|
Do self leveling trim tabs work with step hulls?
Will self leveling trim tabs work with a step hull boat with one step? |
Maybe someone can add/correct info, but tabs don't care what boat there on. They have a gyro inside which once set is designed to keep the hull at that attitude/angle. I installed Bennett auto tabs and had a whole lot of issues getting them to work correctly. They worked great in manual mode, but sometimes when turned to auto they would put the nose in the water.
Didn't give any warning either, both tabs just started going down and at speed that got a bit squirrely. They are working now, but every once in a while they will still mess up, but only when taking off |
Originally Posted by AllDodge
(Post 4699205)
Maybe someone can add/correct info, but tabs don't care what boat there on. They have a gyro inside which once set is designed to keep the hull at that attitude/angle. I installed Bennett auto tabs and had a whole lot of issues getting them to work correctly. They worked great in manual mode, but sometimes when turned to auto they would put the nose in the water.
Didn't give any warning either, both tabs just started going down and at speed that got a bit squirrely. They are working now, but every once in a while they will still mess up, but only when taking off |
Originally Posted by Prestigeworldwideee
(Post 4699250)
well, there’s a 4” step on mine... I trim my outdrive all the way down to begin with when I drive and I never adjust it because I don’t usually get too much of a change. Even having a fixed trim tab probably wouldn’t be that bad, if adjusted right. |
Originally Posted by AllDodge
(Post 4699253)
I would suggest you don't need auto tabs, I think you need more motor. If you keep the drive tucked in fully all the time, then there is not enough power to lift the bow. Tabs are used to keep the boat level when running
|
Given that these self leveling tabs are so cheap in comparison, I figured it would be at least a good option to look into. Think of it this way, anything in the water that creates lift will also create drag. The more drag the more power is needed to compensate. Place a tab with 10 degree down, creates lift and as the boat rolls, one side reduces drag and the other increases. If you need the drive full down now, adding tabs will only reduce your speed. Tabs are used to level a boat, but if you want max speed and economy then tabs go all up to reduce drag. |
Another note: if you don't have enough power to pick the bow up, adding more lift to the stern (spring tabs) can cause the boat to porpoise
|
I’m not too sure, the step is about 4” which means that 4” is gonna be out of the water and as long as the trim tab doesn’t go past 4” down... shouldn’t be creating drag. |
Originally Posted by Prestigeworldwideee
(Post 4699262)
I’m not too sure, the step is about 4” which means that 4” is gonna be out of the water and as long as the trim tab doesn’t go past 4” down... shouldn’t be creating drag. Guess I need to see the hull bottom. If its a true step then the hull steps up and then runs the length back to the drive and everything else. If its just a cut out which rises above the hull that is different |
I can't imagine relegating tab control to a computer. If you need 'em bump 'em, what's the big deal? Besides, you use trim way more than tabs. If that computer/gyro/tab goes a bit wonky then you could be in a world of hurt in certain circumstances.
But maybe I'm missing something? |
| All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:15 PM. |
Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.