Trim tab sizes

follybob · #1 10-11-2007, 05:59 PM

I'm thinking about adding trim tabs on my 18'. What size/style would you recommend for this boat? Do you think this would be worthwhile on a boat this small? Any opinions would be appreciated.

mbo_1971 · #2 10-11-2007, 08:07 PM

I know some on here will chime in. Im going to say Bennett M90's for you, but I would also suggest checking out the trimtab forum on TheHulTruth.com. Ask the same question with the exact make model and motor on the forum and a Bennett employee (Tabman) will reply if not on the forum, then directly to you. He advised M120s for me ('84 20' SF with 200 Yami HPDI on the back). Didnt get them, got a sweet deal on some 9x12's from Hermco - thanks Don!!!

TUGBOAT · #3 10-11-2007, 11:46 PM

"TABMAN" has been known to lurk around this site too. I think He may answer If Ya Just Hail for Him 3 times Drink a bottle of Turkey,Captain or "T" When Ya wake up He'll be Here!. Heck trim tabs on a Zodiac will work. 90's are the size. I have 120's on my 20/ma & use very lil' of em' Touchy.

follybob · #4 10-11-2007, 11:55 PM

Working on the Turkey..

. Are Bennetts the way to go?

TUGBOAT · #5 10-12-2007, 12:09 AM

Yep!

bigeasy1 · #6 10-12-2007, 10:10 AM

I would think 9x12 tabs would be good for your 18 footer.

The folks at Bennett recommended 12x12 drop fin tabs for my 23 Tsunami.Actually,they said that they would like to see 9x24's on my boat,but because of the Seacraft hull design,it can't be done.
The drop fin tabs,have a 3" drop edge on them,which give much more lift than a standard tab,according to the people at Bennett.

I also have a 21'Trophy and have 9x12 standard tabs on it.They make a ton of difference in the handling dept.I'd be lost without them.

I think any boat,no matter the size,can get big improvements from a set of tabs.

Blue197320 · #7 10-13-2007, 02:24 AM

i have bennet m120s on my 20. they seem to make all the difference on it. in the 3-4 times ive had the boat out since adding them they have been great. today i was in quartering seas and lifted the side of the bow going into the waves and its much drier.

follybob · #8 10-20-2007, 12:04 AM

Thanks for all the input, I really appreciate the help.

76Red18 · #9 10-23-2007, 03:30 PM

I have the Bennet M90's on my 18. I'd say the benefit is even greater on a smaller, lighter hull because you can keep the bow down in a heavy "chop". I don't use them in a heavy "sea" and definitly not in a following sea. The mounting instructions said to leave 4-5" between the tab and edge of the hull. There wasn't enough flat surface to do that, so I put them about an inch away. It doesn't seem to cause any problems.