Hole Shot

[Redbelly]

I want to get up on plane quicker. 17' aluminum CC with a 40 2 stroke Yamaha. Would a dolefin or trim tabs be best for stern lift?

[Steve Stinson]

Based on the boats I've run the most effective add-on solutions to your issue, listed least effective to most are:

1. Dol-fin
2. Spring Loaded Trim Tabs
3. Hydraulic Trim Tabs

Come to think of it, these are also listed least expensive to most expensive.

Are you sure you are not over-propped or running too much weight in the back of your rig?
How many rpm's are you turning at full throttle?

- Steve Stinson

[silverking]

EVERY boat can benefit from trim tabs. Whether you want to go to that expense is the question you'll have to answer.

There are other solutions, as Steve mentioned. I'm not a big fan of the plastic cavitation plates. Too much flex. I'm running a metal one on the Evinrude and have been very pleased with it. Great hole shot and the boat stays on plane at lower speeds. Can't remember the brand right now, but I'll pass it along when I go to the boat shed.

What kind and style of prop are you running? That can make a big difference as well. A stainless steel four-blade doesn't flex like aluminum, plus the extra blade bites better for quicker acceleration. The trade-off is more metal in the water, so you won't get the same top end.

And put your boat on a diet. Are you carrying a bunch of extra gear you never use? Do you run with a full fuel tank when a half tank will be plenty for the trip planned.

Take a look at these factors. All have a direct effect on hole shot and overall performance.

[BeachRum1962]

Check out Smart tabs. They'll be your most bang for your buck. These are the ones I have.
http://www.nauticusinc.com/smart_tabsSX.htm

[wevans]

I run the Bob's STABILIZER PLATE and get a great hole shot "especially for a 40 four stroke on a 17.5 bass boat"

http://www.bobsmachine.com/Products/tra ... ilizer.cfm

[silverking]

I've run a Bob's stabilizer on previous boats. Good product.

Here's what I'm running now: Cobra Marine Pro Series

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[Redbelly]

I have a G3 and am real close to Wevans situation. Both batteries and gas tank in the rear. I am going to get a tack this weekend to watch the rpm's. I don't know the pitch of the prop, it appears to be the standard aluminum that a Yamaha 40 would come with. Don't want to go with a SS prop, wanna keep an aluminum. The man at Propco has been helpful in the past, but I need to be able to tell him the rpm's.
I like the plates y'all have shown.

[onefishtwofish]

I had some float pods put on my aluminum duck boat since I upgraded to a heavier surface drive motor-had to have them custom welded. The pods act as trim tabs (albeit not adjustable) but it has made a HUGE difference in the hole shot on that boat. My duck boat is rear heavy too (especially with my arse in it) and I moved the battery and gas tank forward too to help.

[silverking]

Look at the barrel of your prop. Should have a stamp somewhere that will give the specs.

The Cobra plate isn't cheap--about $180.

Bob's is a good value and will last the life of your outboard. Quick shipping too, from greater Tampa.