Let's talk about performance with tabs - again...

[bgreene]

Can't get bored discussing V21 ride with trim tabs when you fish big water........

Yesterday, out on Del Bay, the early am was choppy, nothing real rough, but at 34 degree air tamp, chilly too.....

Headed out, into a roughly 2' chop with just a few 3's with trim tabs up.....bang, bang goes the hull.....but not for long.

Behind the wheel, feeding a little tab, then a little more, getting the front hull edge to cut into the waves, no more pounding.....now just a solid ride out,,,,,4,000 rpm....with other small boats falling behind.

Some spray coming up - hitting the windshield and my new top /side curtains, but nice and dry at the helm......comfortable ride all the way. Day became flat later too..

I like it !

[jasoncooperpcola]

I cant wait to finish my V to try out my tabs. Hell I might stick em on the 18 Fish. I can think of numerous times that tabs would have helped.

[bgreene]

I cant wait to finish my V to try out my tabs. Hell I might stick em on the 18 Fish. I can think of numerous times that tabs would have helped.

Yup, suggest you take the V out in a 2' chop or so, tabs up all the way...... same as with no tabs.

Then start feeding both just a little at a time, till just enough bow is cutting in and WOW - no more pounding hull !!

[rb437]

It was a windy day when I test drove the V21. There was just a little chop, enough to throw some water in your face when traveling up wind. It was my first chance to drive one of these boats with trim tabs. The difference between the 21 with tabs and 20 I used to have without tabs was immeadiately obvious even in a light chop. If I had realized how much difference they make I would have installed them on the 20. Can't wait to get out there again in the spring.

[twhrider2]

What size tabs are you guys running as I am watching a couple of sets on ebay now.

[bgreene]

It was a windy day when I test drove the V21. There was just a little chop, enough to throw some water in your face when traveling up wind. It was my first chance to drive one of these boats with trim tabs. The difference between the 21 with tabs and 20 I used to have without tabs was immeadiately obvious even in a light chop. If I had realized how much difference they make I would have installed them on the 20. Can't wait to get out there again in the spring.

Had a guy out with me Saturday, showed him the ride without tabs, and the related pounding depending on how we caught it..........then tabs easing the bow down a little, and ahhhhhhh......nice soft landing.......a woosh...woosh vs bam bam !!!

Size tabs ? I forgot, but I'll run outside and measure right now........stand by.........ok, measures 10" wide by around 11-1/4" long. Bennett brand tabs. Maybe they call them 10 x12's or 10 x 10 ? I forgot, but either would work. You can actually use too much tab,and the boats plows through the water- don't want to ride that way, or it would be waves over the bow in no time !!

I've actually had 20 foot size boats of assorted makes, Grady's etc falling behind while I'm running miles in the chop using the tabs. I'm not pushing it either, just 20 something knots.......not bragging, just promoting this hull with tabs.

[twhrider2]

Sounds good bgreene, I just bought a set of new unused "old" stock Bennett 12"x12" of of ebay. Hope to install them as soon as the Christmas rush is over.

[smokeonthewater]

I've been trying to decide between normal tabs or nauticus smart tabs myself

[bgreene]

I've been trying to decide between normal tabs or nauticus smart tabs myself

Not sure, but can tell you with the " regular tabs " you're in control of it, so you can dial in exactly what you want to do - balance the ride, bow up, bow down etc.....

I like that aspect of it - would be disappointing to install something and not be completely satisfied or know what you're going to get. ......seeing as you're drilling those holes, running the lines etc.

Tabs should have been factory standard with the V20 and V21 - it's that significant.

[macojoe]

I run 12x12 on the Ox and they are great! Makes a huge difference with just a small touch of the button!!
Smart tabs are all right but there are times you need more then they can give, also there are times you need o level the ride side o side and just adjust one side. Do it right and get adjustable, you not be sorry!!

[jasoncooperpcola]

Does anyone feel the need for the trim tab indicators?

[macojoe]

I do but, not for the money they want for them $$$$$

[bgreene]

Does anyone feel the need for the trim tab indicators?

My opinion - not needed. Want to check - a few seconds of " bow up" and both tabs are fully retracted to start over.

Thing is.........it's all about how the boat is riding that counts, not what the indicator tells you. A nice little feature though, if it means something to you.

I thought about it - for about 2 minutes.

[Destroyer]

In my opinion, having an indicator is all but useless since water conditions are constantly changing due to the effects of wind, tide and wakes.

[bgreene]

In my opinion, having an indicator is all but useless since water conditions are constantly changing due to the effects of wind, tide and wakes.

What ? No digital blinking lights for you ? No color coded levels to represent the angle of the boats hull - up or down ? Where's your Christmas spirit ? Lights - lights everywhere. The more flashing lights ........... the better the boat rides........