Trim Tabs
 

I'm looking at a '91 Switzer 24SS w/o trim tabs. The current owner says the boat runs about 70 on GPS. If I do buy it I want to run it in P5 of APBA GLSCS next summer. I'm thinking w/o trim tabs I'm just asking for trouble.

Am I wrong? If not, I need a quick A to Z lesson on trim tabs, including where to find them, cost, etc...

Thanks.
Ricochet.

Yes and No. I've heard that in the turns, at speed, you really need to pull the drive in further than one might think, because otherwise the hull has a tendency to slide then catch. That tells me that in the wrong conditions, I'm swimming.

I'll check-out the website.

Thanks.
Ricochet.

Not all boats need tabs. I rarely put my tabs down on my Formula, HOWEVER when I do use them it is nice to have. Bigger is not neccasarily better with tabs. We put the large K-planes on a 30 foot superboat and it lost about 5 mph!!! Tabs work with Trim so you have to constantly move btwn the two settings. Every boat is different however and there is no subsitute for time at the sticks. :D Just watch putting them down to far as that can make you bow steer BADLY.

Jon

Oh ya if you go with the Bennetts at first they are a little more forgiving. They have a Sport tab that actually works faily well. They trim slower then a K-plane but they are MUCH cheaper and easier to install.

Jon

also keep in mind, running a boat by itself and running with a group and in big water are very different. look at a lot of different setups. and see which appears best for you.

I have a 24 Baja (similar bottom) and when I bought it it did not have tabs. I installed a set of Trim Master 16" tabs. I immediatly broke all 4 rams, but they replaced them for free Iincluding the plate that ripped off the hull and is still on the bottom of Lake Michigan somwhere!!!). I have since machined my own pistons for their rams (they are plastic pistons and kept breaking). 4 years now and no issues. I also welded a section of stainless to them so I could thru bolt them - call it piece of mind - and have had absolutely no issues with them since I did this (at the same time as I made the pistons). My boat handles MUCH better with them than without, in any water condition, especially tight 2-3 footers. I can run WFO with the tabs just past neutral into it or with it. Lots of fun!!!!

Thanks Guys.

'Foul - You must have decided to keep your Baja. I remember either earlier this year or late last year it was up for sale.

Ricochet.

Racing without tabs? Yes, you would be asking for trouble.
 

Yes, you will need tabs if you are going to race the GLSCS.
Yes, the K-Planes and the Arneson rocker tabs are both great tabs. Dana also makes a good tab.
Yes, the Bennett tabs are much cheaper and somewhat easier to install than the better tabs. BUT, They will probably not last one race without bending &/or breaking completely off.
Also, check out the Switzer really well. I've heard they were well built boats and I know they're fast. But, make sure it will stay in one piece.
Good luck to you.

Not for nothing , I just finished watching an F-2 race(so I feel compelled to reply) and seeing these guys get thrown everywhere, I gotta believe a little more than Trim Type and dropping the drive in a corner should be the least of your concerns. Get some time behind that wheel with someone who can help ya with the set up you have, and make recomendations (sp) from there.
Learn the boat, then get the set up that works. Test... adjust, test... adjust, test... adjust.
Good luck..post some pics of he Switzer, you'll have an absolute blast!

Great feedback everybody.

Gordo, what do you mean by, "... make sure it will stay in one piece." Is there something specific you know about the Switzer hulls that makes you question the hull's integrity under race conditions. Please elaborate.

Thank you.
Ricochet.

Please, make no mistake here. My statement was meant purely as advice to you in the interest of safety.
I have no reason to question the quality or integrity of the Switzer. In fact, they are damned fast boats. My point was only that offshore racing is tough on boats. Even the best built boats can come back in pieces. If you are somewhat new to racing, I would suggest you have someone that has experience with rigging/racing hulls take a look at your boat. It may be a great recreation boat, but it may need some reinforcement in some areas to make as safe for you and your crew as possible.
Might I suggest Andy Bloom with Victory Performance in Eastlake Ohio, (440-975-0010). Andy has grown up in offshore racing. (indeed, his mom is a champion offshore racer herself). He could help you with any questions you may have. In fact, all of the teams racing in the GLSCS are outstanding people that will gladly help you with anything you may need.
Good luck with your team.

Gordo.

Thanks for the clarification. I figured that's what you meant, but I thought I would ask anyway. As things progress, I'll give Andy a call. Thanks for the reference.

I'm aware this is a dangerous sport to play in, but I'm trying to minimize the variables. At the same time, I don't profess to know everything about anything!

Any more recommendations? They're always welcome.

Ricochet.

when going through your boat, if it isnt through bolted, you will need to do it, anything loose will make a mess, get a rule book as well it will help as well on the basis requirements, IE dual kill switches, required safety equipment, things of this nature.
good luck, be safe.