FINMAN

I have been looking at the 28' Heat.
I have noticed some come with trim tabs and some dont.
My experience with boats is that you really want trim tabs.
Do you guys think it is a must or not needed with the 28' Heat year range from 1999 to 2001?

thanks,

Fin

bobl

Absolutely, especially if it's a midcabin boat. You don't need them for planing or even high speed control. You need them for side to side balance. The 28 has saddle gas tanks and will lean one way or the other depending on fuel level, not counting passenger position and wind direction. I find myself adjusting mine constantly. In a midcabin people are always moving around. It's not uncommon for me to look up and find 5 people all sitting on one side.

TX_Instigator

I agree with Bob. I use mine more for balancing the boat out when I have lots of people on it. Not so much for planing or high speed runs.

Magic Medicine

I had a 99 Heat and I ran it on Lake Michigan. The boat handled pretty good for not having them. It few level and didn't put the bow to the ski when hitting larger waves. The boat would have benefited from them. Especially to keep the boat level port to starboard, in varying conditions and varoius weight distribution within the boat. Overall the boat handled much better than you would expect without tabs.

Steve Zuckerman

Fin,
The boat is OK without them, but like any vee hull boat, much easier to drive with them.
As mentioned above, they are good for correcting lateral imbalances. They also help planing with heavy loads, maintaining low speed plane, reduce chine walking and kiting off rough water. I think they're a must, particularly if you are running over 70.
My boat came with Bennets, which are OK, but they were poorly positioned (too close to the drive).
I removed them and installed a set of Eddie Marine's at the chines (where they should be) and they work great. If you do this, don't forget a good set of indicators, which will also help you set them.
Regards,
Steve

In2Deep

In all my Havasu boating -- even on rough days -- I never felt like I missed them (My '02 does not have tabs).

Now boating at LOTO -- my opinion has changed completely. "Rough" does not accurate describe LOTO's main channel on a busy day. If I2D had tabs, I'm certain I'd be much more comfortable navigating the washing machine that is the main channel. It's crazy.

My next yacht will have tabs -- to use when needed.

I2D

raytart

Absolutely!
Tabs are a must have in the rough stuff. Keeps the nose down.
Also to keep the boat level when you have one of your fat azz friends in the passenger seat. Also when tubing or skiing.

Sydwayz

No need for trim tabs on a flat bottom lake boat!

(Drive by posting, just kidding guys! )

Steve Zuckerman

Sydwayz,
Do you need tabs on a lead sled ?
Just kidding, drop by anytime !
Steve