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Essex502
08-09-2001, 07:24 PM
We have an outstanding ride - a 21' Essex Sterling with a 502. While we get 70 mph out of the boat the ride gets a little squirely when we come across small to medium side rollers. Also, to get the maximum speed we trim the outdrive to full up (not trailer) on the Bravo 1. My dilemma: would adding trim or "K" planes solve the handling issue and/or add some proficiency by not having to raise the outdrive to its maximum? I assume that adding them would improve the boat's ride in Havasu or Mojave chop by bringing the nose down to cut thru the crap.
Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.

Havasu Hangin'
08-09-2001, 07:47 PM
Originally posted by Essex502:
...would adding trim or "K" planes solve the handling issue and/or add some proficiency by not having to raise the outdrive to its maximum?
In my humble opinion- no. Tabs will not make your hull more efficient, unless you have big setup problems to begin with.
Originally posted by Essex502:
I assume that adding them would improve the boat's ride in Havasu or Mojave chop by bringing the nose down to cut thru the crap.
Correct. When I get into some chop, I drop the tabs down a little, and the nose plows through the chop, instead of bouncing over it. Of course, now you have more hull in the water, so the drag slows you down.
If you're a racer on the edge, then tabs may help you have more confidence in the big stuff (more confidence = more throttle), but not for us lake guys.
IMO tabs are good for three things:
Handling chop (as mentioned above) so you don't spill your beverage. http://www.goldenplasma.f2s.com/forum/smilies/happy33.gif
Planing quicker, and maintaining plane at slower speeds (tubing, & whatnot). http://www.goldenplasma.f2s.com/forum/smilies/happy04.gif
Balancing your boat if it's leaning to one side from your "big-boned" friends. http://www.goldenplasma.f2s.com/forum/smilies/happy15.gif
Hope it helps. http://www.goldenplasma.f2s.com/forum/smilies/happy25.gif

25 Outlaw 502
08-10-2001, 05:41 AM
If you don't have external steering the little bit of squirrel could be causes by the slop in the standard steering system. Also when the hull gets really free from much contact with the water the if you look at the back of the hull there are no strakes or anything to help prevent the side to side shimmies. Tabs won't help the shimmies.

Essex502
08-10-2001, 03:51 PM
Thanks for the info. Actually, getting on plane is very rapid with this boat. Also, planing at relatively low speed hasn't been a problem with up to 4 adults. I haven't had it in the water with more than 4. If I can improve the late afternoon, Havasu chop "bangin' around" I'd be happy!
Originally posted by Havasu Hangin':
Correct. When I get into some chop, I drop the tabs down a little, and the nose plows through the chop, instead of bouncing over it. Of course, now you have more hull in the water, so the drag slows you down.
If you're a racer on the edge, then tabs may help you have more confidence in the big stuff (more confidence = more throttle), but not for us lake guys.
IMO tabs are good for three things:
Handling chop (as mentioned above) so you don't spill your beverage. http://www.goldenplasma.f2s.com/forum/smilies/happy33.gif
Planing quicker, and maintaining plane at slower speeds (tubing, & whatnot). http://www.goldenplasma.f2s.com/forum/smilies/happy04.gif
Balancing your boat if it's leaning to one side from your "big-boned" friends. http://www.goldenplasma.f2s.com/forum/smilies/happy15.gif
Hope it helps. http://www.goldenplasma.f2s.com/forum/smilies/happy25.gif

Essex502
08-10-2001, 03:54 PM
Nope, don't have external steering and it would take modifying my swim step to install it. I've been told that IF I am to take this boat to higher speeds it is STRONGLY recommended for safety reasons to ad external, hydraulic steering. My biggest handling issue is when a side roller comes in with the speed 50+ an not a lot of maneuvering room (i.e. close to another boat) it gets a little too exciting if you know what I mean. I usually have to back off to keep the horizon level.
Thanks for the input!
Originally posted by 25 Outlaw 502:
If you don't have external steering the little bit of squirrel could be causes by the slop in the standard steering system. Also when the hull gets really free from much contact with the water the if you look at the back of the hull there are no strakes or anything to help prevent the side to side shimmies. Tabs won't help the shimmies.

sea buddy
08-17-2001, 09:39 AM
Merc tells boat builders to put on external steering on boats that go over 65 mph. Most builders push that rule of thumb to 70mph.