Trim tabs for my Rinker 246? Do I need them?
I have a 2013 Rinker 246 Cuddy and I do most of my boating on
Lake St. Clair in Michigan where it can be pretty choppy. Most of the time I
have a full boat and the weight is all toward the back. So when the conditions
are rough, I don't want to very fast, just barely on plane at about 3200 rpm.
The boat "attitude" or bow angle is a little high at that slow speed.
Would trim tabs help me to plane at slower speeds and get the bow down to cut
through the chop?
They sell a lot of the 246 and 276 Rinkers at the dealer on the lake here, I
didn't see many with tabs already installed. I wonder why? Any idea how much it
would cost to have the dealer install them? Are there any advantages to hydraulic
vs. electric tabs?
Thanks!!
Comments
As for the chop, LSC being shallow and the number of boats out there are going to make it choppy some days.
IMO, the tabs are worth it.
2002 FV 342 on Lake St. Clair - Past Commodore SHC - Vessel Examiner USCGAUX
Mark
2019 MTX20 Extreme
I put Lenco trim tabs (12" x 12") on my '04 232 br this spring. I love them. I can throttle down to about 15 mph and stay on plane. I can get on plane much quicker with 6 - 8 adults on board. Plus I can lower tabs in rough water to cut through chop.
On another note, check to see if the spacer on the rear of the trim cylinder attachment bolt is installed so the drive can be trimmed down more. My boat is very rear heavy and needs the spacer ahead of cross pin (bolt) so I have additional down trim to be stable. The shop that winterized my boat last fall installed the spacer towards the back and the boat would porpoise this spring when trimmed all the way down.
I would consult with your dealer about the spacer, as placement of the spacer in relation to the attachment bolt, can change the attitude of the boat. I would also consult with them on the trim tabs. It is a cost issue when selling new boats. I have the 350 Mag with Brovo 3, I think the 246 has the same. I would not go without them now. The higher end boats, in the same size and power, have them standard.
Rob
Does any body know what size and brand of tab installed at the factory for this boat? I emailed "Nautical Group" to see if they can tell me.