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/foru...es/happy33.gif
Planing quicker, and maintaining plane at slower speeds (tubing, & whatnot). http://www.goldenplasma.f2s.com/foru...es/happy04.gif
Balancing your boat if it's leaning to one side from your "big-boned" friends. http://www.goldenplasma.f2s.com/foru...es/happy15.gif
Hope it helps. http://www.goldenplasma.f2s.com/foru...es/happy25.gif