Trim Tabs

[Manic Moore]

http://www.imsupplies.co.uk/product.php?pr...page=1&featured

 

 

The address above is to a site selling trim tabs now made in composite and down to

[gaffa]

These look very good value.

 

However If I was looking to replace my Burnett Hydraulic Tabs I would seriously consider the Vertical ones as they are also made of composite ,electrically driven and seem more robust due to their simple vertical movement and short operating range.

 

I read a report on them some time back which gave them the thumbs up .They are extremely effective and have a fast operating time and are very easy to install.

 

If I fitted these I could not only dispense with my current trim tab anodes but could also fit a permanent Boarding Ladder.(No space between tabs and engine or edge of hull)

 

I thought they were designed and distributed through Volvo but could be mistaken.

 

PeteG

[Paul D]

Gordon,

 

Do you think the tab will be OK when launched at Lymington and bent aorund 90 degrees after hitting the bottom

 

I guess in composite you will have to be more careful of doing such things, since I have managed to straighten my stainless ones out twice now due to 2 mishaps ( one when setting up my new trailor )

[Manic Moore]

 

 

Paul

 

In the nicest possible way, I'm not sure if there are any models that are "Dore proof"

[TomBettle]

These look very good value.

 

However If I was looking to replace my Burnett Hydraulic Tabs I would seriously consider the Vertical ones as they are also made of composite ,electrically driven and seem more robust due to their simple vertical movement and short operating range.

 

I read a report on them some time back which gave them the thumbs up .They are extremely effective and have a fast operating time and are very easy to install.

 

If I fitted these I could not only dispense with my current trim tab anodes but could also fit a permanent Boarding Ladder.(No space between tabs and engine or edge of hull)

 

I thought they were designed and distributed through Volvo but could be mistaken.

 

PeteG

Pete

 

You are thinking of QL Tabs which are distributed by Volvo agents.

 

Very very effective. They work by creating huge amounts of drag, the downside is a somewhat higher fuel bill and considerably lower performance.

On smaller boats, Bennett's and Lenco's may be preferable. whilst very effective, they cause a bit less drag, but they have the effect of providing a perceived loger waterline length to the boat which helps sea keeping considerably.

 

In any case, I would 100% recommend adjustable tabs of one sort or another to the ever popular smart tab styles.

Nothing particularly wrong with smart tabs apart from their lack of adjustment. It's great having a nicely dropped nose in a head sea, but that's the last thing you want in a following sea. It's in these circumstances that automatically adjustable tabs win hands down.

 

Tom

[gaffa]

Tom,

I agree with you 100percent.

 

I am very pleased with my tabs other than a couple of issues.

 

1. I have to keep an eye on the anodes on the tabs I have 1 large and 1 medium sized anode on per Tab to get me through a season .The original medium one requires replacing twice per year.

 

2. I only have the basic two rocker switch controls -bow up /bow down and have no indication of actual trim tab position.

This has given me a few heart stopping moments when over adjusting on the one tab.

Initially there is no immediate response so I give it a few more seconds of bow down (normally I choose the WRONG tab ) and then it suddenly bites and the boat heals over cos I 've overdone it on the one side : :

If I new where each tab was relative to its full up and down range I guarantee it wouldn't happen again. At least I'd know which tab to choose.

 

I see that some more sophisticated controllers are now being made with position indication available but I dont know if I can retrofit them to mine.

 

I dont think I could get on with the smart tabs after experiencing the adjustable ones.They have such an effect on the boats performance and wave handling capability

 

Re the QL Tabs I dont like the sound of Higher fuel bills and loss of performance, I think I'll stick with what I 've got

 

PeteG

 

 

[Brian]

Pete

 

If you've got Bennett Trim tabs you can retro-fit position indicators.

You will find all you need regarding info and advice Here .

 

Regards,

Brian

Edited October 1, 2007 by Brian

[gaffa]

Cheers Brian,

 

I will trawl through at my leisure

 

PeteG