Frequently Asked Questions

1) Why should I buy Victory trim tabs?

Victory trim tabs are the most dramatic and cost effective performance modification you can make to your boat, period! In the past, generic trim tab offerings to the boater have been just that...generic. Now you can have a truly custom trim tab at a fraction of the cost of a K-plane style tab. Victory trim tabs will give your offshore rig an 'all business' type look. Whether you're retrofitting your current system or starting from scratch, Victory trim tabs are the best value, period.

2) What kind of performance benefits can I expect using Victory trim tabs?

The use of Victory trim tabs will allow your boat to come onto plane quicker, increase high speed stability, reduce or eliminate chine walking and allow you to remain on plane at a lower speed for the ultimate in economical cruising. The additional length of Victory trim tabs provide more control through greater 'leverage' applied to your hull. Victory trim tabs will not necessarily increase your top speed, (although several customers have reported top speed increases) but for those who can't 'wring out' those few extra mph due to hull instability and/or chine walking, these could very well be your answer. The dual ram Victory trim tabs boast a comparable surface area to a set of 280S angle cut Kiekaefer planes ('K-planes'). See picture.

3) How are the Victory trim tabs built?

Each Victory trim tab is a work of art, in function and in form. They are ideally suited to the rigors of offshore performance boating. Each pair of Victory trim tabs are precision laser cut from 304 grade stainless steel and meticulously TIG welded by experienced craftsmen. The tabs are then sandblasted in preparation for the next step, powder coat application. The top of each gusset is then polished and sealed, revealing the gleaming stainless steel beneath, giving a very striking effect. This attention to detail is not limited to the Victory trim tab line, you can expect the same level of quality in every custom project from Martiniboat Marine Design Inc. Built by people who are passionate about the sport.

4) What type of protective coating is used on the Victory trim tabs?

Through our research we've found there is no coating on the market that can parallel the performance of a well applied powder coat system. Each Victory trim tab is sandblasted before the application of a glossy powder coat finish to promote adhesion that is second to none. After polishing the top of each gusset a crystal clearcoat is applied sealing the substrate from the elements. The factory applied coating does not offer anti-fouling protection. If this type of protection is desired you will have to coat your Victory tabs with a suitable anti-fouling paint. If your boat is left in saltwater for extended periods it would be advisable to order the zinc anode option. See picture.

5) Will Victory trim tabs fit my boat?

Martiniboat Marine Design Inc. builds Victory trim tab upgrades to replace Bennett and a host of other popular manufacturers (see the application section) All Victory trim tabs come standard with two rows of mounting holes and larger stainless steel mounting hardware. Whatever your current application, MMDI has you covered with all known industry bolt patterns.

In all applications you will find that Victory trim tabs will utilize your existing mounting holes. If you currently have one row of mounting holes the Victory installation will require you to drill an extra row of holes for the additional fasteners. (Bennett ST16 and HD, Insta-trim, Lenco and Trim Master owners will not have to drill ANY new holes since they already have two rows of fasteners) This offers the 'performance' oriented boater peace of mind. The distance from the bottom of the trim tab plate to the bottom of your boat, measured at the transom, will remain the same. (often this is between ¼" and 3/8") With the additional length of an aftermarket tab one must configure the ram mounts accordingly. The 'ram to tab' mounting bracket on the Victorys has been extended aft to ensure complete tab retraction from the water while not in use.

 Single engine applications will experience no outdrive turning clearance issues. Most twin engine Victory applications will clear the drives, however, it is advisable to construct a cardboard template to verify clearance before ordering since this will also vary with different hull beams and your original tab placement. MMDI can custom build to spec. Please feel free to call with any questions/concerns, we're here to help.

6) I've constructed a cardboard template like you said and found that my drives would touch the tabs. Now what?

Depending on the clearance required, the Victory trim tabs can be angle cut at the factory as long as it doesn't interfere with the closest support gusset. See photo. We offer this feature at no additional charge.




7) My original tabs seem to be 'glued' to the hull and won't come off. What can I do?

Most manufacturers use a good quality urethane sealant/ adhesive when installing underwater appendages. (example- 3M 5200 or 4200 sealants) These products can make removal of your original tabs a little trickier but it also guarantees zero water intrusion. There are two methods that work quite well: A) Use a fine piano wire to get in behind your original mounting plate and in a back and forth 'sawing' motion work the wire from one side of the plate to the other. B) Apply a little heat (with a propane torch or heat gun) sparingly to the surface of the mounting plate only. The heat will loosen the adhesive and make removal of the plate possible. If you don't feel comfortable employing this method please consult with your local marina/ rigger or feel free to call us.

8) Will my original rams hold up to the task?

Yes. Through our extensive water testing we've found that the original manufacturers rams are capable performers and will work harmoniously with your new Victory trim tabs in normal boating conditions. During the research and development stage we gathered a few horror stories from Bennett trim tab owners who had in fact broken a ram, however, they were also found to be using a SINGLE RAM SYSTEM ON A 30'+ TRANSOM-HEAVY BOAT. This was a case of gross misapplication. Generally speaking, we feel that any boat in the 20'-22' range should be running dual ram tabs when upgrading to the Victory line.

Due to the ever changing conditions in which we boat and the various 'states of repair' (of your hydraulic rams and pump) that vary from application to application, we cannot guarantee unequivocally that you won't break a ram. ANYTHING can be broken given the right combination of variables. We're simply being up front. What we can guarantee is your unconditional happiness with your new Victory trim tabs or your money back. No questions asked. Think of your aftermarket Victory trim tabs as a mildly modified boat engine, reliable performance.

9) Should I thru-bolt my Victory trim tabs?

This is not necessary. The use of a good quality marine adhesive/sealant combined with the larger mounting hardware is more than adequate for the task. However, if you still wanted to go that route and had good access through your engine compartment you could certainly do so.

10) Do you sell complete trim tab systems?

MMDI offers the finest 'complete' electromechanical trim tab systems at the best prices anywhere, bar none! 15", 19" and the NEW 23" Offshore Series! Show me now!

11) Can I get a polished version of the Victory stainless steel trim tab?

Of course! There is nothing more beautiful than a fully polished stainless steel Victory trim tab. Now available, call!