Trim tabs for 18 footer?

[PeterM]

Should an 18 footer need trim tabs? Looking at buying an 18 foot potter hull that has no tabs. I have had a 21 and a 23 and always relied on the trim tabs. Just wondering about the ride without them...... Am I going to want to add them and how much ballpark would that cost?

[manitunc]

I love them on my 19

[erebus]

Originally Posted by PeterM

Should an 18 footer need trim tabs? Looking at buying an 18 foot potter hull that has no tabs. I have had a 21 and a 23 and always relied on the trim tabs. Just wondering about the ride without them...... Am I going to want to add them and how much ballpark would that cost?

Hi Peter,

Thanks for the call today.
To answer your question more specifically, I have always entertained the idea of putting tabs on the 18.
Only very once in awhile did I really feel I needed them though. Once or twice a season I would wish I could get the trim right in a stiff wind or a weird current. (or when the fat guy's on the wrong side of the boat :-))
But the next gorgeous, flat day running out the Wellfleet I would forget all about them. That's why I never pulled the trigger.

With such a small transom and not wanting to complicate the back end all that much I had decided on going with the 12x4 Lenco electric tab kit.
Very narrow tab, only 4 inches deep. Not sure if Bennett makes a limited clearance tab or not if you wanted hydraulic. I spec'd out electric tabs because of the limited room for the pump and motor. Didnt want to lose any storage.
Heres a link to the kit on Lenco's website:
http://www.lencomarine.com/index.php.../limited-space

Just today I ran a 22 Sailfish (which is a Seacraft hull knockoff) over to our yard for a storm haulout, and it happens to be fitted with those exact 12X4 Lenco tabs.
The wind out of the east on Nantucket Sound was making her ride bow down to port, so I gave the tabs a couple of clicks and she came right up level and ran great.
So for their small size they definitely help performance.

Looks like you can get them from Amazon for about $400 bucks. And it would probably be a couple of hours to install.
I haven't measured to see if they'll fit under the teak swim platform on the port side, but I think they will...


https://www.amazon.com/Lenco-15088-1.../dp/B001RMUM62

[caper]

I ran a 1975 20SF for 10 years - 4 years with a yamaha 130 2 stk and 6 years with a Johnson 175 2 stk. Never felt the need for tabs in all that time; engine trim was all that was required. Had the oil tank and batteries under the console and the boat was well balanced particularly with the 130. Presently running a 1975 23SF with 300 G1 Etec and can't imagine the boat without tabs.

[DonV]

"can't imagine the boat without tabs"

I'm with ya!! Every boat I've had for the last 40 years has had tabs (except the one I have for sale right now). It's not just the bow up and down attitude, it's the leveling of the boat side to side. Seems only heavy people like to stand on the side.

[uncleboo]

Originally Posted by DonV

....it's the leveling of the boat side to side. Seems only heavy people like to stand on the side.

I feel ya! That would be the only reason I would be interested. (I got some heavy friends).

[dginge]

I had a 1977 18sf and didn't have tabs and never felt like I needed them. The boat to me wasn't big enough for more than 3 adults anyway and so it seemed easy to move 6-8 inches to change the way the boat rode. It's a great riding boat for its class but the 20&23 are in a different league.

[NoBones]

For the cost of trim tabs as a whole even Jon Boats need trim tabs !

Just my 2¢ worth...

[PeterM]

Zach that boat looks pretty sweet. I swung by the lot the other day to have a look. I have think about whether that is the right size for what I want. May be calling you next week about a water test. Thx

[Eric B]

Would not know what to do without tabs on my 23 Sceptre........