Soon to be new Arima owner

[croaker stroker]

I call B.S. !  Yat doesn't eat Sugar Pops.

I love my 17 footer. I'm old. I've owned bigger boats. If I bought a new boat, I would order the same 17' Sea Pacer.

[troll4fish]

Congrats buddy! I have a 1992 SC17 for three years now and love it! I am alone most the time in it and handling it is a piece of cake by myself! launching and loading is no big deal and docking even in the wind is very doable! you will love it! its' great for small lakes but also is stable in the chop outside of Nootka sound but I do prefer fishing calmer waters as I am a landlocked fisherman from Colorado (sea sick city sometimes!)  :arms:

[Yachter Yat]

   Yeah, Croaker you're right.  I hate Sugar Pops.  Somebody just happened to snap of shot of me preparing First Cabin's breakfast.     In those days, they called me........"Badfinger".   

Yat

[Buddy]

Okay, now you all have me considering trim tabs.  Two of the three other boats I've been fishing on the last year or so don't have trim tabs, a 16 foot Tracker and a 18 foot GW.  One had trim tabs (21 foot North River) but the owner is quite the newbie, and didn't know what to do with them.  I didn't really feel like messing around with his setup so kept my hands off and mouth shut when he had us moving around to balance the boat.
I've never owned a glass boat before, and have trepidation about mounting anything to the hull.  After reading a number of threads, it seems the 9x9 Lenco might be best for me.  It appears the upper bracket securing the actuator to the transom, and the lower 9" long bracket where the tab pivots are the two places where holes need to be drilled.  Am I correct that screws are used (not through bolts)?

[Rokefin]

Correct - screws are used to mount tabs to the transom.

[mustang65fbk]

Didn't expect so many replies so soon, thanks to all.  Rokefin, et al regarding a larger boat.  The 17 SC with skip stretches my budget so really couldn't consider anything else.  But, if budget wasn't an issue the 21 SR with skip would probably have been my choice.  My wife liked it much more, so probably would come out with me more often.  Hmmmm, maybe the 17 SC was the proper choice.

If you like a bigger boat more and don't want to spend as much, why not buy a nice used Arima? I bought mine last summer for less than $20k. In terms of the trim tabs... If you're set on buying a new boat, I think every Arima should have them, my parents old 17' SC had them and my 21' SR ST has them. They're nice to use in rough seas and you can adjust them so they're all the way up if you don't need them. I'd personally buy the adjustable ones and have the dealer install them for you as I'd be more than just a bit paranoid about drilling holes into my (literally) brand new boat.

[dbhazjack]

Buddy, you definitely want to consider tabs on your Arima. Haven't seen anyone complain or wish they hadn't added them. On the contrary, most comments are something like, "best addition to my boat, or a must add, or Arima should make this automatic".

Do yourself a favor and see what your dealer can offer, including installation. Then check back here for comparison on $. You might be pleasantly surprised.

[Fisherdv]

Here's the Lenco trim tab install instructions

http://www.lencomarine.com/home/download/TT_manual.pdf

[Chief of the Boat]

Buddy,
I have sea trialed many new Arimas, allot without trim tabs.     The tabs are nice for list control.  IMO I would run your new Chaser with no planing aid at least until you break it in.
:twocents:
Terry

[First Cabin]

Trim tabs.... get them.  Spend the money now.

On those rough days when you have to push through the chop, they're invaluable.  Balancing load, etc.

I wouldn't have an Arima without trim tabs.

[dbhazjack]

Buddy,
I have sea trialed many new Arimas, allot without trim tabs.     The tabs are nice for list control.  IMO I would run your new Chaser with no planing aid at least until you break it in.
:twocents:
Terry

Terry, could you elaborate on this a little? Don't you see quite a few factory installed tabs at Defiance? Is there a break-in issue with a new motor associated with trim tabs?

Thanks Dave

[Fisherdv]

Buddy, I would take the Chiefs advice. Spend some time, and get to know the boat for a while first. You can add the tabs later very easily. I've had my new 16 SC for about 5 months now. I will be adding tabs very soon, but I wanted to get used to the boat as is first. Just take tabs into consideration when mounting your transducer so you will not have to move it when you do add tabs later. You are going to be very busy with mounting electronics, rod holders, dock lines, fenders etc.

[Chief of the Boat]

Dave,
Nothing with break-in.  Just feel the boat out before busting out the checkbook.
Terry

[Fisherdv]

Chief, don't forget to tell him about bay star hydraulic steering!

[dbhazjack]

Dave,
Nothing with break-in.  Just feel the boat out before busting out the checkbook.
Terry

Got it 👍 Clearly my confusion, I've never experienced someone trying to keep me from spending $ on here  :whistle:

[Dbobby23]

Congrats Buddy you made a great choice

[Sparhawk]

Congratulations! :applause: I agree with Chief, take some time to get to know the boat, then decide what you want to do. I have found that when I know the boat I can make more specific and educated  decision on what you want to get, and often, you will find little things that you want to add.

[wedocq]

Okay, now you all have me considering trim tabs.  Two of the three other boats I've been fishing on the last year or so don't have trim tabs, a 16 foot Tracker and a 18 foot GW.  One had trim tabs (21 foot North River) but the owner is quite the newbie, and didn't know what to do with them.  I didn't really feel like messing around with his setup so kept my hands off and mouth shut when he had us moving around to balance the boat.
I've never owned a glass boat before, and have trepidation about mounting anything to the hull.  After reading a number of threads, it seems the 9x9 Lenco might be best for me.  It appears the upper bracket securing the actuator to the transom, and the lower 9" long bracket where the tab pivots are the two places where holes need to be drilled.  Am I correct that screws are used (not through bolts)?

Yes trim tabs! And in case nobody corrected you, the size you want is 12x9. I am not saying this is the best rice out there, just an example so you can see what they cost, and compare how much to have them installed at the factory.
-Shawn

https://www.ecmarinesupply.com/products/boat-leveler-12-x-9-trim-tab-set?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=googlepla&variant=1985351417866

[Markshoreline]

The pic is a bit blurry but is that spoon silver?