Slow Learner to Trim Tab Advocate
Although I’ve had my ’76 20’ Seafari for 45 years, I only added trim tabs last year. Many years ago my good friend, Bushwacker, took me for a rather comfortable ride in his nearly identical Seafari with trim tabs, in what were pretty snotty conditions and Denny always extolled the virtues of tabs. During my CSCmembership I heard lots of SeaCrafters remark about the benefits of tabs. I just never felt compelled to add them, particularly in the last 20 years on SC lakes; I would simply move cargo or guests to try to improve the ride if needed.
Then I started considering them a few years ago for footing (like barefooting except in tennis shoes) off of a boom, to try to reduce the bow wake on the boom side of the boat. So I added 12” x 12” Bennett Bolts last year. I admit I am still learning how to best use them. However, a couple weeks ago towing my grands on kneeboards and skis over and over again, it was nice once I had selected the right trim and speed (using my PerfectPass speed control which I added to my ETEC), the repeatability of the amount of pull and 13 mph boat speed was a cinch.
Of course per the proverbial, not as good as I once was, I still enjoy slalom skiing but always wished my wake was more like a traditional Malibu or Nautique ski boat. It occurred to me when towing the grands that a bit of down trim might improve my wake for slalom. Today I got in one slalom ride before bad weather, at three clicks down on my lighted Bennett trim pad, I liked the reduction in wake size and want to try at a little further trim. So a slow learner might have enjoyed slalom even more through the years with trim tabs, so count me converted!!
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08-21-2021, 03:08 AM
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