CalicoJim

Tabman,
My boat is a 28' Seaworthy (BHM) with a single inboard engine. This is a semi-displacement downeast style boat which cruises at about 18 to 20 knots. The bow on my boat runs high which sometimes make it difficult to see over the bow. Would trim tabs help to bring the bow down without having any negative effects on the boats overall performance? If so, what size and type of trim tabs would be best? What would the best mounting location be (i.e. height and distance in from the boats sides)? What other trim tab controls or accessories would also be recommended?
Jim

Tabman

Jim,

Nice boat! A semi displacement boar can REALLY benefit from adding Tabs. They will let you get the bow down and properly installed and sized Tabs will extened the performance envelope of your boat quite a bit.

The Trick is to make sure they are large enough to do the job. Smallest I would fit would be 24" x 12" but if she were mine 30" x 12". The Tabs want to be set in about 4" from the chines for best results both fore and aft as well as side by side.

On a new installation installing indicators is a nice option.

I hope this helps.

Tom
Bennett Marine

CalicoJim

Tom,
Thanks for getting back to me so fast. You confirmed what others have told me. I will most likely pickup a set of trim tabs over the winter and install them before I put my boat in the water this spring. I am still trying to decide on whether to go with the Bennet's or Lenco's. So far I am leaning towards the 30" x 12" Bennet's with the Auto trim tab retractor and the Trim indicators.
One more question:
What is the horizontal distance from the bottom of the trim tab to the center point of where the piston mounts to the transom?
Thanks,
Jim

Tabman

Jim,

Depending on the size actuator used and the angle which the bottom of the hull meets the transom it can be from about 12-1/2" (standard kit) down to about 8-1/2" (shorter actuators). If you have any feature that limits the height, such as a swim platform let me know. It is easy to swap out actuators to get the best fit.

Tom
Bennett Marine

CalicoJim

Tom,
Thanks again, you have been very helpful.
Jim

buzzard11

Did you ever get the tabs on and how did it perform?