trim tab question

[pogden]

I've been looking at trim tabs and brackets now for about a year. One thing I've noticed is that all the brackets I've seen don't appear to extend out to the far edge of the boat(about a foot narrower than the boat). This is where most of the trim tabs are placed.
It seems like you could get more flotation if the brackets were designed to go to the edge.
If this was the case, could trim tabs be mounted on the back of the bracket?
I've got a idea about a bracket that I think I'm going to try and build this spring/summer. I've got a Stainless Marine bracket that I will use as a base/and a mount for the motor(so I know it won't fall off LOL). Attached to that will be an aluminum frame covered with luan/glass/epoxy and filled with flotation foam. The bracket will follow the exact outline of the back/bottom of the boat. It may even extend a little past the engine mount for added flotation. With that I may not even need tabs, but if I do I may try to mount those at the rear of the bracket. Any thoughts or do you think I'm crazy.

[Dave Hirshberg]

You lost me somewhere. You've got a bracket but you want to build another to get more flotation? And then attach trim tabs to it?
As far as building a bracket that follows the hull contour I would advise against. By doing that you it could be said that you are extending the hulls running surface and you don't know how it will effect the performance boat. Personally I think SeaCraft got it right the first time and I wouldn't mess with what works. And ,I wouldn't attach anything to the bracket that dosent belong especially below the waterline. Its an invitation to corrosion with dissimilar metals (stainless screws and aluminum bracket).
My verdict--- Mount the bracket if you wish, but don't re-invent the wheel. Or in Jimmy Buffets words "Keep it simple , stupid" [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[pogden]

Dave,
The Stainless bracket has very little if any flotation. I was just trying to do anything except put out 3000.00 for a armstrong/seamark bracket. I forgot about the corrosion problems between metals in salt water, very good point.
As far as following the hull, I figured that would be the least negatory affect on the performance...but really I don't know anything about brackets, etc.
I don't ever argue with Jimmy, he seems to know what he's talking about [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Chuck,
Unfortunately the Stainless bracket has very little flotation, so I was just trying to get as much as I could.
I figured the tabs on the back of the bracket wouldn't be any different than on the stern with out a bracket. But thinking about it they would be further away and fighting a fish could be a big problem!!!

This is on a 78 MA and you know they are pretty stern heavy.
I have a line on a 2002 Mercury 200 for a pretty decent price, so I am a little concerned about the extra weight.
I won't get the motor if I can't get a decent bracket....hmmm I know where ther is a brand new armstrong bracket(less than a mile away) that has been lying on the ground for close to a year and a half, the grass is kinda high right around the bracket and I bet this guy would never miss it( hell for at least another year or two). Nahh who would I drink beer with then. Priorities

Thanks for the input guys I am fairly new at real boats, (all the little skiffs I had as a kid don't count).

[Tabman]

pogden,

You are correct in your thinking that the Tabs would have to be on the end of the bracket if it were designed as a "hull extention" by mimicing the hull bottom. but like the guys said, that is going to create issues on its own. If you do end up putting a conventional bracket on the boat, lets look at squeezing big Tabs to get the most lift we can ot offset some of the stern weight. Let me know what you do and I will be delighted to assist in specing the Tabs for the boat.

Tom McGow
Bennett Marine

[pogden]

Tom,
I will definitely contact you when I get tabs. You and your company are without a doubt A+++. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
Pat

[Finster]

Pat I think your starting at the wrong end on this. Get the boat restored or in shape to handle that big motor first, just my opinion...........you can tell me to shut up everyone else does.

[Capt Chuck]

pogden

It seems like you could get more flotation if the brackets were designed to go to the edge.

I think it would be difficult to extend the floation chamber out to the edge as you would have to modify it to match the exact deadrise of the transom. A single bracket provides approx 410lbs of bouyancy now, do you really need more [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

If this was the case, could trim tabs be mounted on the back of the bracket?

I think you would be asking for trouble, not just being dangerous, but having trim tabs extended out past the end of the bracket; Trailering, Docking, Swimming, Getting up and Down on the swim platform, a Fork lift, Backing down, Fighting a fish etc. would be an absolute nightmare [img]/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

Don't forget that you get the most effeciency with the tabs extended as far to the edge not aft! Also the tabs control Port/Starboard level as well [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

You asked for comments ao that's just my .02. Help me out guys! Tabman? Mark?