Does the stingray do as it says or are trim tabs the only real solution to porpoising and faster hole shot?

Looking at $50 versus $600 and a much easier installation.

I've been lead to believe that tabs are much more functional (leveling and minimizing listing among others) where as the stingray (or dol-fin) helps holeshot and faster planing, and staying on plane at lower speeds.
I don't think I would benefit from tabs, but have thought about getting a dol-fin or stingray type apparatus.

I installed a SE Sport 300 before I went w/ Smart Tabs and removed it.



Most of what I've read indicates the foils are more effective the smaller the boat. On my 21 footer it did help with porpoising as well as idle speed bow wander. I could not tell a difference in hole shot or ability to plane at a lower cruise speed.

I've had both, and TT are by far the better choice. That's not to say the fin is ineffective, but in my mind it's apples and oranges.

I also put smart tabs on my first boat (17' FW) to correct torque-lean, with marginal success.

For $50, try the fin.

I had a SE Sport 300 on a Maxum 1700BR. It did make quite a difference in time to plane, and I believe allowed for planing at slower speeds. I have since heard that they place undesireable loads on outdrives. I also noticed a 3-4 mph drop in WOT speed. I'd say if you have the money go for trim tabs, or take a look at smart tabs. I'd have smart tabs on my Horizon 200 if the hull shape did not make for a problematic installation. The Volvo QL Trim tabs might be something to look at too.

Volvo QL thread
http://www.boatingabc.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/270570/4.html

Nauticus Smart Tab info
http://www.nauticusinc.com/tech_bulletin/nauticus_pdf_book.pdf

Nice info there, Jim R!!

Search the net, Bennett's has a mininum advertised price, so you must call several stores to get the real selling price.

PS - I just did and I got about $433 for the good kit on my first telephone call.

My personal opinion (from first-hand experience of owning 19 boats so far) is to go with T-T on anything other than a car-topper, inflatable or open skiff.

I can honestly say that I will never own a boat again w/o T-T's.

And besides, you have a S/R.

When you go to sell it, what will a potential buyer think when he see's a Doel-Fin (or similar clone) on it versus real T-T's?

I have seen the Doel Fins/clones break the cav plates that they are mounted to on heavier boats like yours. When you are up on plane and decide to raise or lower the trim for better performance, there is a lot of pressure on the Doel Fin. That pressure is transfered to the cav plate when you change the angle of the lower unit. That pressure can cause the cav plate to break.

I have seen it too many times in the shop. The Doel-Fin and clone companies are still in denial over taking any responsibility over any damage caused by their products.

They continue to blame the installer for any failures.

Sounds like a cop-out to me...

Good luck!

I had the Stingray on my 19' Bass boat. It improved hole shot, reduced the planing speed and helped with the idle wandering. It did trim a 1 or 2 mph off of the top end.

for anyone new to trim tabs or considering getting them, make sure you retract/reset them once offplane for straighter tracking and better idling performance. not to mention ease of docking.

Check over on thehulltruth site.

There is a forum devoted just for Bennett's. Tabman's.

Also, I would look at the Lenco's (electric vs. hydraulic). I (reluctantly to begin with) had a set on my Scout 242. No choice for me, they were put on at the factory, but I wanted the boat, so I went for it.

After 5 years of trouble-free service, as well as the product meeting all of my expectations, I wouldn't hesitate to own their product again.

It would be a tough choice for me if my next boats' MFG offered a choice between the two...

Guess I'll just keep searching the net for a decent price. Thoughts on the smart tabs mentioned by Jim R above? Any recommendations as to which size TT's to get?

5.0L EFI (240Hp)
Vengence SS 14x19 prop (thinking of going to 14x17)
1.62 gears
Mostly run at about 3000 feet or lower. Sometimes as high as 6000 feet.

One last thing.

Get the auto-tab retractors.

They retract the tabs when you shut down automatically.

Well worth the investment!

Check.

I have had no experience with the Smart-Tabs.


My opinion is the bigger the better. But your boats hull design will dictate which unit will fit best. Bennett (and I'm sure Lenco) will have a reference chart to assist you with picking the proper sized tabs. I'd check to see if the next size up will also fit.

Also, for self-installation, the Lenco electrics will be much easier to install than the hydraulic ones. No pumps or hyd lines to install or worry about leakage.

Less maintenance too...