Re: Trim tabs on a jet boat
Trim tabs on any power boat with a planning hull will improve the performance and handling. There are some common characteristics with jet boats that trim tabs can cure. Number one is porpoising. Although I am not a fan of using the motor trim (I/O or outboard) to correct handling problems such as porpoising, it is often reduced or controlled with the trim. However, Jet boats have no trim to work with. Some come with a "ride" plate that is simply a fixed trim tabs below the pump which can be adjusted down to reduce the porpoising. This also can cause other handling problems if the angle is too much for high speed. Too much lift at the stern causes too much bow down.
We have sold hundreds of sets to jet boat owners with excellent results.
Yet, there is or can be a draw back. If the tabs are mounted too close to the jet gate it can effect reverse. What happens is that when the gate is dropped down to deflect the water forward for backing up, the water hits the trim tabs and reduces the reverse thrust. Jet boats typically do not back up well to start with, so reducing what little they have (reverse thrust) can be an issue. The solution is to mount the tabs as far apart as possible. This may be a problem also if the transom is contoured.
The helm controlled tabs may be an option if the transom does not allow for mounting away from the pump/gate.
In any event, Trim Tabs will make a significant improvement.
