Trim Tab Size for OUTRAGE 17 II

[MisChief15]

Q1: what size trim tab is "good" for an OUTRAGE 17 II?

Q2: is a trim tab size of 9-inch x 9-inches "okay" for an OUTRAGE 17 II?

Q3: is a trim tab size of 9-inch x 12-inch "okay" for an OUTRAGE 17 II?

Any recommendation on trim tab size or any recommendation on trim tab brand given to me will be appreciated.

[fno]

I would like to think that 9-inch x 9-inch trim tabs would be and ideal size for [an OUTRAGE 17 II] boat.

A trim tab of 9-inch x 12-inch will work. too, but [a 12-inch long trim tab might] stick out too far [from the transom].

Consider the effect the tab size has on the placement of the actuator or cylinder with regard to the transom height.

I personally have experience with BENNET-brand electric tabs on my 210 Outrage. The reason I chose electrically-actuated trim tabs was their near-instant reaction time compared to hydraulically actuated trim tabs, and also the [BENNET-brand electrically-actuated trim tabs include a] built-in-tab-position-indicator in the trim tab and the built-in-trim-tab-position [display or\ indicators.

My only concern was the proximity of the electric tab actuators to the water, water but that has yet to be a problem after several years.

The BENNET customer service was excellent--even though they are now owned by Yamaha.

I did have an [problem or defect] with the control switch assembly after about 1 to 1-1/2 years. I sent [the defective control switch assembly] to Bennet. They sent back a new switch control that was updated and improved upon since I purchased my tabs, and with with no-questions-asked about how long I owned the tabs.

I would buy [electric trim tabs] from [BENNET] again

[MisChief15]

FNO--thank you. I really do NOT want to drill holes in my [OUTRAGE 17 II] boat. I may use 1-inch [thick] KING StarBoard to mount the trim tabs. I may adhere the KING StarBoard using [3M5200 adhesive-sealant] to the transom, and mount the trim tabs [to the KING StarBoard in some undescribed manner].

FNO--do you think the method I may use is "okay"?

[jimh]

FNO--do you think the method I may use is "okay"?

Is it possible that other readers of your method are permitted to comment on it this thread?

When you ask a specific person about how to mount trim tabs, you only get one point of view. Generally if you are participating in a public forum, all readers are eligible to participate when you ask a question.

[fno]

MisChief15, I understand your concern about drilling holes in a Boston Whaler. It is often a painful and long lasting trauma until after the first one. I had to have my good friend and longtime boater, mechanic drill the hole in my bottom for a transducer. He just smiled at me and started drilling where I told him to. Drill the necessary holes, use 4200 not 5200 to seal the screws if you ever want to remove them again. And another piece of advice, don't use the screws supplied from the tab manufacturer. My Bennets came with crappy Chinese screws that broke off halfway into the transom. Granted, I was stingy with the pilot hole but I want them in and stay in for good. I bought a box of 316 SS screws from McMaster-Carr and waited and day and none of them broke off with the same pilot holes. I preach quality fasteners quite often here because most of what you can find in retail shops including boat dealers sell crap fasteners that may or may not be rust free. Remember, they call it Stain-Less for a reason. If it were fool-proof they would have called them Never-Stain fasteners. 316 is the way to go and most hardware stores only have 18-8 on their shelves. 18-8 is OK in fresh water maybe, but never in salty environments. I would suspect Dick Fisher would do a slight roll in his grave if he saw me using 18-8 instead of his choice of 316 stainless.

[fno]

FWIW, these previous posts of mine are just my opinion based upon my screwing things up the first time, not asking smarter people, and not looking for answers on this site for many years. Getting lucky once in a while has helped build my confidence over the last 30 years of boat ownership. I agree with JimH, don't just take my word for it. do the research on this site. You will find as I did, that many others have been there and done that. And for what it's worth, don't buy into the YouTube experts looking for their 15 minutes of fame and fortune. For every ten videos you watch, 11 of them don't know their ass from a hole in the wall and finding the one or two that do know their stuff is almost next to impossible these days. Don't get me wrong, I will go to YouTube to get basic knowledge and a better understanding of a project, but I usually move on to more competent advice these days.