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I was thinking strongly about pulling the trigger on smart tabs but my marina is really discouraging it as it can supposedly interfere w/ pulling the boat w/ the lifts. Do you have recommendations for trim tab kits? Looking for one that will reset to the up position once the ignition is turned off so I don't have to worry about the marina snapping them off if I forget to return them to the up position.
My issue is that our 1999 18' dauntless w/ 1999 Mercury 135 2 stoke rides bow heavy and folks always want to sit in the back. Put a couple people back there and the kids up front and I have a real problem on my hands getting up on a plain and staying on a plane at slower speeds. Any recommendation would be appreciated.
Is there a way around trim tabs? With more weight in the stern and a bow heavy boat, i would assume it should level itself out with a good jolt of throttle, and then back off. I may have read your post incorrectly. If the stern is heavy, try all means necessary before adding tabs. This may just be my opinion. I avoid mounting things below the waterline as much as possible.
I had asked the same question on here about a year ago, and the advice I was given was exactly what I did. My boat rides better than ever. I learned to really drive using the tilt and trim at all times. Like driving a manual car, slight adjustments makes huge differences. I also re-mounted my motor in a different position. Worked great.
Bennet makes a number of good products. For smaller boats with plane issues, they produce an automatic trim tab. It's non adjustable, requires no wiring, and can be retracted so they don't interfere with trailer bunks... Good for smaller boats.
The only boats I have seen using electronic, adjustable trim tabs where I live are 25ft. and up fishing boats.... Mainly to adjust drag and weight shift from side to side. Not to aid in planing better.
