Seahawk Trim Tab Warning!

[Mr Presentation]

I thought I would just caution some of you that have Seahawks, Im not sure if its a torque issue with having a 250hp or not. Two weeks ago I peeled the left trip tab right off the boat in the ocean, Going about 20mph! North River had never seen that happen before. The right tab is reinforced by the offshore bracket and the left one is not. I didn't hit anything it just peeled the weld right off the boat and took the transducer right along with it. If anyone knows if there are speed limits on them. I would appreciate knowing, We weren't told anything by the salesman when we got the boat. The tab wasn't bent or anything just broke the weld.

[DriftR]

I have a 24' NR OS Seahawk. I installed Bennett Trim Tabs on my boat along with the Trim Tab Indicator (Christmas Tree lights) and auto tab retractor. I have had no problems whatsoever with the tabs. But again, my offshore is an I/O and I bolted my tabs onto the extension of the hull past the stern.
Due to the aluminum construction of the NR OS SeaHawk, and the stainless steel composition of the Bennetts I installed I oversized the holes in the hull. Separated the stainless steel bolts and tabs with a ABS washer system because of the dissimilar metals. Then I used 3M 5400 marine sealant liberally in the holes. Still going strong and no signs of fatigue at this point.
You might have a dissimilar metal situation or a faulty weld.

[Mr Presentation]

Originally Posted by DriftR

I have a 24' NR OS Seahawk. I installed Bennett Trim Tabs on my boat along with the Trim Tab Indicator (Christmas Tree lights) and auto tab retractor. I have had no problems whatsoever with the tabs. But again, my offshore is an I/O and I bolted my tabs onto the extension of the hull past the stern.
Due to the aluminum construction of the NR OS SeaHawk, and the stainless steel composition of the Bennetts I installed I oversized the holes in the hull. Separated the stainless steel bolts and tabs with a ABS washer system because of the dissimilar metals. Then I used 3M 5400 marine sealant liberally in the holes. Still going strong and no signs of fatigue at this point.
You might have a dissimilar metal situation or a faulty weld.

There is just the plate that they screw the tabs into and that is what is welded to the boat. Im hoping that it was just a bad weld and not going to be an ongoing problem. I think part of the problem is that they cant weld the bottom of the plate because to is too low and is almost flush to the bottom seam lip of the boat.

[Metal Manipulator]

I hate to say it but the weld must have been bad. I would have to see how it was mounted and how the mounting point was put together.

Now your are giving me something to worry about as the point where mine is mounted on my glass boat is not all that thick, guess I will reinforce it this winter. But I can only get 24kts tops out of my boat.

[Bait O' Eggs]

why are the words "trim tab" in the title?

[ripnlips1]

Because his "Trim Tab" ripped off.

[Chrome Bumper]

If you can't get a fillet weld in due to poor electrode access maybe cut a few holes and put in a few plug welds.

If you are welding then dissimilar metals shouldn't be an issue.

[Something Good]

Originally Posted by Bait O' Eggs

why are the words "trim tab" in the title?

Very funny. You be sure to keep that Waterwing in the kiddie pool where it belongs so no one gets hurt.

Haven't heard of any other trim tabs breaking off of Seahawks so hopefully this is just a fluke. Sorry it happened to you though that sucks.

[Tacklebuster]

I am sure it's just a fluke.. Bad weld is all. I have my tabs on welded brackets and it has not been an issue. I have experienced welds underneath the offshore bracket that were not water tight thus allowing water to breach the hull but again.... just a fluke and a bad weld.

After they fix it, just keep an eye on the welds. The first thing you will notice if it happens again is the paint cracking that is on top of the weld.

Just a fluke.... I wouldn't worry about it.

[bassin]

I would think it's just a bad weld also. I have the 250 and have run 50+ with a SH 22' with no issues.