Trim Tabs for Zodiac Yachtline 480 DL

1echo77 · 08 November 2015, 18:16

Hope this doesn't offend anyone, lol. I've had mine for 3 years now and it's a do-it-all boat. Spearfishing to downrigger trolling to inshore to dragging my kids around on a tube... You get the idea. It's got a 60 Yam 4 stroke and the lower speed and hole shots could use some attention. The boat has a tendancy to list to starboard and I would like to correct this. My own experience with tabs was a 14' Cape Horn with a 50 Merc 4 stroke that I put lencos on years back. They were noisy but did the job. Has anyone put tabs on a Zodiac? If so what results did you get and what did you use? Thanks in advance for any input!

jeffstevens763@g · 08 November 2015, 18:27

Not the same but as a comparison I had a quicksilver 500 fast fisher which has a planing pad at the stern which made it a bit twitchy I fitted auto trim tabs and they worked a treat also correcting the slight list on the starboard side caused by the off set cabin.

Cheers

office888 · 08 November 2015, 18:40

Have you tried some different props?

1echo77 · 08 November 2015, 20:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by office888

Have you tried some different props?

WOT with just me is at 6100 RPM. With a moderate load I'm down to 5800, I was told it won't get better than that.

1echo77 · 08 November 2015, 20:31

Do you recall what brand of tabs?

office888 · 09 November 2015, 00:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1echo77

WOT with just me is at 6100 RPM. With a moderate load I'm down to 5800, I was told it won't get better than that.

Sounds perfect! I'd probably go with some Nauticus Smart Tabs.

jeffstevens763@g · 09 November 2015, 08:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by office888

Sounds perfect! I'd probably go with some Nauticus Smart Tabs.

that's what i fitted hydraulic ram works like a shock absorber as i recall.

1echo77 · 14 June 2016, 18:47

An update is in order. As it turns out, Zodiac does not recommend cutting into the planing shelf at the stern. That's a critical joint per a Zodiac engineer. lack of knowledge caused my listing issue. I was able to fix it by A: adjusting the torque tab, and B: inflating to correct pressure. I was running at 2.5lbs, the spec is 3.4lbs. (Stamped right on the plate that also has other good info like payload and hp rating) 😐 Hope this helps anyone else experiencing this type of issue. On a different note, monitor your glue joints. Mine is 14 years old PVC and the main joint has separated on the port side separating the tube from the hull. I was 3 miles from the dock and never felt like I was in danger of sinking. I love my Zodiac RIB..

Cheers!