Trim Tabs? Before and after.

[kybishop]

I have a question to those that have installed trim tabs on there boat. I have a 1982 210 Cuddy (in my sig). I was wondering if anyone has installed trim tabs and would like to hear how it affected performance, a before and after. I am wondering if it helps coming to plane quicker when loaded a bit or pulling a couple tubers with a load. The cuddy is quick to plane typically but can be harder when loaded (not me, the boat). Any boat I know is slower to plane with loads but like to know if the trim tabs help. Our sundancer has trim tabs and they are nice to have. My brother was told to put the trim tabs down when trying to come up on plane, it helps to lift it up and out. Just contemplating on putting them on the cuddy and if it would be worth it.

Thanks.

 

[Lazy Daze]

I added them to my '00 215EC. Absolutely night and day difference. It's amazing what those two little sheets of metal can do for a boat. Do it, for sure. :smt001

Do you feel it is worth it to have it on your Dancer? Tabs will have more of an impact on your smaller boat - assuming you get the same size tabs.

 

[midway]

They are well worth the money and effort. I put Smart Tabs on my 185 Sport and they are great there are a couple things I can not do with them that adjustable tabs will do, but only a couple. Get tabs it will probably be the best money you will ever spend on your boat.

 

[kybishop]

Yes, they are definately worth it on the Dancer.

So, do you guys put the trim tabs all the way down when trying to get up on plane? We have not tried that with the Sundancer. We have kept them up when getting up on plane. Mainly use them to level the boat out once up.

What brand do you guys like? Bennett, the Sport M120 for my 21' Cuddy? http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/catalog.php?vID=78&catHome=1

Sounds like a winter project for the Cuddy for sure!

Thanks for the comments. Makes the decision easy.

KB

 

[midway]

In my case Smart Tabs are operated by a gas cylinder, they go down when you slow down, so they are always down when you take off. Now instead of rolling the throttle wot to get on plane I just bring the rpms to about 3500 and am on plane. I would say down to get on plane as they provide lift to get the heavy stern on top of the water. If I was going to by helm controlled tabs it would be Bennetts, they have a very good reputation and provide excellent customer support. Also Nauticus provides excellent customer support for Smart Tabs. Smart Tabs are automatic with the gas cylinder, you do not have helm control with them as you would with Bennetts.

 

[KRB64]

So the gas cyclinder works by resistance then? Water flowing under/past forces them up?

 

[sprink56]

Get the Bennet kit and do this. I did it to an 18' Formula many years ago and will tell you it was one of the best mods I ever made. It will transform your boat.:thumbsup:

 

[midway]

So the gas cyclinder works by resistance then? Water flowing under/past forces them up?

Yes the cylinders work by resistance, they are gas shocks that hold the plates against the water, while running they lift, when you slow down they lower.

 

[Lazy Daze]

If you want an easier install, check out Lenco's electric tabs. Very nice!

 

[boatrboy]

I used Bennett on an 18 ft four winns bow rider and like everyone has said - big difference. I also like the controllable ones so when everyone sits on one side, I can level the boat easily.