Permatrim---thumbs up or thumbs down?

seabeagle · Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 8:17 pm Post subject:

Thumbs down.

I've had one on my CD16 cruiser for 4 months now and could have gotten the same results from a $35 plastic hydrofoil. Did not help at all with cavitation. Plus, under certain wave conditions, small slow rolls of wake from odd angles, the boat can be violently thrown sideways. Must be the way that it holds the water. Prior to that, I would have bounced across the wake. Now, hang on tight, you could get knocked out. I guess the core problem of my cavitation is the near flat bottom and the prop being too close to the surface. My old boats were serious bottom feeders and never had ride issues.
I still love my CD though. Wink

Steve Grover · Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 8:24 pm Post subject:

I do believe you may have another problem Rolling Eyes

seabeagle · Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 8:48 pm Post subject:

I hope its not the captain. Gave up the bottle 14 years ago. Shocked

thataway · Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 9:22 pm Post subject:

You may be correct that the small fins will work well on smaller boats. I have used te Dolfins on 12 to 14 foot RIB's very effectively. But the cavitation is a bit puzzling? Did you have cavitation before putting the Permatrim on? The mounting height of the engine is critical--both with and without the Permatrim. I have found the Permatrim to be more for putting the bow down and avoiding the pounding, plus getting the stern up faster, than dealing with problems of cavitation. Cavitation is due to other issues--such as prop size, blade types, clearance of the lower unit, and motor height--as well as the boat's bottom and water flow.

My personal experience with even the smaller fins, is that they improve handling in the situations you describe--but again--I have not owned a 16.

thataway · Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 9:22 pm Post subject:

You may be correct that the small fins will work well on smaller boats. I have used te Dolfins on 12 to 14 foot RIB's very effectively. But the cavitation is a bit puzzling? Did you have cavitation before putting the Permatrim on? The mounting height of the engine is critical--both with and without the Permatrim. I have found the Permatrim to be more for putting the bow down and avoiding the pounding, plus getting the stern up faster, than dealing with problems of cavitation. Cavitation is due to other issues--such as prop size, blade types, clearance of the lower unit, and motor height--as well as the boat's bottom and water flow.

My personal experience with even the smaller fins, is that they improve handling in the situations you describe--but again--I have not owned a 16.

seabeagle · Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 5:46 pm Post subject:

Spike38 · Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 6:15 pm Post subject:

In following this thread I noted earlier posts mentioning improved maneuverability at slow speeds and even with way on in neutral. I'm just getting used to outboard power (again, after too many years to want to think about), am consistently non-plussed by my inability to steer at very slow speeds, being used to sailboats. Just curious as to whether a concensus exists on the degree to which Permatrims really help in this regard. If a lot they might be worth the price of admission. (I've got trim tabs so presume they wouldn't add a lot in the trim department.)

marvin4239 · Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 6:45 pm Post subject:

Spike38 on the subject of contolling trim with the permatrim verses the trim tabs for me the permatrim is far superior in that it's much easier to use and the trim is altered much quicker. I use my trim tabs to control side trim. As far as added control at low speeds I do believe the permatrim helps in this department also.

Rob & Karen · Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 8:09 pm Post subject:

I started with Lenco 12x12 tabs. After asking lots of questions and working up the courage to drill 10 holes in my motor, I finally bought and installed a permatrim. I have been very happy with it.

The following is a quote from Les Lampman. He posted this in response to my question about having both trim tabs and a permatrim. This helped move me towards ordering the permatrim.

"I don't see it as being an "either or" situation at all. I'd rather have both options than none and only the tabs if I get one choice but for the price I'd definitely have both."

Rob

drjohn71a · Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 9:48 am Post subject:

Spike,

The permatrims definitely allow better steering while gliding thru the water with no power. Like you, I had sailed for years and really felt lost with so little control while gliding/drifting without power on a power boat. Even the TomCat 255, which I assume is more difficult to turn than any of the single hulled C-Dory models, has excellent control with the Perma trims.

I glide down the way and into my slip every time with no power needed since the steering under drift is so pronounced.

John

Sea Wolf · Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 10:33 am Post subject:

drjohn71a · Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 12:09 pm Post subject:

Yes, Joe, I have had several jet boats. The last one had twin engines, but had absolutely no steering control once the throttle let off. Docking it was like throwing a boulder at the float and crossing your fingers!

As mentioned, I can steer the TomCat adrift without power for over a hundred yards right into the slip. I do it every time I return nowadays... many of my dockmates are amazed you can steer so well without power after having installed the Perma Trims.

I too believe the length and the turned under edges are what works.

John

phillipgo · Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2008 6:09 pm Post subject:

I installed a Permatrim on a 19' Arima,( simalar to the C-Dory). I am very happy with it. Well worth the money.

C-Hawk · Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2008 6:40 pm Post subject:

starcrafttom · Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2008 8:17 pm Post subject:

and dont let the door hit you on the way out Twisted Evil

great bunch of nice people here Evil or Very Mad