Trim tabs and Hydrofoils or Doel fins on 210

[cesar catani]

I see that many 210's with 150 4s motors are equipped with trim tabs , I have also seen some with fins on the outboards. Could you comment on the advantages or disadvantages/problems of each system on the 210, and compare one against the other.I am planning to obtain a 215 with 150 4s for next year and am trying to make my mind up on some details.Thanks Cesar Catani

[calicokid]

Cant comment on Doel fins but I can say I wouldn’t have a 210 without trim tabs after having them. The combination of tabs and motor trim allow you to trim the motor for efficiency and the tabs for sea conditions or load imbalance.

[Putershark]

Each hull and how it is loaded (much less, loading on each trip) is unique. So I would look upon this issue from a ROI (Return on Investment) aspect before considering the expense of installing trim tabs.

Now both fixes will some create drag, for you cannot have lift without drag. But if all you are needing is to is generate stern lift to help offset low engine power and (can be excessive on the 210 hull) slow speed / idle speed drift, (meaning you have to spin the helm back and forth a lot to keep the boat tracking straight) then cost versus return would favor the BMS stabilizer plate http://www.bobsmachine.com/Products/transom_stabilizer.cfm with it's zero flex and extra rudder fins for lateral stability. This also comes in real handy if you plan on trolling with your main engine since 4 stroke engines (and some 2 strokes) really sip the fuel at idle.

This unit will also return its cost in short order in fuel savings IF you drive the boat correctly meaning… You punch the engine up high enough to get the hull on a plane from a dead stop (no hanging out in the lower to mid RPM range) quickly! And then once on a plane, back her down and trim to run at a good cruise speed. Running the engine at too slow of a speed so the hull just sets there and plows / pushes a ton of water just kills fuel economy.

Now if you need to offset a hull imbalance port and starboard wise, only trim tabs or moving weight around inside the hull is going to correct such. Here again, boat loading (or adjusting for such) is the least expensive fix for that… Trim Tabs though come in real handy if you are trying to drop the bow in heavy sea states, but only you know how much time you are going to spend doing such? One could also put on BOTH systems and really have all the toys and be ready for anything

Tight Lines!
Dave

[cesar catani]

Thanks Puttershak for illustrating me on this important subject,now I know a little more about boats.Cesar Catani