Smart tabs on Aluminum Hull

[italianstal27]

On our 18' 1976 starcraft restoration, we didn't take weight distribution into account and definitely sit stern heavy. Unless we hit a wake or wave just right the boat never gets out of the hole.

Smart tabs appear they might help. Drilling through the aluminum into our epoxied transom doesn't sound appealing.

Has anyone ever mounted 1" thick starboard to the exterior of their boat and then attached the trim tabs to the starboard?

Using the starboard, we could have 1 1/4" bolt through the transom at the top of the starboard, and 2 bolts below the wooden transom to secure the starboard. The 1 1/4" bolt is easier to seal than 3 small screws. Or are we over thinking this?

Opinions?

 

[Scott Danforth]

starboard is simply a ridiculously high priced name brand high density PE plastic (a bit stronger than the plastic jug your milk comes in)

it does not have the structural strength to be used as you suggested. the screws in the tabs would pull out of the starboard

you are over-thinking it

Me, i would go with a set of Bennett tab

 

[italianstal27]

Thanks Scott. Do you know if people are using closed end rivets for the bottom mounting plate? I can't imagine a self tapping screw would be enough grip since it won't touch the transom wood?