"basskisser" wrote in message
om...

My contention is a properly trimmed
boat, ie: weight distribution, etc. is correct, wouldn't need trim
tabs.

Very few boats are "properly trimmed" and have the appropriate weight
distribution for all speed ranges.

Why would a company build a hull that was engineered to give a
unefficient ride??

Because it provides a much more useable boat. It is VERY common to have a
stern heavy I/O. It is rather difficult to move the engine forward, and to
move the passenger seating far enough forward to balance the boat would
provide an unacceptable ride.

I can see the use of trim tabs to get on plane, but
after that, they ARE creating drag, and a good bit.

There is no doubt that the trim tabs drag, but they can reduce the amont of
drag that the hull creates and this will often be the dominant factor.

On many boats the trim tabs are essential for getting on plane. After
that, the trim tabs can be adjusted to provide the best ride and/or speed
(which usually is an indication of reduced drag and increased efficiency).

If you over extend the trim tabs you will force the bow down into the water
and increase the drag. If you retract the trim tabs, many boats will go
into a bow up position, which also increases drag. It isn't necessary to
understand which forces are acting against each other, just watch the
speedometer as you adjust the trim tabs.

Rod McInnis