Permatrim Hydrofoils

Thanks Mike,

I will try that method next time I am out. It does make sense for the motor to be parallel with the water surface.

Steve
 
Might as well throw in my two cents worth. The Mary Ellen has twin 40 HP Hondas. The only complaint I had was the ability to get lateral trim without going to trim tabs. I ordered a set of Honda SST hydrofoils and did not like the way they mounted(didn't even drill any holes, just held them up and did not like the looks). I had just about given up when I stumbled on to the Permatrims. I have now had them going on the second season and really like the way the boat handles. Just a touch on the trim button and the side to side trim is corrected. I am concerned with the following sea potencial handling problem but have never encountered any problem yet. I wonder if the fact that the Permatrim is deeper in the water would help to minimize the effect? As far as quality and how they look I could not be happier. It also seems to handle better at slow speeds around the dock, it's more responsive.
 
The US rep for Permatrims (shipyardisland.com) had no info about Permatrims and broaching in following seas, but here's what the manufacturer of Permatrims (in NZ) says about broaching in following seas:

Permatrims work differently to trim tabs and should not make a boat more susceptible to broaching in a following sea, they will help to stop your boat from broaching by giving your more trim control so you can hold your bow up, this is one area were permatrims differ from trim tabs, trim tabs cannot lift your bow only lower it.

I hope that helps explain the difference. If you need any more info please email me and I will try to help out.

Thanks for your enquiry.

Regards
Colin Chapman

I did some research on the Net, but couldn't find anything directly linking trim tabs (or accoutrements like Permatrims) to broaching in following seas, but numerous references (Bennett and Lenco owner's manuals) state that trim tabs should be kept up (retracted) in following seas "to improve handling" and/or to prevent the bow from "digging in" (to the next wave). My personal experience is that extended trim tabs in large following seas (6-10 feet) WILL cause a boat to broach -- and it happens very violently and rapidly, without warning and is uncontrollable. Colin's point above makes sense. If kept trimmed down in a following sea, a Permatrim equipped outboard should function to really keep the bow up - important to prevent digging in to the next wave...
 
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