Value of trim tabs on CD-25

[pauls]

I'm looking at a CD-25 -- and it lacks trim tabs. The fellow at the boat show said roughly half of CD-25's have em -- would appreciate comments on what utility they provide on this boat.

[Cosmic C]

They are absolutely essential! Because of their flat bottoms, all C Dory's have a tendency to pound, even in quite mild chop. Without trim tabs they can be very uncomfortable boats unless you slow way down. Trim tabs transform them into wonderful, comfortable boats, and even increase their already exceptional efficiency. The trick is to keep them trimmed so that the bow is just low enough to keep all the flat part of the bottom in the water. This is also the most efficient attitude. All C Dories, of whatever length, should have trim tabs.

[Anita Marie]

Not sure how you found a CD25 without trim tabs. I am pretty sure that all newer 25's came with trim tabs standard. I am not sure of the 6 originals from the 90's.
You absolutely need trim tabs on a 25, without them the performance and ride are lousy.

[Wefings]

I will agree on that one , once you have trim tabs on just about any boat ,you wont want to be without them , but especially true on C Dory . Lencos are easiest to install and least $$ They are electric rams . No hydraulic pump.
Marc

[Wefings]

I will install Lencos on Cruise Ship # 4 . Its getting lots of upgrades .That is the 4 th of the original 25s . Ill have more photos up in the gallery soon .
Marc

[stevej]

Cool Marc, another of the original cruise ships surfaces at long last.

I have #3 and Tyboo has #6 would love to see some pictures and know how it was rigged from the factory. Shearwater is bare bones for a 25 no shower, hot water or pressurized water system. It does have a Wallas (kerosene only) and electric head.

So as not to hijack this thread Shearwater does have trim tabs and I highly recommend them. You can you control the pounding (to a degree), trim for various weight distribution/loads and when combined with a fuel flow meter you can trim to maximize fuel usage.

Thanks
stevej

[pauls]

I was sure I saw a CD-25 without trimtabs at the boat show, and asked the sales guy specifically about this, and swear he said that half the boats go out without them. Could be I'm confused . . . but that's the reason for my post. Thanks again.

[Alyssa Jean]

Trim tabs are standard on a 25. Believe me, you want them.

[Helen O]

As far as I know, they are a standard feature on all 25's.

[pauls]

Interestingly trim tabs aren't listed as either standard equipment or as a factory installed option on the c-dory web site!

[lloyds]

Anyone here ever added them to a 16'? Sometimes I think I need something better than the foil.

[Sea Wolf]

This is what I've learned over the years from a whole bunch of discussions on trim tabs.

Most folks, once they've had them, swear they'd never be without them. They make up for unbalanced loading a lot, and are indespensible in choppy conditions.

The lure of the less expensive, simpler to install Lenco tabs is strong. They're fine in fresh water or on boats that spend most of the time on the trailer. For boats moored in salt water, however, the salt water eventually gets past the neoprene seals and into the interior of the unit. This is not good on the electrical components inside the unit, which are the motor and screw jack. The failure rate is proportionately high.

Hydraulic trim tabs, on the other hand, don't fail if a little salt water intrudes over time. They cost a little more money up front, and it's a a little harder to install the hydraulic pump and lines, but they're much more durable and a better investment.

Also, be sure to raise the trim tabs up all the way when mooring the boat, as this will minimize corrosion on the metal shafts. This goes for both fresh and salt water, and any brand of tab.

For hydraulic tabs, be sure to check the fluid level frequently for best operation and longer service.

For Lencos, be sure to lubricate the shafts and seals as often as possible.

My $0.02!

Joe.

[tpbrady]

While we are on the subject of trim tabs, has anyone used the Bennett auto trim tab option? While at the SBS, the Bennett rep said they were coming out with an new version that was all electronic and didn't depend oil bath unit (?) mounted on the inside of the keel.

[Pat Anderson]

Patty here. Trim tabs also allow the admiral here to SEE OVER THE BLOODY BOW!! Otherwise I'd have to be content to be a passive passenger and I think you all know how I feel about being passive!

[Larry Q]

Patty
You may have been passive once or twice.......but not for long.