RE: Trim Tabs on 18 - 19 ft boat
Adjustable tabs work very well on virtually any boat.
In virtually every case, there is a certain speed, boat attitude, or water condition - where the boat operation and control could be improved with a set of tabs.
Another option that works for many boats is the accutab. This is a tab that is controlled by a spring loaded hydralic actuator. The tab is extended at a stop or low speed and gradually rises due to speed. The issue with these tabs is that if you want to change the characteristics, as you can with an adjustable tab - you can't easily do this with the accutab.
There are essentially two different types of adjustable trim tabs.
1. Hydralic tabs. These are tabs that are connected to a hydralic ram that is controlled by oil presure that is developed by an electrical driven oil pump. This type pump is better able to handle some of the underwater operation of these rams.
2. Electrical tabs. These are tabs that are driven by 12 volts electricity and have an internal motor which extends and retracts. The only issue with these tabs is that they are a bit more prone due to failure since a large share of the time, the rams are underwater. If a seal fails on the ram, the ram will surely fail.
Take care
REW
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