Trim Tab Recommendation for 268 Sundancer

[MMcCawley]

I have a recently purchased 89 268 Sundancer with the factory Bennett trim tabs (which I believe are 12x9's). I had the boat out for the first time yesterday and she is definitely unstable both while coming on plane and while planing. I'm sure much of it is operator error (me getting use to the new systems) but I've also read that these boats have a tendency to be unstable. I've also read that the tabs that Sea Ray typically equipped these boats with from the factory are smaller than they should be. What size tabs would you recommend for this boat? Also, I'm considering the AT3000 system for the boat based on the comments/reviews that I've read on this site. Would you agree that this is a worthwhile upgrade?

Thanks for your time,
Matt McCawley

 

[Tabman]

Matt,

I's like to see a picture of your transom, I'll do an internet search in the meantime to see what I can find. Without a doubt 12 x 9 are way to small for that size boat. I think they may be 12 x 12, but even that is way too small. Installing larger Trim Tabs will make a big difference. We would recommend at least an 18 x 12 or larger Trim Tabs, but of course it depends on the space on the transom.

The Auto Tab Control is a great piece of equipment (but of course I'm a little biased). It is very easy to install even after the Trim Tabs are installed, so yu could run the Trim Tabs manually and see what you think before you purchase the ATC.

Ok, I'm off to see if I can find a picture of what your boat's transom looks like. I will post what I find.

Tom McGow
Bennett Marine

 

[Tabman]

I'm not having luck finding a picture of that year 268, so if you have a picture I'd be happy to see it.

Tom
Bennett Marine

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

I had the same boat a number of years ago and changed the small sport tabs to larger (wider and longer) regular tabs without having to change the ram position. It transformed the boat's handleing from a "tippy canoe" to a very sure footed platform, especially at lower speeds! I can't recall what the size actually was, but it was the maximum width without changing the rams and at least 4 inches deeper than stock. One of the easier mod's.

 

[dpmulvey]

You could have a local welding shop and have a stainless extension welded to the current tab. Worked great for me and a fellow poster in the eastern med. The math was crude but gave me what I needed. Let me know if I can be of assistance.

 

[MMcCawley]

Thank you all for your replies, I appreciate all of the input.

Tom, I took a couple of photos of my boats transom. I apologize, I didn't get home until after 9pm so the pictures are a little dark. Let me know if you need additional photos, I can take them after work tomorrow.

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r121/MMcCawley/1989%20Sea%20Ray%20286%20Sundancer/IMG_3142.jpg
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r121/MMcCawley/1989%20Sea%20Ray%20286%20Sundancer/IMG_3144.jpg
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r121/MMcCawley/1989%20Sea%20Ray%20286%20Sundancer/IMG_3146.jpg

Lastly, the tabs measure 12" wide by 11" long.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[Tabman]

Matt,

If it were my boat I would install 24" x 12" Trim Tabs;

I looks like there is plenty of room and you would not have to move the transducer.

Tom
Bennett Marine

 

[MMcCawley]

Tom, Would I need to add another actuator to each side or move the current actuator? If I add additional actuators, can I adjust the hydraulic pump flow to account for the additional cylinders? The tab movement seems to be borderline too slow as it is. As always, thanks for your help.

 

[Tabman]

Matt,

One actuator is fine, it will just have to be moved to the middle of the Trim Tab. Can you tell me how long it takes for one Trim Tab to go from full up to full down?

Tom
Bennett Marine

 

[MMcCawley]

Tom, I've never really timed it but if I had to guess it's somewhere in the 10 second range. There very well could be something going on with my system. When I had it out this past weekend the tabs didn't seem like they were going all the way down. I've had the cylinders off recently so I may have some additional air to bleed out of the system. With that said, even when they were reaching full travel their response seemed slower that I would have expected.