Fitting Trim Tabs

Chris · 08 February 2010, 21:39

Job Done !

The most painful part of the whole job was moving the sounder into the hull ! once this was done it only took a few hours to fit the tabs & control panel and then run the wiring.

The tabs are very much plug and play with a couple of 2 core cables that run from the actuators through the transom into the Osprey transom boxes, then another pair of extension cabels that run up both trunks to the console all connected with Deutch Connectors. A control box sits in the console and then a control panel fitted into the top of the console controls the tabs.

Simple really just lots of measuring and drilling of holes!

Searider · 09 February 2010, 21:54

Hi Chris,

Let us know how you get on with those. They're nice and quick acting and the display is good and clear.

I would have thought that the reinforced ones might be needed on an "enthusiastically" driven boat though?

Sonar · 09 February 2010, 22:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Searider

Hi Chris,

Let us know how you get on with those. They're nice and quick acting and the display is good and clear.

I would have thought that the reinforced ones might be needed on an "enthusiastically" driven boat though?

I have fitted trim tabs before but not on a rib.

I have heard now there is another type of trim tab it is a metal flap that pushes vertically
into the water opposed to pressing down on it.

I have not seen any as yet but understand it looks like a flat plate fixed to the hull.

Chris · 10 February 2010, 11:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Searider

Hi Chris,

Let us know how you get on with those. They're nice and quick acting and the display is good and clear.

I would have thought that the reinforced ones might be needed on an "enthusiastically" driven boat though?

Hi Searider. Yes I looked into the reinforced ones and it was a lot of money for very little more strength unless you go up to the full racing spec ones which cost loads. I decided to have these ones strengthened myself and will be having a frame welded to the top of the tab that will make them very strong.

Maximus · 10 February 2010, 20:07

Looks a nice job mate,...but I wouldn't expect any less!

It will be very interesting to see how much they enhance handling!

Dirk Diggler · 10 February 2010, 20:26

Hopefully the photo is deceiving, but it looks like they're mounted too close to the running surface. You should always have them 1/4" to 3/8" min above bottom of boat!

gtflash · 11 February 2010, 22:14

I have lenco tabs with tactile switch... The trim tabs are awsome and very responsive.... The switch is possibly a little small for cold fingers or doesnt have a positive enough press.... BUT overall VERY happy.

Downhilldai · 12 February 2010, 00:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximus

Looks a nice job mate,...but I wouldn't expect any less!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirk Diggler

... it looks like they're mounted too close to the running surface.

BogMonster · 12 February 2010, 00:41

Looks like a prototype paddle steamer

Seriously, nice job, will be interesting to hear what the effect is.

Chris · 12 February 2010, 08:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirk Diggler

Hopefully the photo is deceiving, but it looks like they're mounted too close to the running surface. You should always have them 1/4" to 3/8" min above bottom of boat!

It must be the photo, i used a straight edge off the bottom of the hull when I fitted them and set them slightly over 1/4" above.

paul holder · 12 February 2010, 14:30

hi you have a 6m+ rib with a 150 hp on the back you will be quick out of the box and the nose can be controled with the engine trim
therefor why did you feel the nead for trim tabs
now you have them what benerfitts have they brought
many thanks

Sonar · 12 February 2010, 15:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul holder

hi you have a 6m+ rib with a 150 hp on the back you will be quick out of the box and the nose can be controled with the engine trim
therefor why did you feel the nead for trim tabs
now you have them what benerfitts have they brought
many thanks

I fitted Bennett trim tabs to a fast fishing boat .
I had an outboard engine but found the tabs were able to level up the vessel when the wind was blowing from either side and cross tides. made for a better trip.

But to get onto the plane i only ever used the tilt on the engine.
As I found the controlling both tabs at the same time were slower than the engine tilt.

However i have not fitted any to my rib.

Jizm · 12 February 2010, 15:42

There is an article in this months SB&R about tabs, written by Cookee.

I learn't something, but that's not saying much...

Razorbill RIBs · 12 February 2010, 19:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul holder

hi you have a 6m+ rib with a 150 hp on the back you will be quick out of the box and the nose can be controled with the engine trim
therefor why did you feel the nead for trim tabs
now you have them what benerfitts have they brought
many thanks

Hi Paul....my two penneth worth....

I have a 6.5 with Bennet Hydraulic Trim tabs fitted (admittedly before i bought the RIB and when it had a smaller OB). As someone else said, they are bloody slow to adjust, but the greatest benefit I find is being able to 'level out' the boat better when unevenly laden with divers /gear......

Dan

Chris · 12 February 2010, 19:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul holder

hi you have a 6m+ rib with a 150 hp on the back you will be quick out of the box and the nose can be controled with the engine trim
therefor why did you feel the nead for trim tabs
now you have them what benerfitts have they brought
many thanks

Paul if you read back through this thread you will see that I have already explained my reasons for Tabs. I certainly don't believe they will give me any additional speed and never intended that to be the case. For me its primarily about being able to pin the nost down into a head sea.

Chris

JSP · 12 February 2010, 19:53

Could I be cheeky and ask how much it cost you including bits to fit it please Chris?

Chris · 12 February 2010, 21:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSP

Could I be cheeky and ask how much it cost you including bits to fit it please Chris?

About £400 all in.

Cookee · 13 February 2010, 10:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jizm

There is an article in this months SB&R about tabs, written by Cookee.

I learn't something, but that's not saying much...

That was the idea! Glad to have been of service!

Chris · 06 March 2010, 10:05

Took the boat out on Saturday and very happy with the setup. The tabs did not interfere with performance or attitude when retracted and provide just the right amount of extra control that I was after when running into the lumpier stuff. After the succesful trial I have sent them up to Marine Fabrications to have them stregthened as I was recommended this by Roy at Osprey.

gtflash · 07 March 2010, 09:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

Took the boat out on Saturday and very happy with the setup. The tabs did not interfere with performance or attitude when retracted and provide just the right amount of extra control that I was after when running into the lumpier stuff. After the succesful trial I have sent them up to Marine Fabrications to have them stregthened as I was recommended this by Roy at Osprey.

how much did that cost. I actually gained speed wih my trim tabs fitted(probably due to wrong prop fitted) as i can get the boat to behave... only about 2 knots but better than a kick in the teeth