Electric Trim Tabs vs Hydraulic Trim Tabs
Electromechanical tabs versus hydraulic tabs. Search Google for this and you will find a large number of articles related to tabs of different nature. How can one make an intelligent decision between electric and hydraulic trim tabs when there seem to be so many opinions, comments and contradictions, the conflict between them will make your head spin.
The hydraulic bias side seems to have an armor-piercing bullet when it comes to firepower, as we all know, electricity and water sure don't go together, and an idea like this convinces the masses to some degree. But, what about the hydraulic pump that must be operated with DC voltage? Want that oily mess sitting under your center console and dripping transmission fluid all over your deck? Maybe you want to install the pump back in the transom area where it's out of the way, you know, where it's nice and wet from open access to the bilge? Well, this could be the downfall of the hydraulic pump, as it also needs to be kept dry or the connections and components that drive things like the auto tab retractors, port connections and the starboard actuator will corrode and become inoperable. Did the bullet penetrate or ricochet and cause more confusion?
The only joint element that takes the brunt of the beating is the O-ring used in the electromechanical tab to prevent water ingress. Well, I've heard that O-ring damage also occurs on hydraulic cut-off tabs due to barnacle growth on the ram, which eventually causes seal fluid to leak. Surely this can't be good for the marine environment! Perhaps the thrust force is greater on electromechanical tabs making them more stable at higher speeds, or reaction time is faster on hydraulic tabs, but retraction and extension times are faster with electric tabs! Amazing!
If you are interested in interceptors also, you can learn about the trim tabs vs interceptors here.
We cannot forget that the hydraulic trim tabs have feedback sensor issues and the electric tabs get stuck in the full down position. Then you have excessive lag time from electric and accuracy from hydraulic, longer warranties for hydraulic discs, faster and easier installation times for electric discs, many durability and replacement issues, and the list goes on.
There are a few other types of tabs available as well, but for the purposes of this article, I won't confuse you any more than you may already be. Despite all the controversy between the two parties, I am going to take my first adventure into the world of electromechanical trim tabs! If what the hydraulic quorum says is true, wish me good luck! If what the electromechanical imposter says is true, you'll see me cutting and tearing!
Since I decided to go with the Uflex Hydraulic Silver Steer steering system due to its engineering and attention to quality parts in the steering system, I also feel that that quality will seep into the tabs as well, so I will be getting my chassis wet with their tab system. I will be installing this trim tab system along with the steering system as part of "Project Osprey", our boat rebuilding project currently underway. I will provide a fully detailed review with installation video and photos, as well as a full article detailing as much as I can, and a long run report to keep you updated.
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