Whaler Drive Trim Tabs

Optimizing the performance of Boston Whaler boats
Outragestalker
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Joined: Fri Jun 24, 2022 6:05 pm

Whaler Drive Trim Tabs

Postby Outragestalker » Fri Jun 24, 2022 6:12 pm

Q1: how can Trim Tabs be installed on a Whaler Drive with twin engines?

Backstory: I have owned a [1976] NEWPORT 17 and a [1986] OUTRAGE 18. I installed trim tabs on both boats, improving their stability. I may buy a [1991] OUTRAGE 22 Whaler Drive boat. [If I buy that boat] I would want to install trim tabs. I don’t see a mounting location.

[Please start a new thread to inquire on a completely different topic.—Moderator]

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Phil T
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Location: Was Maine. Temporarily Kentucky

Re: Whaler Drive Trim Tabs

Postby Phil T » Fri Jun 24, 2022 6:23 pm

Regarding adding tabs, read these:

https://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/000735.html
https://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/001231.html

In summary, the answer is no for an Outrage 20 to Outrage 25.

Appropriate engine mounting and propeller selection will make a large difference.
1992 Outrage 17
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003

Outragestalker
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Re: Whaler Drive Trim Tabs

Postby Outragestalker » Fri Jun 24, 2022 6:45 pm

Thank you.

jimh
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Re: Whaler Drive Trim Tabs

Postby jimh » Sat Jun 25, 2022 8:21 am

You need to experience the ride characteristics of an OUTRAGE 22 Whaler Drive boat before you decide it must have trim tabs in order for the boat to meet your own criteria for ride stability.

Trim Tabs are most often employed to limit the bow rise. For that purpose they are unnecessary on a Whaler Drive boat. The Whaler Drive itself is a giant trim tab, and the boat will never exhibit any significant bow rise.

Coming from a round-bottom 17-footer or an modest V-hull OUTRAGE 18, the difference in ride and stability of an OUTRAGE 22 Whaler Drive 24-foot boat will be enormous.

Use of trim tabs to correct for slight hull list to one side will unlikely be unnecessary with twin engines. Boats with twin engines are producing thrust from each engine offset from centerline, and this generally reduces any tendency for the boat to yaw or lean to one side. Counter rotation engines also reduce propeller torque induced lists.

I think you are trying to apply a solution to a problem that will not exist, if and when you decide to buy the boat.