2005 trim tab angle
 

I asked the question in the general Q&A but didnt get the answer I was looking for. Maybe one of you guys can shed some light here...why are the tabs on 05 fountains straight and all other older ones and most all boats for that matter on an angle, or same angle as the v hull. My post in the Q&A had some theorys but I'm not too sure about their answers. One says they should be mounted the same angle as the hull...really? look at the pic......explain ???

Re: 2005 trim tab angle
 

According to Fountain, "to get more leverage while reducing wetted surface drag". I guess they have been doing it on the racing boats and it makes a big difference in tab effectiveness.

It is good to see that racing technology works itself down to the production level.

Re: 2005 trim tab angle
 

Thanks Techman for the responce...seems not many know the answer. My thoughts about it was exactly what you said....it was really driving me nuts, now I decided that tonight the tabs on mine are getting re-positioned!

Re: 2005 trim tab angle
 

Not sure my self, but here's a few thoughts

1) The water is flat, not on a 24 degree deadrise as your hull.

2) Seems you might get faster response from your tabs when they are mounted parallel to the water cause your getting full contact right away from the end of the tab.

3) If you angle them just the low corner of the Tab is the first to contact the water.

4) If thats true then it seems as though you may have to bury and angled tab deeper in the water to get enough wetted surface for the same effect.

5) So if all that is correct seems less wetted surface with a flat mount, so less drag/restriction. And hopefully quicker tab adjustments also.

just my .02

Cougarman

Re: 2005 trim tab angle
 

So Cougar, with that being said, how are yours mounted?

Re: 2005 trim tab angle
 

On an angle also, but I have been paying attension same as you. But it doesn't seem to affect it while it's still a Trailer queen. :D :drink:

Saber just completed a new 41' Staggerd for Leopajm here on OSO. I see the mounted them level to the world on his new ride too.

I believe there other 41's were mounted angled.


Cougarman

Re: 2005 trim tab angle
 

Sorry to hear yours is on the trailer ( it does save money on fuel that way I'm told )

I am planning on re-positioning mine tonight, and maybe doing a test run on Wednesday night. I will post my findings after there known. I also plan to mount them so that when they are fully retracted they are even with the hull. That way when they are run all the way down I will get the most travel. And being even with the hull is just like having an extension of the hull which wont hurt anything, probably help it.

Re: 2005 trim tab angle
 

Bought it as a project, just the hull so it's been a long time coming but always getting closer. So I try to keep an eye on technology and try to incorporate some of it as I put her back together.

Cougarman

Re: 2005 trim tab angle
 

ok, so last night the tabs came off...decided to freshen up the paint on them before they go back on. Hopefully I'll get them back on tonight, if I do, I should be able to test them on Thursday night, if it doesn't rain...I will post my results....

Re: 2005 trim tab angle
 

The 2 steps on new hulls are more horizontal to each other than before.

Older steps are maybe 6" difference in vertical height to the ground, with the rear being higher off the ground than the front step.

Not sure if that does anything with tabs.

Re: 2005 trim tab angle
 

hey Dave, it was me that you passed going out from mckinley over the weekend, I assume the only other tri axle trailer in the parking lot was yours? I didn't notice any diesel emblems on the doors of the dodge ram....you can pull that boat with a gas engine??? I bought a diesel just so I could pull my 32 footer!

Re: 2005 trim tab angle
 

It's borderline. Would not want to haul too far. Next ride is diesel. 4.10 gears help some. Original tranny with 97k miles.

I should be around 9/23-24. I remember seeing you also, boat looks good!!

Re: 2005 trim tab angle
 

I remounted the tabs tonight to match the fountain pics. I was planning on testing them out Thursday night but plans have changed, and I won't have time. I will be leaving Friday for a long weekend up north from here and I will be taking the boat, so I will get a change to test them on Saturday. I will post the results on Tuesday night. I hope I won't need to change them back !

Re: 2005 trim tab angle
 

OK, testing is finished. In the rough I can run with the tabs down halfway and the boat rides much better. I also picked up 3 mph wot when the tabs are down. With the tabs on the same angle as the hull, when i ran them down there was alot more drag and the front end would come down harder, also I would loose quite a bit of speed. So, the tabs will be staying mounted on straight!

Re: 2005 trim tab angle
 

When in a turn more tab surface is in contact with the water (better bite) thereby less chance of transome spinout.

Re: 2005 trim tab angle
 

If your talking about with the tabs on the same angle as the hull I would agree, but that would only be in a severe or really fast turn. I only run wot if I am going straight ahead and there is nothing in my path, as for turning, I slow down to 25-30 before making any sharp turns anyway. The tests I did showed no problems with the transom coming loose at all.

Re: 2005 trim tab angle
 

if the factory is mounting them straight I'M SURE THERE IS A REASON. I would contact Fountain directly i'm sure they wouldnt have a problem explaining it. I know that almost all the Fountain Race boats have them straight across if i remember correctly. Just my .02

Re: 2005 trim tab angle
 

It helps an awful lot getting on plane, instead of pushing sideways in has full push down.
Also at cruise it keeps the bow lower with less tab thus less drag, more fule efficient.
In rough water they are much more efficient straight, you have more controll, especially when running high speed rough runs!

Re: 2005 trim tab angle
 

Well said....