Trim tabs for Scarab jet boat

[John Carnevale]

Hello,

I have a 2015 scarab HOI with twin 250HP engines and want to add trim tabs or possibly wake tabs (if they can also function as a trim tab). The design f the hull doesn't seem to make this possible and absolutely HATE the boat because it is ROUGH even in mildly choppy waters. YES I know this is a small and light boat but WOW what a TERRIBLE Hull design. Looking at selling in the spring (and loosing a boatload of money) but can't even stand looking at the boat right now! Any suggestions short of selling the boat? I can't beleive they would design a hull that would prevent use of any trim tabs......how stupid. Should have done more research before making a 60k mistake but lesson learned! #scarab boats are junk.

 

[razorxp]

How do you really feel?

I love my 215ho but too wish I had trim.
Do a search on this site there are a few manufacturers.

 

[2nazt]

You could post photos of the rear or your boat to help you get ideas.

 

[swatski]

Hello,

I have a 2015 scarab HOI with twin 250HP engines and want to add trim tabs or possibly wake tabs (if they can also function as a trim tab). The design f the hull doesn't seem to make this possible and absolutely HATE the boat because it is ROUGH even in mildly choppy waters. YES I know this is a small and light boat but WOW what a TERRIBLE Hull design. Looking at selling in the spring (and loosing a boatload of money) but can't even stand looking at the boat right now! Any suggestions short of selling the boat? I can't beleive they would design a hull that would prevent use of any trim tabs......how stupid. Should have done more research before making a 60k mistake but lesson learned! #scarab boats are junk.

Hello @John Carnevale. Welcome to the club!
There certainly are ways to mount good size trim tabs on our jet boats. We are having a discussion going on right now, kind of on the same topic. We've been involved with Lectrotab design team and I think there will be some solid options coming up for a design that may help both cruising and surfing. Stay tuned!
https://jetboaters.net/threads/trim-tabs-options-wake-surfing-and-cruising.12031/
https://jetboaters.net/threads/asp-aerial-surf-platform-like-device-for-yamaha.12015/

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[John Carnevale]

Are you saying you are working on trim tabs for the new scarab dual engine jet boats? I am guessing you would sell a "boat load" ha....ha. That said , I am still baffled how BRP would release such a poorly designed boat hull. There seem to be endless complaints about porpoising and I can attest to the rough ride in any size chop....not to mention in larger wake. I don't consider myself picky but this boat is useless in my opinion.....hopefully there is a trim tab design out there that can make it tolerable. I beleive there is an actuator type that simply drops a plate a few inches up/down that might work but I beleive they have to be mounted flush with the hull and the cooling plates are in the way.

When are the lectrotab units supposed to become available?

 

[John Carnevale]

Also has anyone out there have experience with the Hydro-tabs?This is a link to what I am talking about www.hydrotab.gr. Looks like there is only 1 US dealer in Maryland so probably not widely used in US.

 

[swatski]

Are you saying you are working on trim tabs for the new scarab dual engine jet boats? I am guessing you would sell a "boat load" ha....ha. That said , I am still baffled how BRP would release such a poorly designed boat hull. There seem to be endless complaints about porpoising and I can attest to the rough ride in any size chop....not to mention in larger wake. I don't consider myself picky but this boat is useless in my opinion.....hopefully there is a trim tab design out there that can make it tolerable. I beleive there is an actuator type that simply drops a plate a few inches up/down that might work but I beleive they have to be mounted flush with the hull and the cooling plates are in the way.

When are the lectrotab units supposed to become available?

Lectrotabs are available, their designs have worked well for @Bruce and @paul075. Our contact there is Dan Roberts dan@lectrotab.com.
@paul075's look like this, very small footprint:

They will work with you.

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[swatski]

Also has anyone out there have experience with the Hydro-tabs?This is a link to what I am talking about www.hydrotab.gr. Looks like there is only 1 US dealer in Maryland so probably not widely used in US.

That is the same as Volvo Penta QLs.

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[swatski]

That said , I am still baffled how BRP would release such a poorly designed boat hull. There seem to be endless complaints about porpoising and I can attest to the rough ride in any size chop....not to mention in larger wake.

New 24ft Yamahas were redesigned with a "keel" under the whole length of the hull. That makes a huge difference in ride, probably the only jet-propelled 24fters that are kind of okay in the ocean. But then... there are complains about a turning radius which has increased as those boats like to track strait...

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[John Carnevale]

That is the same as Volvo Penta QLs.

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Yes, do you have any experience with either? Do they provide adequate lift? I love the clean design....just not sure if they work?

 

[swatski]

Yes, do you have any experience with either? Do they provide adequate lift? I love the clean design....just not sure if they work?

Oh yes, those work very well. As far as jet boats, @dan144k installed them in his 240. There is a lot of info on various sites, such as thehulltruth.

My preference and current goal is to come up with the largest traditional tab that will fit the 2015+ 240 Yamaha hull. I think it will be in the 16in wide by 9 inch chord (fore-to-aft) with a "short" actuator. But it is a bit of a headache, especially to accommodate some other mods.

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[John Carnevale]

Oh yes, those work very well. As far as jet boats, @dan144k installed them in his 240. There is a lot of info on various sites, such as thehulltruth.

My preference and current goal is to come up with the largest traditional tab that will fit the 2015+ 240 Yamaha hull. I think it will be in the 16in wide by 9 inch chord (fore-to-aft) with a "short" actuator. But it is a bit of a headache, especially to accommodate some other mods.

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Sweet, so he installed the Volvo QL tabs on an ar240? I think if I can figure out how to mount flush with the hull I'll be in good shape. The scarab has cooling plates mounted at the bottom of the hull where the QL tab actuators would mount...I might have to fabricate a spacer to allow clearance... not sure. At least this gives me hope! Thanks

 

[swatski]

Here are some quotes from our members who fashion Volvo trim, both Yamaha, but same difference:

We launch an AR240 in Waukegan Harbor and go down to Navy Pier at least once a year and usually to watch the Chicago Air and Water Show (awesome view from the water). We have never had any problems, just always adjust boat speed to wave conditions and crew.

The lightness off the Yamaha does kinda of bounce off the waves compared to going thru them like heavier boats. I added Volvo trim tabs and push the nose down, and it makes a huge difference for comfort and speed.

I usually let my friends drive out on the lake so everyone in the boat can blame them for the rough ride.

I have the Volvo tabs. The tech who put them on for me is a Yamaha mechanic who does this type of stuff for a living. He got up under it and looked at the angles of the underside of the boat and he was saying that there would be very little room for the arms to articulate as needed for the conventional tabs to work effectively. The Volvos work well but they do not have the ability to raise the front of the boat like conventional trim tabs would. They also have a self-leveling feature that keeps the boat level as you go except for in turns.

And here is a pic of @piney1's, finally found it!
https://jetboaters.net/media/volvo-trim-tabs-installed-on-242-limiteds.4162/

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[Ronnie]

I think BRP only makes the engines and pumps, not the hulls anymore. I used to have an seadoo challenger x20 and had to get special lenco trim tab set for it. The only thing special about them was that one had a cut out for the exhaust I think. If you have a flat vertical surface at the stern at least as wide as the trim tab that is 2" to 3" high you should be able to mount a trim tab there. A lot has changed since I bought trim tabs but I recall that Lencos were electric and the other major brand at the time hydraulic. Volvo now manufactures slat like tabs that extend and retract from candy bar like housing. I'm guessing that there is a manufacturer out there that makes a trim tab that will fit scarab jet boats. Good luck in your search.

 

[John Carnevale]

Sweet, that seems to be the answer!! Is there a difference between the standard Volvo tabs and QL tabs? Both made by Volvo Pentax but not sure why they have 2 different names....also do both have the auto trim feature and what is the price....where Dominic get them?

 

[Ronnie]

I'm not the best person to answer questions about the Volvo system but do recall that they are or can be fully automated and that the control unit may be the most expensive part. Hopefully @Bruce will chime in as he looked into and bought one of the Volvo systems Once although I don't think he ever installed it.

 

[swatski]

Sweet, that seems to be the answer!! Is there a difference between the standard Volvo tabs and QL tabs? Both made by Volvo Pentax but not sure why they have 2 different names....also do both have the auto trim feature and what is the price....where Dominic get them?

There are no "standard" Volvo tabs, only QL. QL stands for "Quality Line", basically a series of marine accessories supported by the Volvo Penta dealer network. I know...

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[swatski]

@John Carnevale and one last thing -- whatever tabs you choose, I would stay away from full auto controllers for our boats. Manual with indicators (usually available as a kit). IMO.
In your case, I would actually strongly consider Nauticus Smart Tabs, those work wonders.
Good luck, keep us posted.

 

[Bruce]

John, where are you located. As others have said Lectrotab will build custom tabs to your measurements. They built a set to fit my SX230 perfectly and @swatksi is currently working on a design to send to them for the 2015+ 240 line.

I had a set of QLs but sold them and installed Lectrotabs instead.

 

[piney1]

Sweet, that seems to be the answer!! Is there a difference between the standard Volvo tabs and QL tabs? Both made by Volvo Pentax but not sure why they have 2 different names....also do both have the auto trim feature and what is the price....where Dominic get them?

I have the Volvo ones and they are good for leveling but they do not provide lift like you get from traditional trim tabs.