On Tue, 11 Aug 2009 05:21:31 -0700 (PDT), wf3h
wrote:

The boat I bought doesn't have trim tabs. Cruising speed is 12 kts,
with 18 max (semi-displacement hull). Are trim tabs useful or
necessary? Boat has a full keel...and is 26' long'

opinions?

Thanks much

I wouldn't even think of putting trim tabs on her. At that slow speed,
I doubt if regular size tabs would have much of an effect. If she
leans one way or the other, try shifting the load. That's what I do
now when my boat is leaning one way or the other. Works well.

Another use of trim tabs is to get the bow down more quickly when
coming on plane. You won't be having that concern.
--
John H

All decisions, even those made by liberals, are the result of binary thinking.