Offshoreonly.com - Fukn a what do I do for steering

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referring to the tabs...I like them horizontal or in my case, mine are not level w/the bottom of boat but about halfway between. Less drag I think, but still there when you need them just using less of the tab surface.

I know this was mentioned and it can be a great way to go unless you have all the hardware already.
I needed hydraulic steering and wanted a clean install. Sold my drive and put on the Merc ITS. It didn't really cost much more in the end and was a nice neat install. I could only find one picture and its not a good one!
I think it was $8000 for the ITS and the XR. Maybe $8500.
I figured steering at a minimum of $3500 and an XR.
Less what It got out of my Bravo and Transom assembly.
Something to consider....

Quote:

Originally Posted by IRONMAN (Post 3648686)

I have had great success with the tabs at about 18 to 20 deg. I think that when they are at horizontal and the hull is landing a little right or left then the tab actually will contact the water in a way that may rudder or skid the transom in the direction you are landing and possibly causing or amplifying some chine walk. Also think of it this way: a tab at vertical is 100% rudder and a tab at horizontal is 100% lift but only when the hull is flying level R to L so less angle is more lift and less rudder effect.

After the research I have done this is my theory. Mounting them parallel with the hull is better for controlling chine walk as they act like a rudder with a "snowplow" effect. Mounting them horizontally will help control bow attitude better as rue tab will push down parallel with the water. Since my boat has zero chine walk but the bow attitude is tab sensitive I'm thinking horizontal could improve the handling. Plus at the correct height I could run them closer to neutral (as opposed to negative) to keep the bow level in sloppy conditions.

Keep in mind it is just a theory!

Sorry for the hijack scarab63 but I brought it up because if you mount the tabs closer to center you can mount the rams on the outside of the tabs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by onesickpantera (Post 3648924)

Sorry for the hijack scarab63 but I brought it up because if you mount the tabs closer to center you can mount the rams on the outside of the tabs.

all good. Too late for me to move tabs for this season.
Think im going to order a hardin / mayfair ” space saver ” wing plate.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pantera572 (Post 3648869)

Cool.
Already have all the goods.
Wouldn't mind seeing a close up of that transom if you've got one??

How'd it run ??

Unfortunately that is the only picture I could find. It ran great.
Low 70s . Don't think I picked up speed with the ITS but I also didn't raise the drive.