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Message 7 of 7
Posted by member Marie O'Connell Hardy Editor on Sunday 17 March 2013

To all HOC Members In the new April 2013 edition of the Hardy Owner magazine, Simon (our resident HOC Tech. Adviser & Marine Surveyor) has written a special article for us, giving some advice on Trim Tabs form his own personal perspective. Points covered - What are Trim Tabs (Types) - Why fit them? - Downsides? - How to fit them. Within the confines and limitations afforded him as regards space to cover the topic, he admits that his guide probably only covers about 40% or perhaps less of the subject - but I think he provides us with a very good place to start if you would like to know more about Trim Tabs. All the best everyone. Marie HOC Ed.

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Message 6 of 7
Posted by member Nicholas Duffin on Friday 28 December 2012

Thanks to you all for the useful advice. It seems to sum up that both hydraulic and electric work well but hydraulic probably will work for longer! Best regards Nicholas

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Message 5 of 7
Posted by member Simon Kidd on Tuesday 18 December 2012

Hi Dominic and Nicola It's important to keep the tabs retracted when not in use - especially if Jura Pilot is kept afloat - I very much imagine you know this already - thus you have no issues :-). This way the seals pick up less fouling and thus less damage. Agree - all sea going Navs and Pilots should have trim tabs! Would love to chat one day!! Best Regards and happy christmas Simon.

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Message 4 of 7
Posted by member Dominic and Nicola Gribbin on Monday 17 December 2012

Hi We have been very happy with our Lectrotabs. They get heavy use and have been fitted to Jura Pilot since 2004. Super easy to fit and its a simple operating sytsem. Recommend the tab elevation guage be fitted to ones helm. Never yet (touch wood) had (or heard of) any ram failures but Simon's observations are very interesting to note and we'll keep an eye on the ram's seals. Totally agree with previous comments, trim tabs transform the Pilot into a great seawothy craft. Frankly, if you put your Hardy Pilot/Navigator etc to sea on a regular basis they should be obligatory. Best wishes Dominic and Nicola.

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Message 3 of 7
Posted by member Simon Kidd on Monday 10 December 2012

Hi All. I second hydraulic tabs - I fitted a set to my Navigator (M80 Sport Tabs), and they were A). Easy to fit and B). Work fantastically in really accessing the ability of the hull. I find they transform the Hardy into an incredibly flexible boat for different speeds and conditions. Electric tabs are fine (usually El Trim and Lectro tabs)- will do the same job and work well- but I do come across a fair number of failed rams when surveying - they can be prone to leaking seals leading to motor failure - probably find 30% - 40% of boats with these I survey have a failed ram - but then again - they are easy to replace. Eitherway, IMHO if you're going to fit trim tabs to a Hardy, fit proper hydraulic or electics ones - it's the best way to get the most from the boat. I've used them on countless boats over the years and they have always been a good benefit. Cheers S.

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Message 2 of 7
Posted by member Tim Guest on Thursday 29 November 2012

Hi Nicholas, Welcome! I gave this much thought, and settled on hydraulic tabs (Bennett M120 sport) last year. I gave the whole thing a 'good coat of looking at', as they say, before starting, and I reckon it's really quite straightforward if you plan, and you're reasonably handy. The instructions are good, and there's even a video. The only thing that gave me any real trouble was the fitting of the hinge, which has four screws set in epoxy in the bottom edge of the transom. I drilled pilot holes, but still managed to turn the heads off some of the supplied screws when they started binding. Hardys are made of tough stuff! It's nice that there's nothing electrical below the water line. I had outboard fins which I left on to start with, but they inetracted badly with tabs. After their removal, economy and stability were much improved, even with limited deflection. If your budget will run to it the indicator switch/auto retractor package is good, but not absolutely necessary. Many folk swear by Lectrotabs, which are also good, and no doubt they can give you chapter and verse. T.

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Message 1 of 7
Posted by member Nicholas Duffin on Thursday 29 November 2012

I have just bought a 20 Family Pilot, down sizing after many years sailing Westerlys. My pilot is fitted with fixed trim tabs which can only be adjusted when out of the water or at the least stopped. I want to fit fully adjustable ones. Lectrotabs seem to be easier to fit than hydraulic. Has anyone experience of these and have hydraulic ones got advantages worth the extra hastle when fitting? Regards Nicholas

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