This may seem way out there so hopefully I don't catch too much over this...

so I have fab'd some 12" x 18" trim tabs similar to k tabs. Issue is that I only have the cylinders from my old 12 x 8 or 9 tabs (the plastic ones) and they do not look to be stout enough for the larger design. I would like to try them out to see the difference so I was looking at fixing them to be parallel with the hull. basically having them in the neutral position all the time until I find proper cylinders.

anyone with similar tabs recommend what position would be best for all around.???

Any thoughts are appreciated....

Are you saying that your boat has tabs at this point. I can appreicate wanting to make your own stuff, maybe mod what you have, but I would shy away from the complete creation unless your a fairly hard core fab dude. Might be better off looking for something used. (IMO)

Plastic cylinders (Bennet or boat leveler))will not do squat for anything over 50mph. Doesnt matter how big your tabs are if you dont have the power to push them at high speeds. you need real hyd. trim pumps and cyl.

In my humble opinion of course

We carry the same brand that Pantera now installs as OEM at the factory. You will impressed with the quality of these tabs. They are equal to or better than K Planes. We have great pricing on these.

Don't mess around, if one of yours fails at speed you could get seriously hurt.

I had the tabs machined by our fabricator offshore so they are not backyard stuff, 1/2" alum plate, 1/4" ss hinges ....Not exactly a complex design though I understand the concerns and that is why I am looking for proper rams.
I will post some pics

I am more concerned with how the boat would run with tabs in the neutral position all the time.

I also read a lot of people needing a bit of negative trim on the port. I am not familiar with the throw on the larger tabs, how much would this difference be at the end of an 18" tab??? obv different for each boat but I am looking for ballpark (.5" ,1",???)

the boat is new to me and I have had limited use with the setup now due to water in the transmission. I hope to have the new trans put in by early next week. Right now I am offshore working and the motors are just turning.
thanks for any input

probably help:

it is a 24 with 454 330 trs

No offense, I would just get some real tabs on her.

Well after looking at the price of rams and proper pumps........ I am probably going to just purchase some tabs.

What size would someone recommend for a 24.... is there such thing as too large of tabs???

Check out the Lenco Marines web site http://lencomarine.com/

I've used there stuff for years and have never had an issue even in high performance applications. They will sell just the accuator which is all electric with no pumps to go bad.

Just go w/ the length of the 280s.
Get the good stuff, it will help w/ running the boat, and @ resale time.

Just contact kirk and let him hook you up.
He should be good for follow up calls for help too.