Trim Tab Question?

[finclipped]

I have been considering installing those hydraulic trim tabs you can buy through boating catalogs. I use a 24' boat for fishing the ocean/B10 in the summer and fall and the problem I have is that the boat does not feel as stable as the shorter boats I fish out of. In fact I have to balance it just right to get it to "level" out. I don't have a problem with it plaining, but the side to side tilt is too much. It is an old boat (69' Fiberform)and the manufacturers trim tabs were removed long ago.

My questions is are they worth installing? Looking in the Boat Trader I have seen them on late model boats in the 22-26' range. I am looking at spending $400, so is it worth it or a waste of money? Any input is appreciated.

[Phish_on]

I'd say trim tabs are exactly what you need. I had a boat about that size for a while, they really do the the job and it's easy to fine tune on the "fly." As for the cost, it depends on how long you plan to keep the boat I suppose. Is that $400 installed or do you have to do the work yourself?

$.02 - and worth every dime

I'm a strong advocate of trim tabs Fin'. They should help your boat out a lot it sounds like. The place where they help the most are on 16' sleds, because they are actually too short of sledding hull. By putting a pair of 20" X 6" aluminum trim tabs on an even plane with the bottom the smaller sleds will perform significantly better; and they only cost around $150/pr. welded on. They will plane quicker in shorter distance, stay on plane at a slightly slower speed, and be more stable over waves with less 'porpoising' (sp?). Even though not necessary, I put a pair on my 18' sled and it performs better. Those and stainless steel 4 blade impellors are a lot of performance for the dollar. Good boating . - RT

[Trout,myster]

You may want to look into a set of the new "automatic" trim tabs. Not sure just how good they really are, but they trim down automatically at slow speeds for stability and trim up the faster you go. Probably not as effective as hydraulic or electric manual models, but price may be right for you. Saw them advertised in Bass & Walleye boats, not sure where around here you could find some or info on them. They're called "Smart Tabs", manufactured by Nautilus. Phone 800-233-0194. Advertised price is $129 to $199.

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Troutmyster

[finclipped]

Thanks for the information. Sounds like they are a good investments.