trim tabs required?? Light Tackle 20 200 SHO

[smboudreaux]

My LT20 is getting a new 200 SHO.  I have trim tabs on the bottom now but the are not functional.  Will i need functional tabs when i get the new motor put on the get the most out of it?  This seems like a pretty obvious question.  I'm getting to the end of my budget but if its gonna be a problem i'd rather just swap them out while the shop has it.  Hoping someone has a similar setup the get advice

[hurricane]

I say all boats need trim tabs, no matter the motor.        ( Small Jon boats and dingys exculded) 

[HoneyB]

Trim tabs required ????? Yes 

 

[fin-addict]

Yes

[jason p]

I don’t think there’s a planing hull boat made that wouldn’t benefit from trim tabs. 

[MuddyBottomBluz]

Yes you will need them and come to love them.

[smboudreaux]

Trim tabs it is 

[HoneyB]

Need them might be a little strong.

benefit greatly yes in deed 

[linesider 159]

That boat doesn't need them as it already runs bow heavy, but if you are spending the money to repower I'd spend the extra and make the tabs functional, as you never know when they will come in handy

[mdemott]

Find them especially useful in choppy water or to level out boat with passengers.

[George Seither]

I'll second the tabs in a chop to make the bow work & leveling out

[HewesYourDaddy]

I found that I need less tabs with my heavier 4 stroke on the boat now, but they are definitely needed in situations such as heavy head seas, load imbalance, shallow water planing, etc.  Go with tabs.....

[captpn]

Must have.

As stated above, that's what they are for, to nose it down in a chop to stop pounding and for leveling. You don't get any more speed with them, actually loose some mph when using them but the ride is greatly improved.

[DonV]

As everyone says....yes!! Trim tabs are one of those "you must have" items, like a Power Pole, trolling motor, etc. You should be able to fix the ones you have using the existing stainless tabs, which are a major part of the price for new. Go with the Bolts if you can.. 

[George Seither]

It's a personal preference but I would add the position indicator switch to know what position the tabs are at, looks like the new Lenco Switch did away with the control box

[whichwaysup]

LOL, You just asked the most OCD group of boat owners on the planet if you should fix something that is broken on your boat without asking them to chip in!    Ask again and charge everyone who says yes $50 and see if the responses change!!    

 

(no offense intended, just had to laugh at my owm initial reaction!  Hell, I am OCD enough that without having a clue about the hull, I would probably still say yes.   But dont ask me!)

[Tarpon1215]

Fix the tabs. My check is in the mail.😉

[polliwog]

I'm going to guess you have Bennets as you existing Tabs and system.  Call the company and tell them your situation.  They have a great reputation for service.  BTW I have a 1998 20ft  LT and couldn't live without the trim tabs. Let us know how it goes.  

[Lap it Up]

If you have bennetts go with their electric retrofit kit.  I have them and love them.  No more pump and hydraulic fluid to deal with.  MBG also switched to Bennett electrics on new builds.  Reliable tabs.  Search the internet.  A lot of places run specials on them. 

[DonV]

Mr. Lap It Up is correct!!! If my hydraulic Bennetts ever quit working, the key word is "ever" because they are 40 years old and work perfect,  I'm going with the Bolt retro kits!! Just helped my neighbor install them on his boat and it was very easy and they work perfect!! Good luck!!

[smboudreaux]

you guys were right.  Ended up getting Lencos with the LED indicator switch.  Its something I could have made do without but definitely nice to have.