Author
|
Topic: 17 Outrage...does it need trim tabs?
|
CHenry |
posted 09-16-2001 02:40 PM ET (US)
I'll be taking delivery of a 17' Outrage w/135 Merc in a few weeks (currently being shipped from East Coast to West Coast). In that I've never been on a 17' Outrage, I was curious if it would benefit from trim tabs or maybe there isn't a need?Thanks, Chris
|
JBCornwell
|
posted 09-16-2001 03:11 PM ET (US)
Ahoy, CHenry. The 17 OR is pretty short for its width. I would expect it to benefit more than most from trim tabs, or, better, yet, Smart Tabs (Cabelas).Red sky at night. . . JB :) |
CHenry
|
posted 09-16-2001 04:01 PM ET (US)
So what do you think electric tabs or "passive" smart tabs. |
Dan
|
posted 09-16-2001 08:31 PM ET (US)
I have a 1999 Outrage 17 --- the swim ladder makes it impossible to mount trim tabs, I think. My boat funtions very well without tabs. |
Dick
|
posted 09-16-2001 08:49 PM ET (US)
Run the boat for a while before you spend the money for tabs. I don't think you need them on that boat. Correct power and weight distribution would be my priorities. It should be a great boat with the 135 on it. |
kingfish
|
posted 09-17-2001 10:39 AM ET (US)
Second Dicks comments; and once you have had it for a while if it does seem to need some help coming up on plane, etc., start with a Doelfin or something like it on the motor, *very* inexpensive way to gain attitude adjustment, and it might solve any problems (if any) you might encounter all by itself. If not, you've only "thrown away" 30 or 40 bucks.kingfish |
CHenry
|
posted 09-17-2001 11:31 PM ET (US)
Thanks to all, for your quick responses and insight. I’ve been without a Whaler for 15 years…grew up with a 13 (flipped that one over in the Pacific) and a 15. Then moved on to customer lake boats out here in the West. Can’t wait to get my Outrage…growing up my dream boat was an 18’ Outrage so to be taking delivery of this 17’ is really something I’m looking forward to! |
CHenry
|
posted 09-17-2001 11:33 PM ET (US)
fat fingered that one...customer should be custom |
Whalerdan
|
posted 09-18-2001 04:44 AM ET (US)
My buddy has a 17OR with 115 Johnson. Compared to my Montauk it's weird in how it comes on plane. We'll be cruising along around +-15 mph for several minutes then all the suddenly it jumps on plane, then if you don't adjust the throttle and wait a little longer it will drop off plane. It's kinda irritating. If you go just a little faster it will stay on plane. If I were you I wouldn't do anything right off the bat, but you should probably expect to have to try something in the near future. |
John DeAgro
|
posted 06-10-2003 10:17 AM ET (US)
Read the Feb. 2002 Boating World Editorial Test on Smart Tabs as installed on a Whaler. Better Handling, On plane quicker ( 35%) more top speed (4mph) etc. Too Good to Be True? Only intill you try them! |
Jerry Townsend
|
posted 06-10-2003 12:40 PM ET (US)
CHenry - Congradulations. I have a '96 17 Outrage with a 115 Johnson without tabs or Doelfin - and have no problems. The boat comes on plane easily and is easily controlled via the trim/tilt control. You should be alright and simply controlling the trim/tilt depending on the weight and water conditions will work well for you. ---- Jerry/Idaho |
prm1177
|
posted 06-10-2003 02:25 PM ET (US)
Chris,I have a 17 ORII with a Merc 135, and I don't think trim tabs are necessary. Check your motor mounting height (see other posts in the performance area) and make sure she's propped properly. I have a SS Mercury Vengeance 14 in, 19 pitch and can hit 47-48 MPH GPS speeds in good water. She'll plane in 2-3 seconds. When trimmed up, she'll be a little sensitive at top speeds, so you may want to use a Doel Fin or Whaletail as suggested above, but I run SF Bay, so the opportunities for top speed are not so frequent. Save the trim tab money for gas and enjoy the boat. The hull is stable, dry riding, and a real sweetheart. |
Fireplug
|
posted 12-05-2005 06:50 PM ET (US)
Chris, I have a 17'outrage running a 115 Merc. I have run some pretty dicey water in the Gulf of Mexico off the Florida coast. Aside from the usual prop torque pitching to the left, I have had no issues. I installed a whale tail which stabilized the boat nicely and did away with most of the torque. She gets up on plane alot faster since the Tail was put on. My merc rockets it out of the water when the accelerator pump kicks. You should be happy with the performance. Test the boat first before installing tabs. |