Trim tabs for small inflatables

[Pastor]

Has anyone come across these before? planing system, trim tab planing system for inflatable boats They look a bit big to me but if they are as good as they make out then that might be OK. I'd really appreciate some input

[foxfish]

Looks GREAT but I am always tempted to buy tablets that make me loose weight, lotions that give you a body builders physic etc etc

[armandozx]

they look like fins ! wow pretty long for tabs as compared to the 1's in my boat! pretty cool

[foxfish]

So Pastor you have your boat? What about a motor? Can you tell us what you have bought.
I love small boats, they can get you out there but more to the point they are fun, so long as you dont take too many risks but I guarantee you will have a scare somewhere along the line! GREAT.
When you read the stories about the world spearfishing championships there are always great stories to be told regarding the compulsory small inflatable's?

[Pastor]

Yes got the boat last week, ended up with a Yam 275s, I would have preferred a 310 but at 1/2 cost price I couldn't say no. The motor was delivered yesterday, a new boxed (2005 model) 6Hp mercury 4 stroke (same weight as a 6Hp Tohatsu 2 stroke). It is the maximum recommended for the boat so it shouldn't be too bad.

On my mates 6m rib when it had the 40 on it we tried those hydrofoils that fit on the cavitation plate, they made an unbelievable difference to the pick up of the boat, it has a 90 now so it's even better but a hell of a lot thirstier too.

[Marwan]

i had that hydrofoil on my RIB , it was great, especially when your on your own and planing takes more time, but the hydrofoil was very good for that
these llok good too, and could be helpful in case you break a fin blade or something
good luck

[Mr. X]

I've seen those for sale on eBay. They sound too good to be true ... and you know what they say about such things. Mind you, if it does half what the John Moffat testimonial says I would think they are probably worth it. I'm surprised nobody has tried them; Foxfish - surely you've tried making your own at some point?!

I share Foxfish's interest in "silver bullet" products - and also his scepticism of them. However, I have tried a few non-mainstream products/gizmos in other area that worked out though, giving me some kind of edge (e.g. wheel covers & kevlar-lined race tyres for triathlon, rim rakes & chain guides for mountain biking, quick release float clip & knot tier for coarse fishing, self-locking HMS carabiner for climbing) - so I'm not a total sceptic.

It's a pity they are US based, trading standard laws offer some protection against exaggerated claims made in ads. in the UK; they can get away with much more in the US. However, if you purchase with a credit card, most US companies are better about refunding money on goods that don't live up to expectations (& if they don't, contact the credit card company and/or their local Better Business Bureau). I saw their ebay ads, probably 2 years ago, so they've been around a while. Any reviews on-line?

[foxfish]

O yeah of course I have tried, designed, built & used trim tabs -
Basically - under certain circumstances they will work very well however if a boat is a good design it will perform well without any help.
The basic formula regarding speed on the water is = long & thin, but good "fast" sea boats have deep V hulls that absorb the waves & brush them aside. "Slow" good sea boats are like a cork, very difficult to sink but a bit Roley polley!
What we have here is a small boat that can be affected by all sorts of criteria like weight distribution & weather conditions. The tabs might work to a degree under certain conditions but at the end of the day what can you really expect on a little boat with a small motor?
I would expect loads of fun & a way to catch more fish, something to help you mates reach otherwise inaccessible dive spots, & maybe a step to a bigger boat? but I love small boats, I am especially keen on plastic rota moulded boats.
I personally think Pastors boat is what it is & those tabs are a waist of money but boats are a very expensive luxury's anyway!

[armandozx]

Originally Posted by foxfish

O yeah of course I have tried, designed, built & used trim tabs -
Basically - under certain circumstances they will work very well however if a boat is a good design it will perform well without any help.
The basic formula regarding speed on the water is = long & thin, but good "fast" sea boats have deep V hulls that absorb the waves & brush them aside. "Slow" good sea boats are like a cork, very difficult to sink but a bit Roley polley!
What we have here is a small boat that can be affected by all sorts of criteria like weight distribution & weather conditions. The tabs might work to a degree under certain conditions but at the end of the day what can you really expect on a little boat with a small motor?
I would expect loads of fun & a way to catch more fish, something to help you mates reach otherwise inaccessible dive spots, & maybe a step to a bigger boat? but I love small boats, I am especially keen on plastic rota moulded boats.
I personally think Pastors boat is what it is & those tabs are a waist of money but boats are a very expensive luxury's anyway!

very nicely put! and the bigger the boat is the more troublesome things are at times.

[alexrom1207]

It's a pity they are US based, trading standard laws offer some protection against exaggerated claims made in ads. in the UK; they can get away with much more in the US.

--What! They would never lie to us in the U.S. Just check out this infomercial...obviously they have to conform to strict laws about only advertising the truth

YouTube - Hawaii Chair Part 2 Tamara Henry

[Pastor]

The hope was not to gain speed but just to keep the boat on the plane at lower speed. They looked as if they may do that. We have a boat that will handle off shore and rough weather but it costs £15 just to get it launched and then another £10+ (90Hp) a day in fuel. Bearing in mind that is nearly every day of the summer weather permitting.
To be honest I will probably just fit a hydro foil on the cavitation plate, I know those do work and won't need to be removed every time the boat wants rolling up and stashing. I was just curious about the long ones really

[Pav]

What combination of inflatable and motors are people running? Since consideirng the Yak + motor idea I have been talking inflatables at work with a new couple who are keen on boats.

The couple have an inflatable for sale (price is negotiable). I think a Zodiac but I need to check. Approx 3m with rigid floor, but need to clarify details. I know it can take upto 10HP and was used with an 8HP. Sadly the motor is not available.

I had worried how suitable inflatables were for spearos! , but it seems like a few of you have them. Like Pastor its the only thing to consider (other than Yaks) due to ease of launching. I think I have it a bit easier than Pastor but would still need to trolley it across the beach (mostly compact sand).

Be intersted to learn a bit more about the choices (a lot of 2nd hand boats around). Ideally I need to be able to move 2 spearos or 2 adults + child. Inshore calm waters! , although I'd be intersted to know how these boats would handle if the swell kicked up?

[GreekDiver]

Hydrofoil works great for smaller boats. It feels like you have more control and you can cruise on a plane at lower speeds. I had one on a 13' boston whaler with a 40hp engine. It planed out right away with hydrofoil.

[Pastor]

Hi matey :P Was that a hydro foil on the cavitation plate of the motor?

[GreekDiver]

There might be better designs out there now, but i know they work better than not having anything especially if your bow lifts up a lot on acceleration.

Even when you turn fast, it seems more stable.