TRIM TABS - NEW 20' CENTER CONSOLE

[2005SC20]

Anyone on here have a new (er) 20 CC with or without tabs? I am thinking of investing in some, but not sure without feedback.

I have a new 2005 with a Merc 150. The boat tends to lean slightly to the starboard side when on plane.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[JW-Tex]

The thrust from the propeller may cause the port side to rise and the starboard to be slighly lower. Can you move your gear, batteries, anchor to the port side? Moving some weight from the starboard side to the port side may solve the problem. Tabs are really nice though.

[2005SC20]

Batteries (2) are located under the helm (center of boat, on port side). Baitwell is on port side, and when full adds approx 75lbs. Still "leans" more than just caused by P Factor (torque from prop rotation). Also, the trim is VERY sensitive. Usually have to run the boat at a couple "bumps" up on the trim (guage never shows more than 1/8th from full down) before the boat begins to porpoise (this at cruising speed, 4200 rpm).

Any suggestions PRIOR to tabs???

[JW-Tex]

The motor height may be incorrect, might need to raise/lower the motor a notch or two experiment with the motor height and check results, you might try www.thehulltruth.com as this site is focused on the classics. Sounds like you have already considered the obvious issues.
JW

[fishstu]

I have the same boat - a 2001 SC 20MA CC with a merc 150 EFI outboard. The boat runs very even in most sea conditions, I have not noticed any leaning to port. Same layout as yours with batt's and Engine oil reserve in the CC.
The boat does have Lenco trim tabs, which I mainly use to even the boat due to load/sea conditions.
You need to check your engine height on the transom - too low will cause proposing. After that check out Permatrim planning units on the hull truth website.
A permatrim unit will help with proposing.
I fitted a Permatrim to the Engine's lower unit. The boat now jumps up on plane very quickly and can stay on plane at a lower speed. It also gives a faster rough water planning speed at which the ride is still smooth and the hull "sticks" to the water rather than pitching.

Permatrim will not keep the boat even in all conditions, you need trim tabs for that, and also in certain conditions trim tabs are needed in addition to engine trim to keep the bow up or down.

[RS]

I've run mine with tabs, without tabs after a refit and later with tabs again. It's a much better boat with tabs.

[2005SC20]

In relationship to the lowest point of the hull...where is your centerline of your prop? A picture if you have one would be great. I will double check, but it is possible my motor my be a little too deep (low). I need to take my boat in for the 20 hour check...may have them adjust the engine at that time if a picture of some of your boats that ride properly show a different relationship of the prop's centerline to the lowest point of the hull. Thanks for all your assistance.

[RS]

It's tough to line up the prop, most use the anti ventilation plate of the motor as a reference. Mine is about 1.5" above the lowest point on the hull bottom. When is was an inch lower the boat tended to porpoise.

[2005SC20]

Thanks to all of you...I believe the motor may need to come up a notch or so. I will have them do this and see how it does.

[eggsuckindog]

They almost always are too low, not sure why, Cav plate at least 1" above the hull bottom. Depending on your prop and how much rake and cup it has maybe 1.5 to 2" if the prop will hang. I feel this is most of the problem, as far as leaning I have to move my cooler to straboard and that fix's it but my cooler is usually heavy - It's hot out there Coach LOL