Do Trim Tabs Really Help?

[togoodwin]

I was told that trim tabs either automatic or manual will keep my boat planing from take off. True or false?

 

[JASinIL2006]

I think you might have been told about trim tabs, not trim caps. Tabs can help with getting your boat on plane quicker, but many times a problem with planing can be caused by other things (e.g., prop selection, trim of the motor on takeoff). Lots of knowledgeable folks here... if you describe your problem, you'll likely get all manner of good ideas to help address it.

 

[togoodwin]

Yeah, trim tabs. Not caps. Oops. Anyway, was just wondering because I was told that the Farrallon jumps high when first taking off. But that comes later. First things first, got to get her ship shape first. My major concern right now is the thinness of her hull. How much sanding can she take and should I re-coat the entire hull with something to be safe. Don't know.

 

[Woodonglass]

Yeah, trim tabs. Not caps. Oops. Anyway, was just wondering because I was told that the Farrallon jumps high when first taking off. But that comes later. First things first, got to get her ship shape first. My major concern right now is the thinness of her hull. How much sanding can she take and should I re-coat the entire hull with something to be safe. Don't know.

These old hulls were usually laid up fairly thick. I wouldn't worry about sanding thru. You do realize, there's an extremely high likelihood that you will need to restore her from the inside, bottom up, which entails removing the deck/floor and all the substructure under it (Stringers, bulkheads, transom etc...) You must also realize that this is fiberglass so don't worry to much about poking or cutting a hole in it. It's easily fixed and you're really not truly a "Glass Man" until you do!!!!

 

[togoodwin]

I have already set my mind and heart to gutting her and starting from scratch on the inside and then really giving her a work out on her exterior. You're right it is gonna be some very hard work and lots of %*#@(*@&^ to boot and I am sure that I will more than likely drive you guys crazy with questions before it's all said and done. What's up with tractor paint?

 

[Woodonglass]

What's up with tractor paint?

LOL, don't knock it till you've tried it!!!! It's just your basic Acrylic Enamel Paint, Like Rustoleum, just another brand name with a little different formula. With the added hardener it yields a hard durable finish for a good price. If you want to step it up a notch (3 times the price) you can use the single stage urethane paints and get some really nice results too!!!

http://www.tcpglobal.com/Automotive-Paint/AU-Acrylic-Urethane/

 

[bigdirty]

On the trim tabs thing, yes it usually will help to get up on plane from my experience... if your boat is underpowered and/or loaded right up. My old 81 chris craft 253 absolutely needed full trim tab to put her up. With full tank of fuel and 4 or 5 people/gear on board. (tired 350 v8, omc stringer drive, not a great hull) even that took a while, sometimes people had to go to the front of the v birth for 'help' get her up on plane...

But my current boat (25ft crownline, 454 v8/merc bravo 2) will get up and go all on its own, only needs trim tabs to keep her level while on plane. Using the drive trim will get it going even better, once shes up. Enough power and you can get anything out of the water though :lol: Adjusting for a level ride is really the only reason they put them on a boat in the first place, as far as I am aware, and I try to run as little as possible at that, as it is just extra drag, ie more fuel being burnt.

 

[togoodwin]

Then her old 1000 Merc should push her just fine without worry perhaps?

 

[Woodonglass]

Then her old 1000 Merc should push her just fine without worry perhaps?

Once you get her built and on the water, you'll know pretty quick!!!

 

[zool]

Trim tabs are very usesful, not just for getting on plane, they help in leveling the ride, like BD said, and also to compensate for different sea conditions, with different hull deadrises. In a head sea, with a shallow deadrise, you can adjust them down to keep the deep entry v down to cut the waves, and all the way up in a following sea, to keep from broaching....They also help a lot with fuel consumption, when you find the sweet spot, with minimal drag.

 

[Scott Danforth]

I will never own another boat without trim tabs. In fact, I made a miniature set of tabs (4.5" wide x 6" long knock off of bennet sport tabs) for my 7' long mini speed boat. power it with a bennet pump, however using 9/16" diameter stainless bimba cylinders.

 

[jbcurt00]

Yeah, trim tabs. Not caps. Oops....

Fixed the typo..