Trim Tabs - a MUST ( my .02 )

[TUGBOAT]

Right Here,

Don't go without them!
Scream'n Reels'
Tug

[Blue197320]

what? im just worried about them being too low on the transom..

[spareparts]

1/4 inch up should be enough, all you are trying to do is break the water coming off the transom (like the floats on seaplanes have those steps in them to allow the float to break from the water) they used to recommend that the tabs be mounted flush, good to see they recommend 1/4 inch up

[Hooper]

I love my Bennett Tabs, they make a great hull greater!

[ThePHNX]

Do any of you use and/or recommend Trim Position Indicators?
Based on the excellent input here, Bennett seems the way to go, the 120's?, we have a 1975 20SF w/ I-6 165 HP I/O, and - possibly overbuilt - T-top (so it might be top heavy). Will post photos today.
Thinking if we go the Bennett Trim might include the TPI.
Do any of you keep a ship's log?

[CaptRJ]

I use the TPI regularly on my Hatteras but that is a 20 ton vessel and the effect of the tabs on hull performance is slower. On my 20 Seacraft the response of the Bennett 120's is instantaneous and I would not think you would need TPI on a 20 . With three or more on board or if the seas kick up the Bennett are great and easy to install.

[Ikan Besar]

A) you'll see the effects of trim tabs in person if you are present when they are in use. No need for a gauge to my way of thinking.....unless you like the look of a lot of gauges and dials on your dashboard.

B) I've owned boats with both Bennett and Lenco tabs and have not had any problems with either one.

C) Yes, I keep a ship's log: in the form of a credit card statement that details the visits I occasionally make to the marina fuel dock!

[FELLOW-SHIP]

I was given the trim tab indicator by the Bennett Co. when I did the Advertising pictures and TV spot for Ship Shape program. Put them into the boat approx 1 year ago they work great and I now rely on looking at the indicator as much as the angel of the boat. One of the things I like about them is that you might want to lesson the amount of the tab on the opposite side than adding angle on the side that might need a little more angle. With the indicator you know exactly where you are at.



FellowShip

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My motto: Just for the Grins

[ThePHNX]

One of the things I like about them is that you might want to lesson the amount of the tab on the opposite side than adding angle on the side that might need a little more angle. With the indicator you know exactly where you are at.

THAT seems a really good point.

On trim tabs, initial research revealed a bit of weirdness of trim tabs combined with trolling motors.
My thought was excess drag and dirty wake, do these things have any merit or are they, as I decided, over complicated gimmickry?
Not to knock the ingenuity though, and who knows, they might solve a problem for someone.

HBH

[RS]

On trim tabs, initial research revealed a bit of weirdness of trim tabs combined with trolling motors.

I've noted no such weirdness with my troll n tabs.

Regarding indicators - it is normal trim tab procedure to effect negative trim first to correct list. If there is no effect, engage positive trim on the other side. It seems that the benefit of indicator is to decrease the negligible amount of time it takes to determine that the negative trim adjustment did not work.

Once you get used to using tabs on a small boat, using indicators is sort of like needing a guage to tell you if your motor is straight or turning. On a bigger boat there are many other things that can affect trim, so knowing where your tabs are positioned seems like a good idea.