min planing speed

fishstu · #1 07-10-2005, 01:27 PM

What min planing speed can be obtained with a 20ft seacraft ?
Mine with a 150 merc EFI seems to have around a 20 mph + - 2 mph min planing speed.

Many thanks for any feed back

Briguy · #2 07-10-2005, 07:01 PM

With tabs down I can get down to 12 knots with my 23'.

nestorpr · #3 07-11-2005, 12:53 AM

Mine doesn't have tabs and with the outdrive properly trimmed I also plane at about 20 mph.

Fr. Frank · #4 07-11-2005, 01:59 AM

I have a 20' Seafari OB model with a 150 Merc. I need 20 mph to plane with the engine trimmed all the way down, and I can then back down to 18 mph before falling off plane. I've found that about 22-23 mph trimmed down is the best for choppy water.

peterb · #5 07-13-2005, 10:52 PM

I have a 23' w/twin engines and Bennett trim tabs. I, too, can plane at around 13 mph.

This is my first boat with trim tabs. They are one of the greatest inventions of all time. What a difference.

HatTrick · #6 07-14-2005, 02:49 PM

What are the best trim tabs for a 20' SeaCraft and where is the best place to get them?

NoBones · #7 07-15-2005, 12:38 AM

My SF 20 has 24 inch Bennetts on them with a 200HP Merc.,
21 inch LaserII prop. The big tabs help when you have a heavy load. (IE: me and my 3 250lb buddies) I can plane in
short order, and balance the boat no matter where
any one is standing. Use the racing style switch (4 button)
They have never failed me on the 2 boats I have. Good luck!!

RS · #8 07-18-2005, 09:30 AM

I had the Bennet M120 sport tabs that worked great. After a transom rebuild I went with Lenco Troll n Tabs using a 12x12 tab. That also works well. The boat is very responsive and I get the bow down at about 14 mph.