Trim Tabs or Hydrofoils for 170 BASS?

[dkaraluz]

I bought a 170 DC new back in October 2006 and after the third trip I installed a hydrofoil: yes, I didn't like drilling holes in my brand new motor but what a difference! Believe me, you will not recognize the boat: from a slow dog it became an eager planner!
http://www.triumphowners.net/photos/...php/photo/1821

[JETPILOT]

I have 170 dc.
I use a hydrafoil.
Easy to fit.
Faster planing and better turning at speed, more stable.

[Troll]

By now there have been over 800 viewers of this thread that I started and over 20 comments. All comments have said that either hydro-foils or trim tabs make a big improvement in the handling of their Triumph boat. When a boat handles better, it is also safer.

I think it is now time for Triumph to take action and install some form of stabilization on their boats at the factory. At the least, they should recommend that all buyers have their dealer install either trim tabs (either electrically controlled or automatic) or a hydrofoil.

Don't you wish that you had had this advise with your made the purchase of your Triumph?

Troll

[NCangler]

Troll, Trim tabs and a hydrofoil are an option. If I'm buying a boat and choose to add them to my boat order and negotiate it with the dealer that is fine. I don't see how you can demand that a boat manufacturer provide them as standard equipment. The boats handle fine without Trim Tabs, but many have reported that they like the handling better after adding trim tabs. So they are available as an option. That seems good enough to me.

[Troll]

NCangler,

I beg to differ with you about how the Triumph boats handle without trim tabs or hydrofoils. My 170 Bass from the factory was equipeed with a 4S Suzuki 70 hp. 90% of the time, it would not get on plane without someone walking forward while under excelleration. If I was alone I had to hold on to the steering wheel and walk as forward as possilbe. This is dangerous. So is driving a boat with the bow up in the air so visability is impared.

I am merely suggesting that Triumph post a notice on the boat or in the literature that trim tabs or hydrofoils will not only improve handling, but make for a better boating experience. I wish that I had had such a notice at the time of my purchase. It was only after complaining that my dealer suggested trim tabs, and then he did not now if they would help that much.

If your Triumph gets on plane without assistance and without having to go a half mile with the bow in the air. That is great. All I know is what my boat did before I installed trim tabs. I also have two different props so that WOT is in the range specified by Suzuki.

Troll

[fridaysoff]

Troll,
I had a 2004 170CC with a 60HP 4 stroke Yamaha. My boat would get on plane fine without moving to the bow. If the motor is trimmed all the way down and you put the trottle all the way forward I cannot imagine why your boat/motor will not get on plane unless its overloaded with people,gear,etc. I'm like NC Angler, trim tabs or hydrofoils are and should be an option. When I see a "whaletail" on an outboard motor the first thing I think is its an underpowered boat. Just my 2 cents!!
John D.

[cagrove]

I don't have trim tabs or a hydrofoil and my boat runs great...up on plane quickly...doesn't wander at slow speeds...runs level...everything that I expect it to do. I also have a two-stroke 60 hp Mercury on the back. I guess it all depends on how you set your boat up as to the performance you get out of it. That's not a manufacturer issue, that's a dealer/buyer issue. Put a heavy engine on the rear and you need to compensate for it. Just my 1/50th of a dollar.

[tupperware]

I have a 170 cc with dealer installed "dolphin" , it helps the boat plane . I think they were $65 .

tupperware

[tupperware]

Check my New boat pics you see can them , they are black and just above the prop.

[tfink]

Nice pics Tupperware.