Need Help Please Transom hole repair, misc. gel coat repair, trim tabs

highelbows · Aug-01-2008, 03:24 PM

I have an old boat. there are mounting holes for who know what all over the thing. I want to clean it up, plug the holes, and paint/gel coat over them. How would you recommend to tackle this job? Materials, steps, I'm a noob and all input is appreciated.

Has anyone used the smart tabs? They are self adjusting trim tabs. I can't afford good ones and these are in my price range. See below.

West Marine: Smart Tabs Automatic Trim Tab System Product Display

alex88 · Aug-01-2008, 04:27 PM

i had those POS on my boat, they dont work like trim tabs, they do work to get on plane faster, but i took them off and put a permatrim on, it works better and looks better. they are one more thing on each side to have to work fish around, and there is no adjustment, no side to side leveling for unbalanced loads. great in theory and a good sales pitch but low on the performance totem pole.

bdmoe · Aug-01-2008, 04:51 PM

I installed Lenco electric trim tabs on my boat. Check out BOEmarine.com or boatfix.com for decent pricing. I would say they are well worth the investment. Boat gets up on plane at a lower speed, and more importantly with them just slightly down they help keep the bow down.

I wish I would have sprung the extra cash for the tab indicator switch though.

mongo75 · Aug-01-2008, 10:46 PM

While not mandatory to have, you definitely will appreciate a good set of trim tabs. Usually you can pick up a set of tabs off of ebay for fairly cheap. I do have an extra used pump if that's all you need. Lemme know.

furniture 4 me · Aug-03-2008, 08:03 AM

gel coat repair is not to bad, i have worked a lot with it, send me a quick picture and i may be able to step you through it real easy, and for your trim tab question, the west marine tabs dont waste your money. lenco tabs are the way to go. i dont know the prices but i am sure or i know for a fact John at Global West Marine i know that he will and can beat the price on getting you a set of tabs, he just sales parts as well as service

tsortor · Aug-04-2008, 08:57 PM

Adam,

I've been shopping for a set of Bennett trim tabs for my 26' Striper also. The best price I've found is at Boatersland.com, the link is below.

Bennett Trim Tab Kits - Trim Tabs

The guy at my local West Marine said they will match anybody's price. Just print out what you want off Boatersland.com and take it to the West Marine store.

Outlawman · Aug-04-2008, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by highelbows

I have an old boat. there are mounting holes for who know what all over the thing. I want to clean it up, plug the holes, and paint/gel coat over them. How would you recommend to tackle this job? Materials, steps, I'm a noob and all input is appreciated.

Faced with the same question after buying my older boat last year, I took my boat to Brad Maybury in San Diego and he did a great job without overcharging me. Here's a link to his work on my boat. Call Brad at (619) 794-2813 Office or (619) 572-3443 Cell.

highelbows · Aug-05-2008, 12:52 PM

Thanks for all of the replys and help. The trim tabs, I think I am going to save and get the better ones. Tim, thanks for the link. I am leaning toward the lenco electric tabs. I hear debate between lenco and bennet but I have to look into it more.

The gel coat repair and hole repair I will do myself. Mike, I havent had a chance to get a picture of the random holes yet because my camera got soaked last time we went out. As soon as I can I will get one. I have been dealing with some electrical issues, there is this little fucking gremlin I am chasing all over the boat! Sneaky bastard.

I asked a few guys about it they said. Put fiberglass cloth behind the hole (depending on size). Plug it with resin with some thickening powder mixed in. Color match the get coat and apply. Sounds simple enough but I always encounter some hiccups.