Trim tabs required?

[rbcoomer]

Hi Mark,
Wow, a lot of water under the keel since this post! ?
I'd look at smart tabs for your 15, we have a 15 GTO and they transformed the handling and getting on the plane. Smart tabs are much cheaper than trim tabs and although you don't have the same control, I don't think you don't really need at that size. You'll gain stability and stern lift which is all we needed for our use. With larger boats or longer cruises with wind on beam etc you would want the extra control and adjustment of full trim tabs. We have trim tabs on the Portofino 25 and do use them. Not sure about the Arrowbolt that I raised the question about back in 2012 as that's still a work in progress/pending (?), but for under 20' I'd certainly try smart tabs first. I have moved our 15' Fletcher's tank from the stern to the bow and that also made a big difference to balance. (the metal tank in stern was leaking, so I had to change anyway.)
Where are you based and what outboard do you have on the Fletcher?
Cheers,
Rob

 

[sparticus71]

Hi Rob,
Thanks for coming back to me, I live near Ascot and the boat’s in Wareham, not ideal but it seemed a good idea at the time. I’ve got a 60hp Evinrude, for which I need to replace the prop (failed to navigate the sandbanks at low tide). My thinking is to get it back home and give it some TLC then find a better location next summer.
When you installed the new tank did you need to remove the dashboard facia and have you installed a filling cap to the exterior? I’m thinking of dropping in a fuel gage and flow meter so that I can see how much time I’ve got left on the water.
do you have any recommendations for smart tabs?
Cheers Mark

 

[DavidJ]

hi rbcoomer......i have eltrim,s on my S24...as the name says they are electric not hydraulic which would cut out lots of "plumbing"..they can also be used "individualy" for fine adjustment underway...it took me yonks to get the "knack" of how sensitive they are BUT, on a calm day, a small "tweek" on them can give me upto 1.5knts for no extra revs !!!!...and as you say, they really can help with "bodies" moving about..sorry i can help with any other makes of tabs...regards steve

The Eltrim have got to be the simplest to fit. I’ve had them on all my 3 Sealines and as long as you replace the little bellows (easy job) every 3 or 4 years then totally reliable.
I just use mine for side on winds and to save moving people around.

 

[rbcoomer]

Hi Rob,
Thanks for coming back to me, I live near Ascot and the boat’s in Wareham, not ideal but it seemed a good idea at the time. I’ve got a 60hp Evinrude, for which I need to replace the prop (failed to navigate the sandbanks at low tide). My thinking is to get it back home and give it some TLC then find a better location next summer.
When you installed the new tank did you need to remove the dashboard facia and have you installed a filling cap to the exterior? I’m thinking of dropping in a fuel gage and flow meter so that I can see how much time I’ve got left on the water.
do you have any recommendations for smart tabs?
Cheers Mark

Hi Mark,
Tank fitted in the ski-hole with a deck filler and a vent to the side of the bow (make sure you angle rearward to avoid risk of spray ingress). I fitted a 90L plastic tank with fuel sender.
Smart-tabs are by Nauticus Smart Tabs SX – Nauticus Incorporated but you'll find them in UK. There are different sizes so make sure you get the right ones for 16' boat. They have some adjustment - I used lightest setting, too harsh and you'll just create drag on the plane. They need to be soft enough that the flow of water pushes them level with the hull when on the plane, but can 'dig in' a little to push down the bow at lower speed.
I would move tank first as you may not then need them?
Cheers,
Robin