Drop fins for C-26

[aabbovet]

Hi,

I have a 2012 C26 with Yanmar 180hp, we run pretty stern heavy and I was wondering what your thoughts are regarding the use of drop fins on this model boat and if you had any insights with regards to installation ( yard is asking for recommendations prior to doing any install) Look forward to hearing from you.

Andy Abbo

 

[BB marine]

Andy,
I have had very good success with the drop fins. I highly recommend them. I have several photos in my album of the install. (Trim tab Modification) Here is a few Drop Fin topic's:
viewtopic.php?f=24&t=9262&hilit=+drop+fin
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=10562&hilit=+drop+fin
viewtopic.php?f=18&t=4001&hilit=+drop+fin
viewtopic.php?f=23&t=12278&hilit=+drop+fin

 

[pleeson]

We added drop fins on our C 28 plus added a plastic spacing block between the hydraulic ram and the top of the trim tab plate so that the tabs are "level" when retracted and extend downwards much further when operated. Has made quite a difference in trimming the boat at speed, and we finally run at less than full extension with max speed at a given RPM.

 

[BB marine]

We added drop fins on our C 28 plus added a plastic spacing block between the hydraulic ram and the top of the trim tab plate so that the tabs are "level" when retracted and extend downwards much further when operated. Has made quite a difference in trimming the boat at speed, and we finally run at less than full extension with max speed at a given RPM.

The Drop fin /spacer block was a must on my C26. The added stern lift was needed when cruising with a RiB mounted on the platform, and four passengers sitting in the cockpit. I have the ability to still maintain proper rpm range, bow running at a comfortable attitude, Achieve a better ride and handling of the boat. The only draw back to the Drop fins is rack storing the boat. The fins could get damaged from the Fork truck. I do plan on rack storing the boat periodically. Over the winter I removed the 12X12 with drop fins planes and installed 18x12 planes without drop fin. I am still using the spacer block which keeps the planes just above the bottom of the boat and level when trim cylinder is fully retracted. I was told by Oliver ( Bennett technical support) that the 18X12 would be equivalent to 12x12 with drop fin. I am hoping for the same benefit as the drop fin install 12x12. The drop fins were one of the best options I installed on the C26.

 

[BaylorU]

I need to learn more about this! I HATE how bow-up the boat runs with weight...with a full cooler, gear, and outboard motor on the back the boat really sits ass down, and it’s frustrating.
Is this “spacer” just simply a piece of HDPE or something you cut and mounted? Where can I see one?
Ken

 

[BB marine]

Picture of spacer and drop fin. I used 304 SS but a starboard spacer will work fine too.
This was may first installation, drop fins running at a slight angle to keel center line. Worked good but caused a" dirty wake"


This is a modified set of of drop fins running straight with centerline of keel (2nd install). There is slightly more surface area so there was a slight increase in stern lift compared to original install but "cleaner wake". The shim is more visible in this photo. I shimmed under and behind the cylinder mounting bracket. This lowered the trailing edge of the plane 5/8 ". This located the trim tab even with the bottom of the boat.


This is an install of a larger trim tab plane. (3rd install) I am still using the shim behind the bracket but not under. locating the trim tab at a level position and 1/4" above the bottom.


These modifications were not options for my C26 they were required to maintain performance with added weight in the aft area. (people, Rib, cooler, and normal gear.