Mac549
New Member
I am looking for some advice on trim tabs. My boat has plenty of power, no problem with hole shot but the rough chop kills me and my passengers. I have been looking at Bennett hydraulic tabs. Not sure if that will cure the problem
Trim Tabs
- Thread starter Mac549
- Start date
bushway9172
New Member
- Apr 11, 2009
- 490
- Boat Info
- 270 Select EX 2009
- Engines
- 496 Mag DTS
375 Horsepower
Bravo III
Trim tabs sound like they would really help your situation. Not sure how familiar you are with how they work, but they will do miracles in not-so-comfortable conditions. Lowering the bow really helps cutting through waves, but does usually result in some water coming over the windshield (from the action of the boat cutting into each wave), but it definitely makes a much smoother ride. On the other hand, on those days when you really can't afford to get wet (rare since you're ON A BOAT...), then you can ride with the bow up, but this certainly makes for a bumpier ride.
Good look, you should be amazed by the result.
I'm able to cut right through 1-4 foot chop without a problem. On the other hand, when we're going over larger waves (especially from ferries or yachts), I prefer to slow it down and raise the bow, to make sure we don't get drenched.
Good look, you should be amazed by the result.
I'm able to cut right through 1-4 foot chop without a problem. On the other hand, when we're going over larger waves (especially from ferries or yachts), I prefer to slow it down and raise the bow, to make sure we don't get drenched.
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Yes, I think you will find they will make a VERY noticeable difference. If you have the room to mount the hydraulics, there is certainly nothing wrong with the Bennett system. An easier install (and also a very good company and reliable system) would be using Lenco electric tabs. In fact, the new Pachanga uses Lenco's.
Mr Happy
New Member
- Jan 12, 2007
- 117
- Boat Info
- 1991 Sea Ray 225 BR
Suburban
- Engines
- 5.7L
This is my 3rd boat and the first with trim tabs. As you can see I have a bigger version of yours. I do like the trim tabs. Bushway makes some great points.
You can move the boat around according to the situation. Like to much weight on one side, or the wind or current pulling or pushing your boat. Trim tabs can do a lot to correct these situations.
The only thing I do not like is that for me to reset the trim tabs I have to turn the boat off. Maybe different on new tabs but mine are almost 20 years old. It would be nice to have a trim tab indicator too. But they are an expensive addition, $389.00. I don't need it that much.
Anyway good luck. Mine are Bennets. From reading posts over the years I would go with trim tabs and not smart tabs.
You can move the boat around according to the situation. Like to much weight on one side, or the wind or current pulling or pushing your boat. Trim tabs can do a lot to correct these situations.
The only thing I do not like is that for me to reset the trim tabs I have to turn the boat off. Maybe different on new tabs but mine are almost 20 years old. It would be nice to have a trim tab indicator too. But they are an expensive addition, $389.00. I don't need it that much.
Anyway good luck. Mine are Bennets. From reading posts over the years I would go with trim tabs and not smart tabs.
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Mac549
New Member
Thanks alot, I think I will go with the Bennett hydraulic tabs.
I'm installing tabs on my boat this winter. Doing the Lenco tabs for their simplicity and price.
tobnpr
New Member
Trimming the bow down usally helps, but depends somewhat on the hull's running surface. Assuming you've got a sharper deadrise (entry) forward, the idea is to have that area "break" the waves instead of the flatter area aft.
What effect does trimming your drive all the way in have? If that doesn't improve the ride in head seas, I doubt trim tabs will do so- they both lower the bow.
Either way, tabs (and I'd buy Bennets as well) will be a welcome addition as they'll also help level the boat due to wind and uneven loads.
What effect does trimming your drive all the way in have? If that doesn't improve the ride in head seas, I doubt trim tabs will do so- they both lower the bow.
Either way, tabs (and I'd buy Bennets as well) will be a welcome addition as they'll also help level the boat due to wind and uneven loads.
