Which comes first

[amanphoto]

Working on fine tuning my boat. Do I work on propeller fine tuning (rpm and speed) first? or Do I add the trim tabs and work on plane first? If I add the trim tabs, will it effect my prop?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Which comes first

Ayuh,... With the Right prop you may not need tabs...

 

[amanphoto]

Re: Which comes first

very back heavy. 5.7L IO with 3 batteries in the back. Also every wants to sit in the back. Had 9 people on it and struggled to get on plane. Had to move some forward for a min.

I don't plane off till 21 mph.

 

[Nickledimed]

Re: Which comes first

I had this same weight distribution/planeing issue, I put a hydrofoil on it and now it planes out nicely. Just my 2 cents.

 

[SeanT]

Re: Which comes first

Having to adjust weight when you are carrying a few people isn't really an issue - it's boating 101. Sounds like you are a bit back heavy though with the extra batteries anyway.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Which comes first

Research trim tabs.

Since Trim tabs change the hull design (they become a part of the running surface) you should always tune the hull design first, and prop to the new design. Properly set up the trim tabs should give you an extra 150 to 200 RPMs. Going down in pitch is like down shifting into second gear. Ends up very costly.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Which comes first

It's really a chicken and egg thing, I suppose. You'll get a bunch of different opinions, but I'll give you my .02 anyway

I had a 21' Pro-Line W/A with a 175 Johnson (375 lbs) on a 36" setback bracket. 15-horse kicker (140 lbs.) on the transom, 2 batteries and an oil tank in the stern. That was one butt-heavy boat! Yours is probably better balanced than that boat was.

Now, far as I'm concerned, the prime components of the boat are the hull, motor and prop. I like to get the basics right before I start playing with add-ons.

I calculated RPM's at WOT, etc. to come up with the right pitch. After a lot of research I bought a Solas HR Titan 4-blade Stainless. That and the Stiletto Baypro (either 3 or 4- don't recall which) are advertised as providing stern lift. I flipped a coin and bought the Titan right here. Turned out to be a great choice that gave me solid improvement all around, but not quite enough for my boat (your results may vary, and the right prop might be all you need).

Then I added Smart Tabs, and they put me over the top. With the prop already optimized for my boat, I'm pretty positive I was able to set the tabs up with less downforce (which equals less drag) than I would have if I hadn't done the prop first.

Either way, good luck! The tinkering is half the fun