Re: Question for Nautijohn
Rich;<br /><br />Are the fixed trim tabs part of the hull or are they added?<br /><br />Some alluminium boat manufacturers add small extentions to the hull which they bend up or down to create trim effects once the boat is on plane.<br /><br />The problem with any fixed trim device is that the effect is "condition specific", or in other words it help to corerect one problem at one specific speed (for example) and hinders the performance under other conditions. A comprimise - you get to pick the lesser of two evels.<br /><br />Hydrofoils, fixed trim tabs, hull extensions, "hooks" in the hull all try to fix something that may be intolerable if not corrected. The problem is simply that they cause other problems.<br /><br />Most boaters think that trim tabs are used only for assisting the boat to plane and to correct port to starboard and bow to stern attitude. With larger boats (over 26') this is generaly true. These boats have a lower power to weight ratio and need the help to plane.<br /><br />Your question is if Smart Tabs will benefit your boat since you already have fixed tabs. First I would not jury rig anything on a boat, so my question is how are these tabs attached to your boat. Are they an extention of the hull or are the removable. If they are an extention of the hull, then application of Smart Tabs may be an issue. <br /><br />If they can be removed, then replacing them with Smart Tabs will give you a host of benefits. I suspect that even with these tabs the boat is not coming on plane easily. The reason is that these tabs are probably not deployed at slow speeds, and therefore less efficient in giving stern lift. Remember once the "hole" is dug it is hard to get out. The key is not digging the "Hole".<br />Nest onece the boat is on plane the tabs are simply an extension of the hull and will do little to assit in other handling issues.<br /><br />If they are slightly deployed then the "Hole Shot" may be easier but the runnign attitude of the boat when on plane will be an issue ( bow down). Even if you trim the motor to bring the bow up, there is a loss of economy and power because the prop is running at an angle.<br /><br />Let me know how your fixed tabs are attached to the boat.
