Has anybody had trim tab problems

[Honeygirl]

Pulled the boat out off the water(Thanks Jeff for the uses of the trailer) and found my trimtabs bent. They are both bent in the same spots. I have been is some very rought seas but dont think they should have bent and I have never hit anyting. Has anybody had problem with their tabs? Joe

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o133/LEADSLED54/CannonPics1114.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o133/LEADSLED54/CannonPics1113.jpg

[iclypso]

The symmetry of the problem probably rules out an impact while underway. Only two possibilites come to mind:

1) The tabs are frozen at the hinge and, since they can't pivot, they bent when you tried to put them down.

2) I know the boat stays in the water for the most part but could they ever have been down when it was put on a trailer?

[Honeygirl]

The Bennett Company has determined what is happening is call cupping caused by a stern heavy boat. The added weight with my bait tank (110gallons, larger 300horse motor and the 5 D31 batteries) are just too much for that size trim tab. They would like me to send the old ones to them before they send out replacements. What a headache. Joe

[iclypso]

What is the force that actually causes the bending? Too heavy of a boat moving too fast (F=m*dv/dt)? Are they offering to replace them for free?

Also, your batteries are in the stern?

[Honeygirl]

They are going to replace them with a new(used) set of 12X24's with uprights for incressed strength. I just have to pay for shipping. The best would be to use a set of 9x30's but I do not have the room and I do not want to redrill and repair the gelcoat.
My batteries are in the stern. They came from blackman that way. Are the batteries in the billfisher in a diffrent spot?

[iclypso]

On the 23's, at least, the batteries are up in berth under the cushions. It's supposed to trim the boat out a little which makes sense, considering a 6-cyl diesel in a 23 footer would usually make for a center of flotation that's pretty far aft.

[Honeygirl]

I would like to move the batteries More midship. Most likely in to the fishhold. on my 26 there is a ton of wasted space in the fish hold and to fill it with ice to keep anything cold cost an arm and a leg.

[yellowfin1]

Very interesting,

Tenacious is on a trailer and I inspect the trip tabs after every outing. Never seen anything resembling a bend in them. I have the AD-41 with 4 batteries in the stern and with the full bait tank I am probably stern heavy too but, just doesn't seem like they should bend like that?

Cool that they will replace them.

[Honeygirl]

The Bennett Company is sending the tabs out today 2nd day air. He stated that it is a common problem on boat when the tabs are under sized. With the combined weight and higher speed I run at 26-28knots cruise 24knots the smaller tabs could not handle it. I’m going to try 12x24 on this up coming trip and see how it goes. He wants to make a custom set with built in uprights at $300 I think I will make my own and call it good. Joe

[DOGHOUSE26]

BINGO - I'm sure your speed has alot to do with it!

[Malu Lani]

What is your milage at 24 knots.

[Honeygirl]

Floscan reads 2.25-2.80 mpg. depending on the load. I think thats good for a 300horse power motor.

[Malu Lani]

Thats good milage I get 2.5 at 17-18 knots with the 200 hp in the Billfisher.