No trim tab

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Fixxxer93

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 29, 2012
Messages
350
Location
N Ga
My new to me boat doesn't have a trim tab because a previous owner took it off to put on bigger prop. If I put one on it, prop would eat it up. I do have a whale tale I could put on it, but would it help or be a dumb idea? It's a astroglass with a 115 mariner. Not sure pitch of prop, but just seems too big to me. I really would like to go back factory on it, if anyone know what size to get? emoSmile
 
The trim tab and whale tale are 2 different things for 2 different purposes==The trim tab counter acts torque at the steering wheel while the whale tale is to eliminate the front of the boat from porpoising. Any size prop should fit without hitting the trim tab unless something has been altered so it must have been removed for some other reason. The answers you get here are of great help but there is nothing better than doing your own research, study your engine and it will make life easier on you in the future. I hope this helps !!

Those are good engines..
 
The whale idea is out the window lol. Since I've asked that ? I've done alot of research and this is an update of sorts. Where the tab is supposed to, its not there and if it was there it would hit the prop. Figuired that by measurements. I' got my tach to work finally but not getting what I think a "true" reading cause a WOT it runs about 4800, but seems like it could do more. I've got fuel issues so I'm goin to replace fuel bulb, and get new plugs to see if it shows the same. I know it seems weird but it just "seems" like the prop is too big because compared to another boat I had, that prop was smaller. (it was a 135)
Thanks for the help, I appreciate it.
 
Okay, I read all that but now the truth ... If you have hydrolic steering you can install the. Flush cap into the hole where your tab goes. That would be the only reason you should NOT need the trim tab. I have a Mercury and like your mariner I ran into the situation where my four blade prop was designed a little longer than my three blade. There are at least two designs of the trim tabs that will fit the prop you select. That tab is really needed to counter the torque from your engine to your steering wheel at proper trim and cruising speeds.
 
Going on what LL said. Does your boat have Hyd. steering? If so then the tab is not needed. What could have happened it the prop that came on it was a 14.00 or a 14.25 dia. and someone thought running bigger 14.50 dia would be better and in order to run that dia. prop they had to remove tab. Can you get the info from the person that had it as to what they did to it?

Look in the owners section of BBC and see what those people are running. It will give you a good idea.
 
Thanks, cause that helps me realize I'm not crazy lol if it had a "normal" prop then it would be fine, but the prop it has now it would hit a factory trim tab. Didn't know you could buy a different one to fit. Where the trim tab is supposed to be is just a hole so that's the other reason I'm concerned. Plus it's a pain to drive because no it doesn't have HS. LL, can you point me in the direction of the other trim tab? I am asking because I don't know who to contact. Thanks for you alls help so far. I asked previous owner about prop but prop was already on it. Honestly I think he knows less about boats than I do. What's funny tho is someone on here had it for sale four years ago, and by those pics it's the same prop, but for some reason feel weird for contacting them about it lol don't ask why can't explain it.
 
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Fixxxer93 - 5/9/2012 11:13 PM Plus it's a pain to drive because no it doesn't have HS. .

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From my experience that is dangerous. One lax moment and your boat can make a quick turn on its own.</p>

I bought one with a missing trim tab, made one run and didn't put it back in the water till I got one put on.
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digitalcb - 5/9/2012 11:31 PM



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Fixxxer93 - 5/9/2012 11:13 PM  Plus it's a pain to drive because no it doesn't have HS. .

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From my experience that is dangerous. One lax moment and your boat can make a quick turn on its own.</p>

 I bought one with a missing trim tab, made one run and didn't put it back in the water till I got one put on.
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I've only took it out a couple times and it feels like a car out of line and don't like driving it because of the reason you gave plus it sucks with it pulling to one side constantly. Lol
 
Go to boat shop, ask for Torque Tab for your Mariner, most carry them in stock as they sometimes loosen up due to viberation and will eventually fall off, look inside of foot where the mount bolt is & see if there is still a bolt inside the case. There is a small cap plug above the tab hole, remove the plug and look for a loose bolt lying inside....luck, the tab is about 12 to 20$ and not worth the worry, replace and adjust to the torque side to correct steering......... emoGeezer emoUSA
 
the Tab does not usually line up on the mounting hole itself. In most motors the part that would hit the blade on the prop is 2-3 inches behind the bolt hole and will be off the side a certain amount to alleviate the torque . The part around the mounting hole is usually flush with bottom of the cavitation plate it mounts to.
 
Strato-G - 5/10/2012 7:42 AM

Go to boat shop, ask for Torque Tab for your Mariner, most carry them in stock as they sometimes loosen up due to viberation and will eventually fall off, look inside of foot where the mount bolt is & see if there is still a bolt inside the case. There is a small cap plug above the tab hole, remove the plug and look for a loose bolt lying inside....luck, the tab is about 12 to 20$ and not worth the worry, replace and adjust to the torque side to correct steering......... emoGeezer emoUSA

Can't find my bolt, its just a hole straight thru and where the tab is supposed to be its open. Who here in Chatt is the Mercury/Mariner dealer an I'll contact them about it. I appreciate all the help.
 
I have bought several from Tim att he Prop Shop in Soddy. . As started it is very dangerous to drive your boat with it pulling to turn on you. Loose your grip at cruising speed and you will find yourself wet with your own boat circling to get you. For that reason and more wear your safety lanyard as well.
The standard design tab is larger and directly beneath the round cover. The alternative is offset back where it will clear the blades. On my boat it did not matter the prop diameter so much as it did the blade shape and rearward length. The tab I am referring to is very common. As stated, about anywhere they sell marine parts you should be able to acquire one ... Just be sure to get the one that has the fin that is offset back and not directly below the cover. Get the factory bolt and washer please. It is threaded to fit the tabs and is the correct length, That is very important.
LL
 
Thank you LL, appreciate it, I do. I took it out twice but it's parked for awhile cause I got other things I want to do to it, but that's top of the list.
 
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