Do counter-rotating props and tabs a plus for a 22' boat?

3

320Bob

Active Member
Nov 2, 2009
1,314
AZ
Boat Info
2012 Chaparral 267 SSX Sold
Engines
Boatless
I am in the process of downsizing from a 32' cruiser to a 22' Bowrider. I plan to buy a new boat this time and wanted to know if a dual prop drive and trim tabs would improve performance on a boat this size. I would be using the new boat on a 5 mile long lake compared to Lake Michigan where I have my 320 now.
 
I had a duo prop drive on my 22' cuddy cabin and felt it performed great, just over 50 mph with a 5.7. I didn't feel like it needed tabs.
 
Joe,
My next sport boat question is how does your Volvo Penta engine/drive compare in terms of ease and cost of maintenance compared to the Mercruiser equivalent? One of the boats I am considering has a Volvo drive train.
 
Bob
Duo prop gives better low speed tracking, in forward and in reverse. Definitely a benefit in a single engine boat. As for tabs, I'd get them, DEFINITELY. Problem with smaller boats is sometimes weight distribution. Tabs allow you to level the boat when cruising without shuffling passengers. I wish I had them in my 19 footer back in the day.

DISCLAIMER: this is by no means license to run your boat with all the fat arses sitting on one side. Tabs are helpful if you have an ODD number of people aboard and you don't like to run with a list.
 
My last boat was a 22' bowrider, single 260HP with B3. I did not need any tabs. B3 very good at low speed especially in reverse.
 
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I use to own a Sea Ray 215 Express Cruiser with a 5.0 and Alpha drive(single prop) without trim tabs. The 240 Sun Deck I have now has the 350 Mag with dual prop Bravo III and Bennet trim tabs(think they are 12"x12"). I LOVE having both. No more wandering about at hull speed, much easier straight backing, no cavitation in the tight turns, I only use the tabs for balancing weight of passengers on plane. Nice to have when 8-10 people aboard. I would not buy a single engine boat without the dual props or trim tabs.
 
I think I'd want tabs on a 22' boat, because I wish I had them on my 18' boat (175). The issue, as Ron mentioned, is weight distribution. I have to always tell my guests where to sit. And even then in most cases she'll still cruise with a mild list to one side...
 
I had a Crownline 26' pocket cruiser and even on that boat the tabs were helpful with an uneven load. I'm not saying you'll need them to trim the boat when on plane. For me, they were helpful in levelling the boat port/stbd. Obviously there are differing opinions on this so you'll have to go with your gut.
 
rondds said:
I had a Crownline 26' pocket cruiser and even on that boat the tabs were helpful with an uneven load. I'm not saying you'll need them to trim the boat when on plane. For me, they were helpful in levelling the boat port/stbd. Obviously there are differing opinions on this so you'll have to go with your gut.
Click to expand...

Ron,
I will take your advice on both the dual prop drive and the tabs. I had a Bravo III drive on my Mariah so I know what your are talking about in reverse. One of the main reasons for downsizing is the Admiral want's to be able to dock the boat and won't try with the 320. Anything that keeps the Admiral happy is a worthwhile investment!:smt038 I also had to use tabs on this boat for weight distribution and it was 3,000 lbs heavier than the 22 foot sport boats I am looking at.
 
Bob sorry for the delay.

I have had a Volvo on my current boat and previous and I love it. Our next boat will also be a VP. Both have been a 5.7Gi with the DuoProp.
 
The tabs are a nice to have on a 22' on my 260 they were really needed for weight distribution, was less of an issue on the smaller boat - the dual prop is nice, but not a necessity on a 22' boat. The new Merc drives are very good and very few issues, the VP is a well proven drive with few issues and a better design.
 
I installed SmartTabs on my '05 220SD w/ a 5.0 MPI B3 and I really like what they have done to the ride. The two main benefits are greatly reduced bow rise on take off and a much improved (read: reduced porpoising) in chop with the drive still trimmed out about 25% from full down. For the $180 or so I spent on them, it was a no-brainer.
 
My wife's dad has 2006 240 sunsport with 5.0mpi 260Hp B3 setup and no trim tabs.
When two people onboard one at helm and the second even at port chair or aft chair no matter boat runs balanced on plane.
But if there is only one person even in a glass water with no wind boat lists a bit.
In windy and wavy seas I have to stand up and stay at the middle of two front chairs to balance the boat.
For him it's not an issue but if I'd have that boat I definetly install the trim tabs for listing(no need for planning).
 
I have a 21' boat and tabs, Use them quite a bit, Seems like when it's windy I can just give it a little tab and level it out, I really like them and my next bot will be sure to have them.

LK
 
I have a Bravo III with smart tabs on my 220 SD and it handles great! Much better than my 180 sport with the Alpha I.
 
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