Install Trim Tabs yay or nay?

[slomaro]

While I've got my 220 OV out of the water this winter I'm planning on a few projects. The boat handles pretty well, but it's also my first one so I am somewhat uneducated. Those of you who have added Trim Tabs to a similarly sized 22 foot boat, was it worth it? Are there any brands you recommend?

 

[Lazy Daze]

Trim tabs will absolutely make a night and day difference in your hole shot and the ability to stay on plane at a slower speed/RPM - especially with a bigger load in the boat. You could play with a lower pitch prop - but tabs will still beat a prop hands down.

Considerations:

-- "True" trim tabs (controlled hydraulically or electrically) are not inexpensive and take some time to install

-- Smart Tabs (look them up... made by Nautilus) are much less expensive and easier to install

-- True trim tabs will give you better control

-- True trim tabs require you to control them - or option for the "auto" version

My suggestion? Do the Smart Tabs. I personally like true trim tabs, but Smart Tabs give you most of the benefits for less cost/install time. Especially since you're new to boating, Smart Tabs will be easier.

 

[slomaro]

Trim tabs will absolutely make a night and day difference in your hole shot and the ability to stay on plane at a slower speed/RPM - especially with a bigger load in the boat. You could play with a lower pitch prop - but tabs will still beat a prop hands down.

Considerations:

-- "True" trim tabs (controlled hydraulically or electrically) are not inexpensive and take some time to install

-- Smart Tabs (look them up... made by Nautilus) are much less expensive and easier to install

-- True trim tabs will give you better control

-- True trim tabs require you to control them - or option for the "auto" version

My suggestion? Do the Smart Tabs. I personally like true trim tabs, but Smart Tabs give you most of the benefits for less cost/install time. Especially since you're new to boating, Smart Tabs will be easier.

Install isn't an issue, but the Nauticus tabs definitely save some dollars. That might be the way to go and an easy project to get them on.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Install isn't an issue, but the Nauticus tabs definitely save some dollars. That might be the way to go and an easy project to get them on.

Sure, if you're doing it yourself, then that negates the labor fee... or at least the labor payable to someone else

It's not a "hard" install - and honestly, in your boat (being an older one) it's actually easier than some of the newer boats as you have better access to run the wires to the dash.

Keep in mind that you're drilling holes below the waterline so seal them properly.

 

[Scott215]

I would go with electric or hydraulic tabs more control they're very easy to get used to Don't be scared of them this is my first boat with them and figure them out the first or second time in the water

 

[Maggieiscrazy]

I have trim tabs on my 240 Sundancer and rarely use them. They’re nice to have when I do need them but I certainly wouldn’t make the investment if my boat didn’t have them.

 

[highslice]

I had tabs on my 240 SD and now on my SLX. I would not buy another boat without tabs.

 

[slomaro]

I have trim tabs on my 240 Sundancer and rarely use them. They’re nice to have when I do need them but I certainly wouldn’t make the investment if my boat didn’t have them.

Is that because you have them set in a spot that works for you and you don’t adjust them? Also curious if the boat always had them or if you added them?

 

[Maggieiscrazy]

Is that because you have them set in a spot that works for you and you don’t adjust them? Also curious if the boat always had them or if you added them?

I always keep them all the way up. The only time I use them is when I have several people on one side of the boat and I have to compensate. They came from the factory with them.

 

[keokie]

Trim tabs give you a significant level of control over the running attitude of the vessel that cannot be achieved with anything else. I don't use them very often, but it is great to have them there every time they are needed.

 

[Bill Curtis]

OOPs dbl post. See below

 

[Bill Curtis]

While I've got my 220 OV out of the water this winter I'm planning on a few projects. The boat handles pretty well, but it's also my first one so I am somewhat uneducated. Those of you who have added Trim Tabs to a similarly sized 22 foot boat, was it worth it? Are there any brands you recommend?

Added to my '95 220OV Sig Select - "almost" same boat as you have. I did the Bennett hydraulic trim tabs.

Probably the single best mod to a deep V hull boat.
Better handling overall
Better manners at all speeds, especially at idle speeds (helps tame bow wander)
Easy to compensate for off balance loads, especially in a smaller boat.
Especially on the smaller boat, using them in conjunction with the trim / tilt, ie: hitting the sweet spot, huge gains in performance and fuel consumption.

 

[Chris-380]

Install isn't an issue, but the Nauticus tabs definitely save some dollars. That might be the way to go and an easy project to get them on.

I installed smart tabs on a 19’ boat more than a decade ago. They were great, helped a lot with faster planing, and staying on plane at slower speeds. I would prefer full tabs for leveling, but for the cost and effort, the smart tabs were awesome!

 

[slomaro]

Added to my '95 220OV Sig Select - "almost" same boat as you have. I did the Bennett hydraulic trim tabs.

Probably the single best mod to a deep V hull boat.
Better handling overall
Better manners at all speeds, especially at idle speeds (helps tame bow wander)
Easy to compensate for off balance loads, especially in a smaller boat.
Especially on the smaller boat, using them in conjunction with the trim / tilt, ie: hitting the sweet spot, huge gains in performance and fuel consumption.

Well I think that seals the deal, no real reason to not go with some tabs. Off balance loads are something I'm very interested in so I think that leaves me with electric and hydraulic options!

 

[Lazy Daze]

Well I think that seals the deal, no real reason to not go with some tabs. Off balance loads are something I'm very interested in so I think that leaves me with electric and hydraulic options!

And... I'm willing to bet the first time you use them for balancing the loads that the boat is going to list way over to (for example) stbd... then way over to port as you (over) correct... then way over to stbd...

It pretty much happens to everyone when using them for the first time The boat takes a second or two to react. Meaning, if you hold the button down till you get the boat to the right attitude and then let go of the button... you've already held it down too long. You kinda have to hold it down for a second or so... then pause and see what happens. Sometimes, only half second bursts. Over time, you'll get a real good sense of how long to hold it down for the change you desire and it will become second nature.

 

[highslice]

Well I think that seals the deal, no real reason to not go with some tabs. Off balance loads are something I'm very interested in so I think that leaves me with electric and hydraulic options!

If you pull tubes, skiers or wake boarders the tabs will be invaluable. Load balancing is also awesome. I also use mine in rough water to keep the bow down and keep from pounding.

 

[Espos4]

They are also great for getting on plane in shallow water.

With tabs down and shift a little weight forward, the boat jumps on plane quickly.

 

[keokie]

So, I have been actively working on boats for over 30 years. I have done full restorations and worked on all systems. The only thing I have never had to repair or address on any boat is Bennet trim tabs. Just wanted to share that piece of info, as you decide what system to use.

 

[slomaro]

So, I have been actively working on boats for over 30 years. I have done full restorations and worked on all systems. The only thing I have never had to repair or address on any boat is Bennet trim tabs. Just wanted to share that piece of info, as you decide what system to use.

Do you lean electric or hydraulic with current offerings? My space is somewhat limited so I'm thinking electric, but I also run only a single 24m battery.

 

[highslice]

Do you lean electric or hydraulic with current offerings? My space is somewhat limited so I'm thinking electric, but I also run only a single 24m battery.

Mine are electric over hydraulic. You won't be operating them when the engine is off, so no worries on battery size or number.