Trailer boat - trim tab question - Boating & Fishing Information and Reports Forum

CAP1 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-26-2007, 01:35 PM

I am planning to add tabs to the boat sometime this spring, but when I was scoping out placement earlier this morning, I realized my current tie-down straps go right over the section of transom where I would be mounting the trim tabs. I believe I know how to rework tie-downs - single strap across the hull from side to side instead of the current individual tie-down straps for each stern corner.
But, before I go any further, does anyone who trailers their boat with trim tabs have any input on strapping down the boat to the trailer while avoiding the tabs?

Just thought I would ask before I go too much farther in my planning.
Thanks in advance.

CAP

Playin' Hooky · #2 (**permalink**) 12-26-2007, 01:47 PM

I am going to soon install tabs. I plan on using a strap from side to side myself.

SKEETERMAN · #3 (**permalink**) 12-26-2007, 03:09 PM

I have tabs but dont have a tie down issue. I can still use the individual straps but i cant stand that if i forget to retract my tabs before i put the boat on the trailer i will cause damage to the tabs due to the trailer bunk locations. I may have to move the winch post forward. Not to derail but you might want to check out your bunks as well before mounting.

CAP1 · #4 (**permalink**) 12-26-2007, 07:38 PM

Skeet,
My bunks won't be an issue, just the current strap tie-down situation.
Thanks for bring the bunks into the thought process though.
That's why I posted the question, to make sure I don't miss something or cause myself problems.

Kern O · #5 (**permalink**) 12-26-2007, 08:47 PM

The supposed cure for having the tabs down when you trailer is the auto retract module that retract the tabs when you turn off the key. That sounds great until you notice that the tabs retract every time you turn off the key. So, get 'em set, troll and get a hookup. You stop to boat the fish and the tabs are up. You can override it with a switch, but what's the point.

Bullshipper · #6 (**permalink**) 12-26-2007, 09:01 PM

Move or add tie downs on the trailer to keep them short so that added length and stretch is not a problem.

Drill and a coulple of eybolts solve this problem.

rwidman · #7 (**permalink**) 01-22-2008, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bullshipper

Move or add tie downs on the trailer to keep them short so that added length and stretch is not a problem.

Drill and a coulple of eybolts solve this problem.

That's pretty much what I did. I didn't have to drill, just install a short bracket under another bolt. And get the welded eyebolts, they are much stronger.

Just get behind the trailer and figure where you can put straps that won't hit the tabs.