Check out Nauticus SmartTabs http://www.nauticusinc.com/index_1024.html
They are auto adjusting and great for smaller boats such as an 18' boat.
They were a great addition to my 18' Stingray.

Ron



"Larry" wrote in message
...
This summer I bought a new Bombardier SeaDoo Utopia 185. That's an 18
1/2'
jet boat powered by a 200 hp Mercury DFI V6. I live in northern NH and
use
this as a lake boat, trailering it through VT, NH, and ME. After about 3
weeks, the motor died (in the middle of Rangeley Lake, no less) and back
it
went to the dealer. While it was gone, they loaned me a Utopia 205 - a 20
1/2' boat powered by a Mercury 240.

I noticed that the larger boat went up on plane much easier and smoother.
This occurs in both boats at around 18 - 20 mph. Once on plane, both
boats
handle about the same.

I was wondering if the addition of trim tabs to the 185 might make this
transition smoother and counteract the tendency of the boat to ride with
her nose way up out of the water at less than planing speeds. Lenco
apparently makes a kit designed for the 185 and others, but it's pretty
expensive and I wouldn't buy it unless I thought it would help.

Does anyone have any experience with trim tabs, particularly trim tabs on
jet boats? For background, I'm new to jet boats, but I grew up on the
water and have owned or crewed on both power and sail from 14' to 55'.

Thanks in advance,