Trim Tabs in Boat Mechanics Forum

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Trim Tabs

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Topwater	Trim Tabs		Lead	[-]
Sea Worthy Posts: 30 12/27/11 02:12 PM - 1 Limits 2012	Tags : None Anyone running smart tabs on thier boat. I have a Johnsen 15' skiff with a Johnson 15hp. Thinking about installing smart tabs. I will be looking for and rebuilding a 25hp to put on it next year. I am also fixing to build a bracket and raise motor to the proper height.
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Capt Frank		#1	[url]	[-]
Posts: 433 12/28/11 03:50 AM Captain USCG Licensed OAK HILL - 2 Limits 2011	Nice little rig! I've never had a boat with Smart Tabs, I'm saving for some Lenco's. Fish like the next cast will produce a trophy of a lifetime! http://www.captfrank...neservices.com/ Shallow-Minded Fishing Charters of Mosquito Lagoon
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Sleepless		#2	[url]	[-]
Capt's Pet Posts: 211 12/28/11 09:25 AM	I researched tabs by Smart Tab, Lenco and Bennett for several months before I finally purchased the Lenco 9 X 12" kit. There are several reviews of all three online, and the Smart Tabs were not considered a wise investment. Bennett is good, but the Lenco's are easier to install and maintain. After reading everything I could find about trim tabs, I chose the Lenco tabs and a CMC jack plate. I expected greatly improved performance and handling, but never installed the tabs due to unexpected health problems, so I have no actual experience with them. If you are set on the Smart Tabs, used sets are often available online at very low prices. Both the Bennett and the Lenco products are pricey, but much more highly rated by most. BTW, I may soon have my 2008 Key Largo 160 outfit (less than 25 hours running time), trim tab package and jack plate for sale this winter. It has been sitting since 2009, other than being run with muffs on a monthly basis. Titusville
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Topwater		#3	[url]	[-]
Sea Worthy Posts: 30 12/28/11 12:36 PM - 1 Limits 2012	I was hoping someone had the smart tabs on thier boat. I had Bennett on my 22' Sea pro and they worked flawless for the 7 years I had it. Just weighing all my options as 2 kids in college take a big bite out of the budget. Thanks for your reply.
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CaptLeeNoga		#4	[url]	[-]
Posts: 7783 12/31/11 02:21 PM Captain USCG Licensed NEW SMYRNA DELTONA	Let me ask you guys... My skiff lost its weight balancing when the gas tank got sealed out due to sending unit [manuf out of business] and do not feel like tearing out floor. So I am red canned under console. I put in a aluminum wedge behind engine to get another 8 degrees trim [negative], that helped to pull down bow. I had the prop pitched from 12 to a 11, and got 300 more rpm's... Would tabs help me since I do not have the weight of 15 gallons of gas at the bow...is my gravity distribution so screwed up nothing will help short of ripping floor up and putting in new tank etc... Any thoughts Sleepless and others?
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Sleepless		#5	[url]	[-]
Capt's Pet Posts: 211 12/31/11 04:11 PM	I doubt if you ran with a full tank of fuel very often, so the weight loss in the bow should not be all that great. When I installed my trolling motor, I located the deep cycle batteries under the front deck and that is where I also store my anchors. My only point here is to move any such items in your boat forward if you can. If you have a passenger, have him or her sit in front of the console. This alone makes a big difference in the way my boat performs. BTW, both of our outfits are fairly small (mine is 16' with a 50 Yamaha) so a simple relocation of moveables can make a world of difference. Trim tabs would help, but first try lightening the load near the stern. Bob Titusville
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CaptLeeNoga		#6	[url]	[-]
Posts: 7783 12/31/11 04:21 PM Captain USCG Licensed NEW SMYRNA DELTONA	I have my batts and anchors forward...what is the biggest plus for having tabs? Is this more shallow water fishing vs tidal? I understand the need for a jack plate...not real sure on tabs. Thanks Bob, for answering
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Topwater		#7	[url]	[-]
Sea Worthy Posts: 30 01/01/12 08:09 AM - 1 Limits 2012	My thoughts are in order to run a more efficient angle on the prop without having tilt & trim that tabs would bring the bow down while lifting the stern. I don't want to have anything real heavy in the front besides me because that is where I am fishing from.
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castnet	I installed smart tabs on my 14' roughneck	#8	[url]	[-]
Sea Worthy Posts: 21 01/07/12 07:34 PM	I put Smart Tabs SX on my 14' Lowe's roughneck jon boat and they really helped to improve my planning time and also helps/allows low speed planning. I first tried a whale tail and was not happy with it at all. A friend of mine recommended smart tabs as he installed them on his 17' whaler. I am glad I installed the smart tabs and for a small boat they work really good. I had bennetts on a 23' sea pro and they also worked great. The nice thing about the smart tabs is no hydraulic or electric motor needed to operate. I also installed the extra cost PR500 up/down mounting clips, which allow me to manually raise them when beaching boat so I won't accidentally damage my smart tabs. I got them at bass pro in orlando.
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Frankk		#9	[url]	[-]
Posts: 533 01/08/12 09:30 AM	Trim tabs convert thrust (power from the engine) into lift. It comes at a cost of reduced fuel efficiency. Try to relocate passengers and gear to make the boat plane out at as low a speed as possible and then use the least tab setting needed. Frankk
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Sleepless		#10	[url]	[-]
Capt's Pet Posts: 211 01/08/12 09:00 PM	Frankk is absolutely correct. Anytime trim tabs are used, fuel efficiency decreases because they create "lift" and they also create a drag at the same time. As I mentioned before, and Frank reiterates, move items from the stern to the helm first to attain better weight distribution. Trim tabs will get you on plane quicker, but once on plane, minimal use is best. Another advantage of trim tabs (not Smart Tabs) is that they can compensate for off-center loads by using either the left or the right tab to level the hull. Titusville
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Topwater		#11	[url]	[-]
Sea Worthy Posts: 30 01/16/12 05:33 PM - 1 Limits 2012	I appreciate your replies and input on trim tabs.
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