Trim Tabs on 23

[Kipstone]

Can anybody advise as to whether fitting trim tabs to 1976 with Yamaha 300 on Armstrong transom will improve performance and/or economy?

[McGillicuddy]

They should be required issue for that set-up. Get the broadest controllable tabs that will fit the outer strake. If you have transducers or ladders or whatever in the way, move them. The tabs and your prop will be your best investments for economy and performance. Both categories will improve.

Read other responses where you posted in the for sale section

[Kipstone]

Thanks McGillcuddy - I appreciate and take on board your advice

[Hookdude]

Kipstone,
Keep an eye on craigslist. There's a guy in Pembroke that puts Bennetts for sale pretty frequently (every month or so)for way below retail. I got a complete set from him for $275.
Cheers,
Bob

[nausetblue]

I have a 23 center console with a 30 inch bracket. Just put on a hydrofoil and the performance is amazing and no longer need the trim tabs unless I have a very heavy load to one side. The brackets mess with the balance on the boat and the hydrofoil in my situation elimtated the need for tab adjustments. Give it a shot for $100 bucks its a very easy fix and the boat will ride more like a full inboard seacraft. http://www.overtons.com/modperl/prod...ID=1009&r=view

[McGillicuddy]

Welcome aboard, Nausetblue.
Foils like the Cobra can offer excellent stern lift but as I'm sure you've been advised, take it easy on your turns lest you find yourself turtled on a rocky Massachusetts beach.
I had such a foil and ditched it when I found the right prop. That's just my experience.

Such a foil is incomparable to any trim tab in weather or otherwise, especially when you have an 800 lb $20k motor hanging 30" behind its designed location.

Kipstone, If you want to try such a product I'll send you a new SE300 to try out. If you like it send me $40. If you don't, send it back and uncle Obama gets postage both ways.

Get some Bennetts, Boat Levelers, Lencos, or Volvo QLs Don't screw around. Just my $.02

[Bigshrimpin]

When you put 600lbs of motor off a 30" lever it changes the balance of the boat. Even if trim tabs are fully retracted doesn't mean they aren't working.

[2182]

i have trim tabs on my itty bitty 18 and i love them (bennets). will never have a boat w/o one. that said, i was at a boat show recently and saw these handmade "non moving trim tabs" basically a piece of starboard about the size of a trim tab w/ a brace above to fasten to the transom. their video was impressive. i certainly didnt buy them, since i have trim tabs and i could easily make my own, but if i was strapped for cash and wanted to keep the bow down, id make some in a heartbeat.