Selecting Trim Tabs
 

Hello:

My 1998 22 Scarab doesn't have trim tabs and I want to install a set this winter. How do I select the correct size? Also, does Kiekhaefer have a website? I've read that these are better than Bennett and the other brands.

Any direction would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!



Tom

Re: Selecting Trim Tabs
 

I would suggest a set of Dana Marine HP-900 tabs. You can get them from Fred @ TrickMarine. He is the best there is. I have a set of HP-1000 on my 25 Checkmate. All I can say is what a difference from stock Insta-Trim junk.

Re: Selecting Trim Tabs
 

Check out OSO sponsor Victory Trim tabs. Board member martiniboat designs and builds them. Real nice pieces.

Re: Selecting Trim Tabs
 

Tom,
what is the reason for installing the trim tabs on your 22 scarab?

I had a 95 22 scarab for a bunch of years, it's a great boat!

Re: Selecting Trim Tabs
 

have to go with east coast on that boat you shouldnt need them

Re: Selecting Trim Tabs
 

Thanks for all the replys! GOODT, I was thinking that trim tabs would reduce the amount of 'tick-toc' I get with the boat when hitting wakes at a slight angle... maybe I'm wrong on this... The boat surely doesn't need help getting on plane.

Also I've read that trim tabs kind-of make the hull seem longer and thus the boat runs more stable at speed, but I'm not sure.

Are any of these ideas valid?

THANKS in advance!!!!

Re: Selecting Trim Tabs
 

If you have a boat that is ass end heavy, the tabs will help with extending the plane and helping control the boat. When you get into a taller boat which has more tendancy to lean, the tabs will help with leveling. Running in windy conditions, a boat may lean into the wind, the tabs will help. Compensating for passenger load, they will help with that. For your shorter screamer, I don't reallly see the need for tabs. You have an efficient hull and it's very low profile and not stern heavy, so I don't really think your going to get much use out of them.

Just my personal experience having owned the same boat and several bigger boats which really had a use for them.....

Good luck!!!!

Re: Selecting Trim Tabs
 

Sounds like your referring to a side-to-side motion, "tic-toc"?

From my experience, tabs will help control fore-aft motion, but they are not as effective for eliminating side-to-side motion.

Dave

Re: Selecting Trim Tabs
 

my 98 with the 454 is very ass heavy, will the trim tabs help with bow lift and getting the boat off of plane ?

Re: Selecting Trim Tabs
 

Unitek, trim tabs will help keep the bow down if I'm reading your question correctly, when your at running speeds. Putting the tabs down will lift the stern and nose you down.

The tabs will also work like a hydrofoil on the outdrive, providing lift when getting on plane, will slow down the planing process as your dragging them through the water, but it will get you up, then you have to play with the tabs to bring them up as they take a while to move, they aren't quick...

My thoughts continue to the direction of tabs not being needed on that boat... my 22 scarab also had a big block..... it's all a personal preference though...

Good luck!!!