Trim tabs on 2008 185 sport

[Cashy]

G'day all,

I just joined and this is is my first post so please excuse me if this has been asked before.

As the subject states we have an 08 185 sport and are looking at getting trim tabs. We predominantly boat in a large bay (Moreton) which gets heavily affected by nor'easters. The ride out is always great but coming home it can be a shocker. We wouldn't worry so much except that we have young children and it's a bit much for them when it's bad.

Has anyone installed trim tabs on a 185 sport or similar who boats in choppy conditions? Did it make a notable difference?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Cashy.

 

[OllieC]

I won't get into the size of your boat vs. conditions/locations, although that would be the first thing I would consider.

The trim tabs on our Weekender in my opinion are the best option installed on the boat. When I was caught in heavy seas on Lake Superior, it definitely helped to keep my bow down while heading into the waves. That also works excellent in chop to minimize porpoising. Following seas is the opposite, keeping the bow high while in the trough. The size of your 185 should allow you to install electric tabs.

Hope this helps, and stay safe.

Ollie

 

[dvx216]

With your length of boat putting the outdrive all the way down during these conditions will also help keep your bow down.You will find that the weight and length of your boat is also the reason your ride is so uncomfortable in these conditions . My boat is fitted with tabs and when Lake Erie is ugly even with tabs down which does help the ride is still pretty rough. I've learned that the boat will take more then I'm willing or should I say my wife is willing to put up with.

 

[Cashy]

Thanks Ollie.
Yep totally agree re size of boat, this is our second after getting out of a Haines signature 530c. Wanted a more family orientated boat. Selling for a larger craft is on my mind however I'd like to see what we can do with the 185 first.
cheers and happy new year.

 

[Cashy]

Thanks. The cost of install vs improvement in ride is what I'm trying to ascertain. Do you think the tabs make a big difference in poor conditions?
Cheers.