Volvo smart rails on a DE?

[backman]

walking the marina yesterday I saw the other NB36 in the yard is set up wth Volvo smart rails. What problem are they solving on a DE? I thought you wanted the bow up in any sort of seas versus tabbing it down like a sportfisher?

 

[El Mar]

Rails or trim tabs???

 

[cb34]

QL tabs

Volvo QL tabs, work well if the boat is too heavy in the ass.

 

[backman]

Rails - I don't have a picture but they are mounted on the base of the transom and I believe extend vertically down to provide stern lift at speed.

 

[BillD]

Rails - I don't have a picture but they are mounted on the base of the transom and I believe extend vertically down to provide stern lift at speed.

Volvo QL tabs are not "lifting rails" as in rails that run the length of the hull to provide "lift".

Volvo QL tabs are simply "trim tabs", designed differently than the standard paddle board Bennetts or Lencos tabs.

The 12"or 16" long "longitudinal piece" on the Volvo extends down and "catches" the water coming off the transom and the force will force that side down.

I'll have a small pr. on the DE I hope to build. NOT to lower the bow down @ cruise but to balance side to side when I have 6 guys who ALL decide to run to one side in the cockpit to see something !!!!!

 

[captainlarry84]

The Smart tabs do work as report by many buyers. However I do not think they accomplish the same effects as true trim tabs.
When a true trim tab is lowered there is a very gradual sloop to push the bow down and allow the water to gentle flow over the tab surface.
On the Volvo tabs they come straight down. This cause a lot of drag by abruptly catching the water and pulling the bow down. I am sure on boats that run 25 knots it may not be a issue. But on DE where 18 knots can be a push every little aspect of drag need to be looked at.
I do like the tabs. They install easily in tight spaces. They are more fishing friendly that an add on tab & they do work in bring the bow down.
On a new build I would go with recessed tabs. On and built boat like my JC I would go with the smart tabs.

 

[starrfish]

have a friend who has them on a 35 bruno. they dont control side to side very well, they do control bow attitude, just not port and starboard like a regular tab.. although the brunos have a more rounded bottom than say a duffy or northern bay.
just a thought

 

[Eslang]

Larry,
They are for boats that are bow proud. You don't have that problem

 

[cb34]

QL tabs

As I stated, they worked really well on 34 Calvin. They did bring the bow down as well as port to starb tipping. I had two sets 45 & 30 on both sides.