Trim tabs

[Jeff79Sceptre]

I need to replace the trim tabs on the Sceptre with twin motors. I want to go with Bennet's but I see a million options on the size. Anybody know what works best? Best price? Thank you.

[FLexpat]

The original ones on my '76 Sceptre I/O are 12x12. They worked well; I've always had more tab available than I needed but it's time for me to replace the 38 year old pump. Doing a full restoration so I'm just adding the pump to the list.

[Skiblet]

These are the ones I have but I use one actuator instead of two.
http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/catalog.php?vID=199
ST16

[Tabman]

Due to the stepped hull you are a bit limited with the width and the 12 x 12s seem to be the best option.

Even though they work for Skiblet I would not advise using the ST16s with only one actuator. In September a fellow lost an ST16 by not using the correct mounting plates and only one actuator http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...tic-ocean.html

Tom
Bennett Marine

[bigeasy1]

I run the Bennett 12x12 df Drop fin tabs on my 23 Tsunami I/O and they do the job incredibly well.I don't need them to get on plane, as the boat hops right up, but they help a lot when quartering or running in a beam sea on a windy day.
These are the tabs that The great people at Bennett recommended when I did my restoration.The wide drop down edge adds more lift, which helps because of the steps of the hull preventing the use of wider tabs.

Can't say enough about the great customer service from Tom and the others at Bennett.Welcome back Tom

[tautog_33]

Originally Posted by Tabman

Due to the stepped hull you are a bit limited with the width and the 12 x 12s seem to be the best option.

Even though they work for Skiblet I would not advise using the ST16s with only one actuator. In September a fellow lost an ST16 by not using the correct mounting plates and only one actuator http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...tic-ocean.html

Tom
Bennett Marine

Tom, what kind of performance issues if any can be expected by going with a wider tab. I was planning on installing 18x12 on my 20SF. I have a 1994 mercury 150 on the transom, I would like to be able to keep bow down in the tight chop I encounter in Buzzards Bay with the least amount of tab in the water. I know Mr. NO BONES runs 24x9 with no issues that I know of. Thanks you.

[Billpotter]

FYI -
From my direct experience- I'd use 12" x 12" and put them outboard as close to the chines on the transom as I could. Follow the instructions and have the bottom of the tab mount plate 1/2- 3/4" above the bottom with the aft edge of the plate up as Bennet recommends. So that when the tabs are fully up, they don't affect the ride of the boat. With this set up, I can trim the boat over as much as possible without unduly forcing the bow down as would be the case if the tabs extent further inboard toward the centerline; where the bow is pushed down when you activate a tab: When I want to tab the bow down, I use both tabs.
Just my thoughts.

[tautog_33]

Bill thanks for sharing your experience. Most of my days heading back from fishing I'm faced with a 2-3 ft quarterly sea off the port bow. The outer chine slams down hard running like this, which I believe the tabs are going to help. In the same conditions going into a head sea the bow doesn't like to stay down this is where I was thinking I would benefit from a bigger tab. I have been altering my course so I have a smoother ride just takes longer to get home. It rides amazing in a beam sea and following sea once I match the speed to the conditions. I'm sure whatever tab I decide to go with it will improve THE RIDE.

[parrott]

Bigger the better. No more 12x12 for me. My last ones on my MA were 18 or 20x12. Worked perfect

[cdavisdb]

Other things being equal, wider is better. You get more downward thrust(more tab response) with less actual down movement of the tab, therefore less drag. To me, wider tabs also seem more stable.

Wide is hard to do on a VDH hull. You can custom build a wide tab with a step to match the hull, like BlueHeron and Seacraft25. One day I'll get to that.