Trim tabs required?

[CobaltVet]

I’m looking at an A25 without trim tabs- how much of a necessity are they on this boat?

[Krob1114]

Main subjects for debate on this forum:
1. Engine size.
2. Oil preference.
3. Covers.
4. Trim tabs.

Good luck. I've never had them, but most people that do, won't buy a boat without them.

[drtbar]

They can be added aftermarket.

[tgrace98]

the boat should be prewired for lenco electric tabs. about a grand to have them installed. So I wouldn't make it a deal breaker if the boat has everything else you want. I have them on my R7 and use them all the time. On my old 262 I rarely used them. Just depends on how you use and and where you boat.

[VTENGR]

I have absolutely zero experience on this matter - so take that for what it's worth. However, I have had a similar experience when buying our car. Before we bought our car, I scoured the message boards to make sure I was optioning the car appropriately. This specific car had a suspension package called Dynamic Handling Package. Essentially it was the stock suspension but added electronically controlled sway bars to keep the car level while cornering. People who have had the option swear buy it and would say "I would never own and SUV without it". Similar to how people on this board talk about trim tabs. I opted not to spring the extra money on the fancy suspension and have not regretted it one bid. In my head, I don't know what I'm missing, so how can I be disappointed? I took the same approach when I ordered our R6. I didn't spring for the tabs b/c I've never had them, so I won't know what I'm missing. The added bonus is that they're relatively easy to install aftermarket, so if I do hate the boat because it doesn't have trim tabs (doubtful) then it's a small price to pay to install them.

On another note - there should be a clear difference between "nice to have" and "must have". IMO, "must have" means you will trade in your boat within a year because you didn't option it this way. "Nice to have" would be trim tabs - I'm sure they enhance boat ownership, but that doesn't mean you still won't enjoy the heck out of your boat w/o them.

[CobaltVet]

I have absolutely zero experience on this matter - so take that for what it's worth. However, I have had a similar experience when buying our car. Before we bought our car, I scoured the message boards to make sure I was optioning the car appropriately. This specific car had a suspension package called Dynamic Handling Package. Essentially it was the stock suspension but added electronically controlled sway bars to keep the car level while cornering. People who have had the option swear buy it and would say "I would never own and SUV without it". Similar to how people on this board talk about trim tabs. I opted not to spring the extra money on the fancy suspension and have not regretted it one bid. In my head, I don't know what I'm missing, so how can I be disappointed? I took the same approach when I ordered our R6. I didn't spring for the tabs b/c I've never had them, so I won't know what I'm missing. The added bonus is that they're relatively easy to install aftermarket, so if I do hate the boat because it doesn't have trim tabs (doubtful) then it's a small price to pay to install them.

On another note - there should be a clear difference between "nice to have" and "must have". IMO, "must have" means you will trade in your boat within a year because you didn't option it this way. "Nice to have" would be trim tabs - I'm sure they enhance boat ownership, but that doesn't mean you still won't enjoy the heck out of your boat w/o them.

Thanks VTENGR- I think that’s a great way to think about it.

[Krob1114]

I have absolutely zero experience on this matter - so take that for what it's worth. However, I have had a similar experience when buying our car. Before we bought our car, I scoured the message boards to make sure I was optioning the car appropriately. This specific car had a suspension package called Dynamic Handling Package. Essentially it was the stock suspension but added electronically controlled sway bars to keep the car level while cornering. People who have had the option swear buy it and would say "I would never own and SUV without it". Similar to how people on this board talk about trim tabs. I opted not to spring the extra money on the fancy suspension and have not regretted it one bid. In my head, I don't know what I'm missing, so how can I be disappointed? I took the same approach when I ordered our R6. I didn't spring for the tabs b/c I've never had them, so I won't know what I'm missing. The added bonus is that they're relatively easy to install aftermarket, so if I do hate the boat because it doesn't have trim tabs (doubtful) then it's a small price to pay to install them.

On another note - there should be a clear difference between "nice to have" and "must have". IMO, "must have" means you will trade in your boat within a year because you didn't option it this way. "Nice to have" would be trim tabs - I'm sure they enhance boat ownership, but that doesn't mean you still won't enjoy the heck out of your boat w/o them.

Good analogy on the cars. We have an Acura MDX AWD with the SH package. I didn't know what the SH was about since we bought the car used. A salesman explained it to me when he was trying to sell a new one. A computer makes the outside wheel rotate a little faster in curves. From that point on, when driving thru hills in southern Ozarks on the way to the lake, I started driving much faster on curves. It handled almost as good as my BMW 328i. If we get new one, it'll have same package.

[dustinm]

I have absolutely zero experience on this matter - so take that for what it's worth. However, I have had a similar experience when buying our car. Before we bought our car, I scoured the message boards to make sure I was optioning the car appropriately. This specific car had a suspension package called Dynamic Handling Package. Essentially it was the stock suspension but added electronically controlled sway bars to keep the car level while cornering. People who have had the option swear buy it and would say "I would never own and SUV without it". Similar to how people on this board talk about trim tabs. I opted not to spring the extra money on the fancy suspension and have not regretted it one bid. In my head, I don't know what I'm missing, so how can I be disappointed? I took the same approach when I ordered our R6. I didn't spring for the tabs b/c I've never had them, so I won't know what I'm missing. The added bonus is that they're relatively easy to install aftermarket, so if I do hate the boat because it doesn't have trim tabs (doubtful) then it's a small price to pay to install them.

On another note - there should be a clear difference between "nice to have" and "must have". IMO, "must have" means you will trade in your boat within a year because you didn't option it this way. "Nice to have" would be trim tabs - I'm sure they enhance boat ownership, but that doesn't mean you still won't enjoy the heck out of your boat w/o them.

Yes they can be added after the purchase pretty easily.

Every time you are traveling in your boat and you feel it listing to the port side - just remember trim tabs will fix this without making people move around the boat, whether going straight or turning does not affect a list.

This was not as much of an issue with any of the previous series of Cobalts because they had extended running surfaces that helped with the issue. The new design focused toward surf boats have a flat rear transom. Now I dont know why they cant keep the extended running surface on non surf boats??? Other than a few extra molds hanging around - and with them axing a few other models they should have the room.

[dsthomas]

I had an A25 and it is such a sweet boat. That was my first boat with trim tabs and I was like wow. We purchased an R7S, on the odd R surf models trim tabs were not an option. As soon as I found out that it IS an option on the R8S I placed my order :0). Love me some trim tabs!

[mdadgar]

I have an A25.

Does it need trim tabs? No.

Do I want to add trim tabs? Yes.

Have I turned into a bit of a boat junkie since I started hanging out here? Maybe.

[Snowman8]

I’ve replied to this question so many times I can’t remember...
Are they necessary? No
Do they make the boat ride level, get up on plane at slower speeds, ride better in wind and waves? All YES.
Would it be a no sale for me if I was looking at a boat without them? No, but I would be adding them after purchase.

[CobaltVet]

So many helpful replies- thanks!

[Snowman8]

No problem! We love spending other peoples money around here!

[Krob1114]

I have an A25.

Does it need trim tabs? No.

Do I want to add trim tabs? Yes.

Have I turned into a bit of a boat junkie since I started hanging out here? Maybe.

+1 (minus the A25)