Bennett trim tab total deflection

[sstaz]

So I finally got the Reinell out for a good run last weekend and played in some light wave action. On the way back in it was some 1 to 2 foot chop on Lake Erie. I was heading straight into them and was surprised that even with the trim tabs all the way down she still kinda hit hard at times. Also, from good trim (ie. best speed and attitude) there was not much more down effort before they bottomed out. My question is... what should be the total down angle when they are fully deployed. If this is the best then I can live with it, just want to make sure.

I am comparing the ride to my friends 21ft trophy with smart tabs. Mine is slightly better, but not as good as I thought it would be.

The boat is in my sig... 1973 22ft Reinell hardtop, dry weight 4000lbs, with the people I had on board, gear and gas I am thinking 5000lbs. I am including some pics of the tabs fully deployed and they are 16x9 tabs.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Bennett trim tab total deflection

Moving them out as far as possible would definitely help things, who put them right next to the outdrive like that when there's plenty of room on the transom? Tabs are all about LEVERAGE! They should be mounted as far apart as possible. That trolling plate ain't helping matters either as far as tab function. Move 'em!
And with that heavy of a boat, I'm not sure your tie downs are doing much, I'd put the tabs about where those are running now.

 

[sstaz]

Re: Bennett trim tab total deflection

I was thinking the same thing Dockwrecker, They seem to be too far to center, the previous owner installed them. As far as the trolling plate I have no choice, I would love to run bags but in close fishing just spooks them with bags.

The tie downs are just for bouncing when on the road. They do just fine for the 2 miles I trailer her

 

[dingbat]

Re: Bennett trim tab total deflection

The tabs are mounted way too close to the keel. They are supposed to be mounted as close to the gunwhale as possible.

I'm running 12" x 12" tabs. I have never needed to deploy the tabs much past level. Most of the time they are just barely barely off plane.

Here is the where they should be mounted

 

[Tabman]

Re: Bennett trim tab total deflection

I agree with the posts above.

Trim Tabs in your picture are are deflecting the right amount, after about 20 degrees they will cause too much drag in relation to the lift they produce.

They are too close to the centerline, but more importantly they are too small. They are 12" x 9" Trim Tabs, they should be at least 12 x 12 (an easy fix to slide in place) or better yet 18" x 12"

While having the Trim Tabs out towards the chines gives the best combination of side to side and fore to aft corrections, the reason you cant get your bow down is that they are undersized for the boat.

If it were my boat I would install a set of 12 x 12s where the Trim Tabs are now, and then when the season is over consider moving them outboard.

 

[sstaz]

Re: Bennett trim tab total deflection

Thank you for the replies, Tom I measured the ones on there and they are 16x9. I am going to take your advice and put some 16x12's on for now and move them out this winter.

Thank you again