Trim Tabs On A 17 Footer

[biloxiriver]

I recently purchased a 1995 17' Dusky CC that is powered by a 1995 112 Evinrude. The boat has hydraulic trim tabs on it. Any thoughts or discussion out there on the pros/cons of tabs on such a small boat? Should I leave them on or take them off; the guy I bought it from said "take 'em off and sell 'em, ya don't need 'em on this little boat." The boat is a joy to run (it is pretty quick) and the tabs seem to have a big affect on it, but what do ya'll think?

 

[biloxiriver]

Re: Trim Tabs On A 17 Footer

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Trim Tabs On A 17 Footer

"Wow, thats what I call an avitar"<br /><br />Is it that big on everyones computer, or is it just mine?<br /><br />Anyway, on to the tabs. You may find that if you take them off you will find out why they were put on there in the first place. Most people dont put them on if they are not needed. My vote is, they are already there, leave them there, you might need them.

 

[biloxiriver]

Re: Trim Tabs On A 17 Footer

Wow is right. I took it off; a bit too large. Just replaced it.<br /><br />Thanks for the input, I will probably leave 'em on but was just wonderin' what ya'll thought about it.

 

[Terry H]

Re: Trim Tabs On A 17 Footer

I have to agree with LD, they wouldn't be there for giggles. I have tabs on a 15 footer, and there's a reason forem. Chief

 

[biloxiriver]

Re: Trim Tabs On A 17 Footer

Hey Chief, how do they affect the handling of your boat? My 17 reacts very quickly to them. The only concern I have is in cornering while on plane, it seems that the bow wants to dip.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Trim Tabs On A 17 Footer

Tabs are good. Leave them on and learn how to use them.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Trim Tabs On A 17 Footer

You would not try to fly a small airplane without flaps. The tabs are very effective on any power boat. I can not think of any good reason to take them off (regardless of the brand). As said, learn to use them. They will improve your economy, visability, ride, handling, and performance. Just lear to use them! <br /><br />The guy who told you to take them off an sell them never learned to use them.

 

[snohomishbaddawg]

Re: Trim Tabs On A 17 Footer

I put tabs on my 17 footer and they made a huge difference!! Since they are on there I would leave them on, can't see any reason to take them off.

 

[xikxak]

Re: Trim Tabs On A 17 Footer

Take em off and send them to me. Thanks

 

[Terry H]

Re: Trim Tabs On A 17 Footer

Originally posted by biloxiriver:<br /> Hey Chief, how do they affect the handling of your boat? My 17 reacts very quickly to them. The only concern I have is in cornering while on plane, it seems that the bow wants to dip.

The tabs I have are self adjusting, and so far no problem into a turn. You may need to adjust your tabs up just a little before you make a power turn, nose down don't sound comfy...Chief

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Trim Tabs On A 17 Footer

I suspect that Chief has Smart Tabs, and he is correct. You have helf adjustable tabs and they should not be deployed if you ar turning anything more than gradual turns. The extra lift from the tabs when deployed, even a little will likely drive the bow down in turns and the boat will bow steer. Bring them up.

 

[fireman57]

Re: Trim Tabs On A 17 Footer

John I thought that these things were self-adjusting? How can I deploy them if I have them set at the pressure that works for my boat and horsepower? They are not Bennet tabs that have all the electric stuff on them.

 

[biloxiriver]

Re: Trim Tabs On A 17 Footer

nautiJohn; I have Smart Tabs on my 21' CC TigerCraft Bengal, and they are great although I am still not sure my setting is right, but will play with that again when I can get into the water and make adjustments with the boat in the water; little cold for that right now. I just have no experience with tabs on a small boat. Based upon all of the input here though I am gonna leave 'em on the 17.

 

[Terry H]

Re: Trim Tabs On A 17 Footer

You are correct nautijohn, I do have the smart tabs. Last thing this old goat needs is one more thing to remember, or adjust. "Chief

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Trim Tabs On A 17 Footer

Hi Guys;<br /><br />Lets start with fireman:<br /><br />If you have helm controlled tabs they are just that. Controlled from the helm with a switch. <br /><br />If you have Smart Tabs they start out deployed and are regulated by the water pressure. The size of the plate should be proportionate to the size of the boat and the actuator pressure should be proportionate to the stern weight and motor HP. <br /><br />Once you install the appropriate kit, the pressure is adjustable. The "rule of thumb" is that the pressure should be adjusted so that the boat runs 2 to 4 MPH faster than it does without the tabs. <br /><br />As the boat accelerates (does not need to be fast) the tabs will begin to come up when the boat goes on plane. Once on plane with the tabs up, they work like shocks. The pressure when up is important as too much pressure will push the bow down when cruising and too little pressure may not eliminate the porpoising ( common to most power boats.)<br /><br />The pressure is a simple adjustment of the actuator position on the plate bracket. Once this is done, there is no need to adjust it again unless you change the boat balance significantly.<br /><br />Biloxiriver;<br /><br />Since you already have trim tabs on the boat, just learn to use them. After a while it should be easy to do. <br /><br />Chief;<br /><br />Glad you are happy with them, and if you send us a picture of your boat and the tabs I would like to add it to our web site. The more installation pictures we have up the easier it will be for others to install theirs.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Trim Tabs On A 17 Footer

John, could you take a peek at "Prop hell. 70 HP Evinrude 2 sroke 3cyl. " in the JohnRude section. I'm thinking he could use the tabs and hes looking for details. I gave the short-short version. Figured you would be the one to fill in the blanks.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Trim Tabs On A 17 Footer

Dale;<br /><br />I have a Tach that can be converted for testing and it has "Memeory" - Give me a call when you have a chance. Thanks! 800-233-0194

 

[Terry H]

Re: Trim Tabs On A 17 Footer

Can do john...Chief

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Trim Tabs On A 17 Footer

Cool! As soon as they put the phone lines back up I'll call you. The construction people down the street werent being very careful yesterday. The phone company was going to come right away until the neighbor decided to call them on his cell and "straighten them out". <br /><br />Now it will be late today -- hopefully.