Trim tabs

[THEFERMANATOR]

The main idea with trim tabs is to be able to push the bow of the boat down so to get the best ride and actually use the V in the bow to cut through the waves. On some boats you can trim the engine in enough to push the bow in, but this changes the engines thrust from pushing you forward to pushing the stern up to plant the bow. It makes your efficiency go way down because instead of pushing the water straight back, your now forcing it to push the water downward to hold the bow down. With tabs you can keep the engine trimmed for peak efficiency which helps with milage, using less throttle, less strain on the engine, and since it is running at a better angle it stears easier. Then you can adjust your tabs to get the boat to run at the best angle for a smooth ride. Also they help you to get on plane and stay on plane at slower speeds which really helps out in rough weather.

[reelapeelin]

Originally Posted by THEFERMANATOR

The main idea with trim tabs is to be able to push the bow of the boat down so to get the best ride and actually use the V in the bow to cut through the waves. On some boats you can trim the engine in enough to push the bow in, but this changes the engines thrust from pushing you forward to pushing the stern up to plant the bow. It makes your efficiency go way down because instead of pushing the water straight back, your now forcing it to push the water downward to hold the bow down. With tabs you can keep the engine trimmed for peak efficiency which helps with milage, using less throttle, less strain on the engine, and since it is running at a better angle it stears easier. Then you can adjust your tabs to get the boat to run at the best angle for a smooth ride. Also they help you to get on plane and stay on plane at slower speeds which really helps out in rough weather.

My friends Verado w/Smart gauges...you can watch the mileage increase w/proper trim tab settings...I think that's pretty indicative of how effective these things are...

[Stillrunning]

I feel I can push the bow down far enough with just the motor when its rough and your want to plow more through the waves. When its not rough you really don't need the bow down anyways. I'm sure its nice to have trim tabs from time to time but not sure I shell out that much money for them.

[Genie Aye]

Originally Posted by Stillrunning

I feel I can push the bow down far enough with just the motor when its rough and your want to plow more through the waves. When its not rough you really don't need the bow down anyways. I'm sure its nice to have trim tabs from time to time but not sure I shell out that much money for them.

You bet you can shove the bow down with your motor, at what cost to the transom and your fuel burn. I put on the Lennco electric tabs and whined about the money it cost as well(they where less than the bennett's) but after a couple trips out and using them offshore--i would not want this boat without them. Huge difference with the trim tabs and alot less strain on your transom and drivetrain.

Aussie---Those are some heavy *** looking commercial trim tabs there-I have never seen those. Must be a downunder manufacturer.

[bgreene]

Originally Posted by Genie Aye

You bet you can shove the bow down with your motor, at what cost to the transom and your fuel burn. I put on the Lennco electric tabs and whined about the money it cost as well(they where less than the bennett's) but after a couple trips out and using them offshore--i would not want this boat without them. Huge difference with the trim tabs and alot less strain on your transom and drivetrain.

Aussie---Those are some heavy *** looking commercial trim tabs there-I have never seen those. Must be a downunder manufacturer.

Amen to that - the tabs make this a MUCH better running boat.

[Bygracealone]

Love my tabs. It took some getting used to, but once I did, I fell in love with them.

Not only do they help with efficiency, but it's also nice to be able to keep the boat from listing when the weight distribution of friends and gear is a bit off...