with both types on this Forum.
You won't get steered wrong on this one.

However, don't ask about oil, fuel additives, motor manufacturer or type ie two stroke or four stroke. Understood?  


Just like I stated earlier, a rarely acquired taste.

Good luck.

[Tabman]

Can someone recommend a good source to inform me about trim tabs. There's many types for sale, new and used, but need to be well informed in order to make a wise decision

Foreverstrung,

What Aquasport do you have?

I would be delighted to give you sizing and installation advice as well as how to use them.

Tom McGow
Bennett Marine

[foreverstrung]

Hey Tom, I've got an '00 215 Explorer. Appreciate and advice or insight

[Tabman]

OK, for that size boat you should use 12" x 12" Trim Tabs (Bennett, Lenco, Boat Leveler or Lectro Tab) or 10" x 12" M120s (Bennett)

The M120s have small actuators (rams) that make them easier to fit under a swim platform if you have one, the require the least amount of vertical space of any Trim Tab.  If you choose Lenco and have a swim platform look at their edge mounts that require less space than their standard units.

For best results mount the Trim Tabs outboard about 3" in from the chines.  This gives the best combination of side to side and fore to aft control.

Once installed, experiment with the Trim Tabs for the best settings for the boat and conditions.  Make sure you use them in short bursts 1 - 2 seconds and let the boat settle down between corrections to avoid overshooting.

Below is a "how to get the best from Tim Tabs" article.

I hope this is helpful,
Tom
Bennett Marine

If you are new to using Trim Tabs you may find this helpful in learning how to use them to achieve the best results. All boats react differently to Trim Tabs and the best way to find out what works best for yours is to experiment, and remember, use short bursts of the controls and let the boat settle down between corrections. Using them will soon become second nature.

Getting and Staying Trimmed

All boats assume different fore to aft attitudes at different throttle settings and vary in sensitivity to lateral weight distribution.

A boat’s optimum running attitude is determined by the operator. While some people may define optimum running attitude as the highest possible speed for a given amount of engine RPMs, others desire the best possible fuel economy, yet others may be trimming the boat to get just the right mix of speed and wake (such as for waterskiing.)

Optimum running attitude is when the boat is running to the operator’s satisfaction for the given operating conditions. There are as many optimum running attitudes as there are boats and boat owners

A good way to determine a boats optimum running angle is to run the boat lightly loaded at full speed in calm water. During this test observe the boat’s bow in relation to the horizon. Most boats run at or near their optimum attitude under these conditions. This should give you a feel for the appearance of the wake and bow spray when running at an efficient attitude. Note that not all boats will achieve their optimum running attitude under these conditions. Some boats will benefit from extra lift even when running at their maximum throttle settings. If you feel the boat will benefit from added bow down trim when running at speed start with the trim tabs fully up and deflect the trim tabs in short bursts. Be alert to changes in the boats handling, as you bring the bow down. Observe any changes in RPMs and/or speed. Adjust power trim if applicable.

Indications of Running Untrimmed
When a boat is running untrimmed the bow spray will exit the sides of the boat far aft. The stern wave (wake) is high and curling like a breaker on the beach. The rooster tail is high and close to the stern. The engine is laboring and the ride tends to be less smooth.

Indications of Running Trimmed
The bow spray moves forward and is flung not as far from the boat. The wake diminishes in height, as the rooster tail flattens out and moves away from the boat. The engine is operating under less load as evidenced by the tachometer and speed as well as sounding “less strained”.

One Step at a Time
The key to obtaining optimal results from trim tabs is to operate them in short “bursts” and let the boat react before making another adjustment. The amount of time between corrections is influenced by the size of the trim tabs and the boat’s speed. This will help avoid overtrimming or ending up with one tab too far down when correcting lateral trim. You will quickly become acquainted with a boat’s particular traits.

Take Off
Properly sized trim tabs can significantly reduce the time needed to get up on plane. They also allow a boat to keep its bow down and stay on plane at lower speeds.
As the throttle is advanced the stern of the boat begins to squat, lifting the bow. As the boat accelerates, push the bow down position of the helm control in short bursts. The boat reacts by the stern lifting, the bow coming down, speed increasing, and reduced engine laboring. If you over do it and deflect the tabs too far the boat will end up overtrimmed. When over trimmed, the steering becomes “over sensitive” and wants to pull off course to port or starboard. If this occurs, operate the control “bow up" until the desired attitude is established.

Getting the Most from Power Trim
Adjust the trim tabs to achieve the desired running attitude. Then use the power trim to position the propeller thrust parallel to the water flow. If necessary, re-adjust the trim tabs to fine tune the attitude. By observing the boat’s speed and engine RPMs the best combination of trim tabs and power trim will be apparent. Trim tab angle indicators and a power trim angle indicator are particularly useful in duplicating effective settings.

Trimming to Sea Conditions
When running into a head sea you want to trim the bow down so the sharp forward sections of the boat do their work cleaving the waves. This provides the most comfortable ride and minimizes stress on the boat (and passengers). In a following sea the tabs should be fully retracted for maximum steering response.

Correction of a List
The normal control setup for trim tabs operates in relation to the desired changes in trim and not the actual movement of the tabs. Therefore, do not think about what the tabs are doing, but rather on the control and what you want the boat to do. As above, make the corrections in bursts and allow the boat to settle to the new settings. You may find it easier to correct the boat’s fore and aft attitude before you correct the side to side trim.

Correction of Porpoising
Operate the tabs in very short bursts of about half a second. Continue until porpoising subsides. The objective is to have only a very slight amount of tab deflection, just the amount needed to cure the up and down motion of the bow.

[RickK]

Indications of Running Untrimmed
When a boat is running untrimmed the bow spray will exit the sides of the boat far aft. The stern wave (wake) is high and curling like a breaker on the beach. The rooster tail is high and close to the stern. The engine is laboring and the ride tends to be less smooth.

Indications of Running Trimmed
The bow spray moves forward and is flung not as far from the boat. The wake diminishes in height, as the rooster tail flattens out and moves away from the boat. The engine is operating under less load as evidenced by the tachometer and speed as well as sounding “less strained”.

Hmmm - all this time I thought "the less boat in the water the better"

[Mcdiver]

I like my bennetts.  put the 120's on my ccp, very nice.

[foreverstrung]

What do you guys think of these?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/140605655765?it ... m=&vxp=mtr

[foreverstrung]

or these
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LENCO-9X12TRIM- ... 0615512523

[Capt. Bob]

I'll give you my 2 cents, adjusted for inflation would make it 1/2 cent so.......

Trim tabs are IMHO one of the best things you can do for your boat.

Members experiences on this and other boating Forums show excellent product support as well as function for both Lenco and Bennett tabs. Based on personal experience and member input, I would not hesitate to use either brand. Remember, they use different means to achieve the same end.

I'm the consummate "save a buck" aka cheap guy but for something like this I would suggest buying new to utilize the product support to its fullest. Just my 1/2 cent worth.

[foreverstrung]

Thanks Bob. I kinda feel the same way.

[foreverstrung]

OK, bought these. http://www.ebay.com/itm/360440932457?ss ... 1497.l2649 Should be here next week sometime. Can't wait to try 'em out

[Blue Agave]

Excellent choice!  I have Lenco Tabs on mine, very happy with them.

[Capt Matt]

Love my lennco's too
good choice, the simple switch is the way to go
Capt Matt