Planing tabs

tidalwave2.7 · 27 January 2012, 13:37

Does anybody have any experience with these

planing system, lifters trim tab planing system for inflatable boats

I have a very small rib which is tricky to get on a plane. 2.7m 10hp engine. I am thinking of giving these a try but would be interest to hear if anybody on here has a view on them.

Regards

Mike

ukprometheus · 27 January 2012, 15:00

Im new to all this myself but the reports i have seen say they work quite well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tidalwave2.7

Does anybody have any experience with these

planing system, lifters trim tab planing system for inflatable boats

I have a very small rib which is tricky to get on a plane. 2.7m 10hp engine. I am thinking of giving these a try but would be interest to hear if anybody on here has a view on them.

Regards

Mike

mister p · 27 January 2012, 18:31

OK, I have a Zodiac 285 with an 8hp and it planes no problem. That's with 30litres of fuel, my 13 and 8 year olds and myself.
On my SR4 with a 30hp I have hydraulically activated tabs (self actuating) and they work a treat.........quicker onto plane and more stability, top speed unaffected. They're not cheap mind. When fitting the tabs I repropped accordingly. Speak to prop specialist about size and slip.

mister p · 27 January 2012, 18:35

Out of interest, does your boat simply sit bow pointing at the sky when you are on full throttle. If so then as it's doing this shift your whole weight to the bow to push it down. Hold on tight.........because if this is the only issue, then your little RIB will pull quite fast, relatively.
Is it a RIB or a SIB, just that at 2.7m if it is a RIB then a 15hp may be better.

mister p · 27 January 2012, 21:42

Another cheaper alternative are DoelFins to fit onto your cavitation plates on the outboard. With these you will lose a knot or two off the top end.But should help you get up onto the surface.

tidalwave2.7 · 27 January 2012, 22:20

Re the engine size, currently 9.8hp rated to 10 on the data plate fixed to the hull. The boat will plane if sitting well forward using a tiller extension. However I would like to use the boat without having to control the ballast. ie, my weight and position so critically. Hoping this trim plates will allow this. Main reason for post is to poll other users experience of these things before I send off the cash. Ideally I would have a bigger boat. Unfortunately just now that's not an option so looking to squeeze the most out of what I have. I am thinking of fabricating something myself as the plastic units don't look too sturdy. But design would be similar. Thanks for all replies so far, has anybody on here actually bought these???

Regards

Mike

mister p · 27 January 2012, 22:24

Try trimming in. Bringing the prop tighter to the transom. Unless you already have.
Regarding the sturdiness......I can stand on mine. Not that I do. But can. If I want to. If you get the drift.

kelson · 28 January 2012, 00:02

I run with smart tabs, automatic and made of stainless steel. I ran with a doelfin, but you end up trimming the outboard for the planing control rather than the optimum speed or splash setting. "whale tails" like that also catch kelp like mad, an issue where I live. I did have lifters. I had issues with them breaking. Maximarine asserted that this was due to the design of my zodiac futura. I don't agree. I think the lifters would be fine on a smaller vessel, but cannot recommend them. If you pull your outboard up to operate in shallow water the prop will hit the lifters when you turn if you aren't very careful. They also dig into the beach if the boat is washed about at all on the shore. Easier to pull my smart tabs up than remove the lifters. For a bit more on this topic and Maxi Marines response to my issues look here: Trim Tab Opinion ??? One of my smart tabs actuators failed and Nauticus sent me a replacement promptly. I like that type of customer service.

kelson · 28 January 2012, 01:06

My favorite set up of all of the options. No interference in shallow water drive, I get to set the outboard at the optimum tilt for speed and the tabs are easy to pull up when beaching or trailering. Best of all they haven't come off!

steve graham · 28 January 2012, 02:11

My 16ft Novurania has smart tabs from Nauticus.I would highly recommend them.The shocks last along time,but not forever.So you may want spares.Steve