Attaching trim tabs to an aluminum transom

[Firetiger]

Trolling speed for my outboard at idle is 1.75 mph, I want to be able to troll a little bit slower. Researching the problem I came across 'Nauticus Smart Tabs SX', tabs which can be configured in a down position. Acting as a brake your trolling speed is decreased.

2 questions! Has anyone used these tabs? Second, how are boaters attaching trim tabs, tranducers, etc to an aluminum transom?

Thanks for any comments!

[Gisteppo]

FT, this depends on the boat you have. The vast majority should be drilled through, bedded in 3M 5200 or some other bedding compound to exclude water, and through bolted. The bolt should be stainless steel or aluminum (alu needs to be in the same galvanic series or close, otherwise just err on the side of stainless), with a large washer (or small backing plate on the inside of aluminum) and I prefer a nylon lock nut, but that isn't mandatory, just safer and more fail-proof.

If your only target is reducing the speed of your troll, I think a Happy Troller trolling plate might be a better fit. Those trim tabs are good for those with trim issues or needing more lift with small engines and heavy boats, but if all you need is speed reduction, Id go the trolling plate avenue.

E

[A9]

Why not just get the "Happy Troller?"

http://www.davisnet.com/marine/products ... sp?grp=mo2

[Firetiger]

Can't use a trolling plate as I already have a hydrofoil installed on the outboard. Thanks for the comments. I'm not going to rush into anything. I'm not eager to start drilling holes in my transom.

[Gisteppo]

Cabelas makes an integrated one, but DO NOT buy it. The hydrofoil breaks the trolling plate constantly.

You can actually get an integrated system that will give you the best of both worlds using an Aluminum setup like this:



http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/produ ... Id=2069274

Much cheaper than a complete trolling motor, and you could probably sell your hydrofoil here on the forum to another member.

E

[Firetiger]

Interesting!

However after tracking down their website,

http://www.ironwoodpacific.com/products ... roller.htm

I found the unit was designed for 50 hp and up. Too bad, I have a 25 hp.

[A9]

Stick an electric motor on the transom????

Another cheap option....

[Gisteppo]

I would do one of two things.

1) get the lifting wing of your choice (I have two laying around here for 50hp motors, but I used one on my 5hp briggs for the tug and it works stunningly well). Then bolt THROUGH the lifting wing to a trolling plate. This gives you both.

2) Get this:



http://www.clacka.com/gear/propguard.htm

And add a trolling plate as above. This will do EVERYTHING you can imagine, from protect your motor to slow your troll to add lift. And it is made for the little motors.

E

[fishing collector]

Maybe drag an old tire around. Maybe a big sock! ummmm Maybe not... :-)