Trim Tab Issues

[adamfsunrunner]

Hi,<br /><br />I have a 22ft sunrunner I/O with a 5.7L V8 260hp. I am noticing a real problem with adjusting my trim tabs. Just the slightist tap on the control and the boat makes a big swing one way or another. It seems like my fingers have to be on those buttons almost constantly. Once I get to a certain speed and adjust, usually I can relax a little, but if someone is with me and moves around at all on the boat, it will throw the boat over to one side or another. It gets a bit scary at times feels like it is going to pitch right over or it starts steering that direction. Anyone else have tab issues like this and can offer some suggestions. This is the second season with the boat. I don't remember it being this tricky last season, but it was close.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Trim Tab Issues

Big boat big price,simple solution simple price. Smart tab's in essence are dynamic, that is a adapt in a ever changing enviroment. Your static tabs cant adapt, life evolves.......... <br /><br /> A bit of a flame there, smart tabs are a very simple and eloquent solution. Using hydraulics they adjust lift left or right based on a hull design that is a constant, hmmm that is if your hull runs true the tab's will adjust for any weight imbalances that are temporary placed on your planeing ......... now i'am confused.. <br /><br />NautiJohn..... (Not really they adjust faster than you can it's just to simple. You cant go wrong if you have a good hull.

 

[stevens]

Re: Trim Tab Issues

No - before you go taking those tabs off, have a close look at this supplier: http://www.mente-marine.com <br /><br />They make a fully automatic trim adjustment system that really works well.<br /><br />The system is compatible with all major makes of trim tabs, and it includes auto retract and a trim indicator.<br /><br />It constantly monitors your boat's attitude and adjusts the tabs (and outdrive trim if you wish) accordingly.<br /><br />It is amazing to watch this system in action. It constantly adjusts back and forth, much faster than you would have been yourself, and with an exceptionally smooth ride as the result.<br /><br />Yes, Smart Tabs are fine, but when it comes to active adjustment for shifting loads & conditions, this Mente system simply can't be beat.<br /><br />(Edit: I just knew someone would refer to the Bennett ATC system here, but that seems to me like really inferior technology compared to the Mente system. Yes, the Bennett service is great, I know, I know.)<br /><br />(Second edit: OK-I see what you mean about his ATC possibly going nuts. Anyway, enough simultaneous posting for now.)

 

[QC]

Re: Trim Tab Issues

Not sure I agree with Tail_Gunner. SmartTabs are not dynamic they are probably more correctly called passive. They cannot adjust for load shifts on the fly . . .<br /><br />First what type of trim tabs do you have adam? Bennett's? Can you make any small adjustments? Do you have auto tab control?<br /> Auto Tab Control<br /><br />Edit: Timing Stevens , yet I am thinking the opposite, that he has auto tabs going a little nuts maybe?

 

[dingbat]

Re: Trim Tab Issues

just knew someone would refer to the Bennett ATC system here, but that seems to me like really inferior technology compared to the Mente system.

How is this technology better than Bennetts? Reading through the techincal description they basically work the same way not to mention the Mente system costs about 50% more.

 

[stevens]

Re: Trim Tab Issues

Sorry, I didn't mean to knock Bennett in any way. I am just speaking as an impressed customer of Mente.<br /><br />Now, the two systems seemingly work the same but there are a few important differences.<br /><br />The Mente system:<br /><br />- will adapt to any boat and trim system (Incl Bennett), and will actually learn the characteristics of your specific set-up<br />- will also take care of the outdrive trim, not just the trim tabs<br />- has a built-in wireless RPM sensor to tell the engine RPM and thus the speed, and doesn't correct when speeds drop below the planing treshold.<br />- understands when you are in a deliberate turn and doesn't attempt to counteract the natural inward lean of the V-hull.<br />- adapts the response characteristics to the actual conditions and will, for example, behave differently in heavy seas and on flat water.<br />- has a built-in trim indicator and self-retract mechanism, making it unnecessary to purchase these separately.<br /><br />But, as I said, I am not an expert, only a very satisfied user so far. This has made our small boat much more enjoyable.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Trim Tab Issues

What make are the tabs on the boat now, if they are Bennett then before doing anything send an email to them, as mentioned before they have fantastic customer service, sometimes Tom is on this board (aka Tabman) but they will work with you to resolve your problem if the system is not working correctly.

 

[adamfsunrunner]

Re: Trim Tab Issues

I do have Bennets. I'm not sure that they aren't working right. It just seems like I have to make constant adjustments to keep the boat straight. I just don't remember it being that difficult last season.

 

[stevens]

Re: Trim Tab Issues

If you pull the tabs all the way up and leave them there, is the boat still as wobbly? Could you be having issues with your steering?<br /><br />When you press the tab buttons, do you only push them quickly in very short bursts, and then wait for the tab response and the boat to settle in its new position before pushing again?

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Trim Tab Issues

QC;<br /><br />We answer this question by comparing the side to side correction from Smart Tabs to a suspension system on a car. If you load the car with three people it will lean slightly to that side but some of the list will be corrected by the suspension.<br /><br />We consider Smart Tabs to be active simply because they continuously adjust.<br /><br />Regarding the over reaction to adjustments on the Bennett system I would contact them directly. They have excellent customer service. They also have a slower response to adjustments for this very reason. As a side note, you can make a boat lean excessively by running too bow down (negative trim.) Also check the steering tab on the anti -ventilation plate to see if it is loose.<br /><br />But for the best advice call Bennett customer service.

 

[adamfsunrunner]

Re: Trim Tab Issues

When you say negative trim...do you mean having the outdrive all the way down? I thought you always start with it all the way down and then trim up?

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Trim Tab Issues

Most do start with it all the way down (or in) as it makes getting up on plane easier but if you leave it that way then you can experience bow steering and because the boat is not riding mostly on the stern which is flatter and more stable than the bow any weight shifting can cause it to lean sharply one way or the other. If you are trimming up then this may not be your problem.