232 Performance

[challenger3x2]

My 05 232 Cuddy performs ok with it's 350/300 MPI B-III package,,, I've installed Lenco 12x18 tabs and that greatly improved the hole shot,, bow rise control,, ride and handling...  The boat has good power for all of the family cruising,, tubing and skiing we do with it... After I installed the tabs the boat will plane  even when fully loaded with 8 adults and 4 kids cooler and gear...  It will even hold plane at much lower speeds since tabs were installed...   I can cruise it at about 42 mph at 4000 rpm's   All of this is what I would expect from a small block powered 5500 pound boat...

I have read in this forum that some of you have 7.4 B-III packages,,,  What year boats are these and how will do they perform...  I ordered my boat in 04 and when I enquired about getting a big block I was informed that the hull was not rated for that kind of power...  The 6.2 package was offered but I didn't think that engine had enough backbone...  I have the manual for these drive packages and it seems like the 6.2 is a overbore and over tweaked small block that gives about 20 extra HP but won't take the punishment marine use delivers...

[Gene]

Mine is a 97 232 CC with a 454 B3. No problems at all besides it really uses the fuel if your hauling A$$ or skiing. The extra power is worth it. No trim tabs and no exhaust, no problem to pop up on plane, just wish it was injected. She's a little tuff to start when cold.

[DaleM]

Have a 1996 with the 454 and B1 drive.  Very fast to plane.  No tabs, no exhaust.

[Keep'r Wet]

I have a "04" 232 CC w/ 350 MPI mag and BIII and am happy with how it performs with just 2 or 3 people in it but with a load, 5 or 6 people and gear it is slow coming up or pulling a skier up. I have bought a set of 12 x 18 lenco tabs to put on before spring. I am really hopeing this will solve most of my problems. Anyone with any pictures of a 232 with lenco tabs on it I would apprecate any pictures of the install or coments.

[benp]

Attached is a picture I recieved from Rinker of where to mount the tabs.

[challenger3x2]

benp,,

Clearly your tab are different then the 12x18's I installed...   Mine are the flat type and the bracket at bottom of actuator is a lip or at the edge of the tab...  I was able to mount the top actuator mount inside the engine notch... 

It appears to me that your actuators are going mount on the outside of the notch,,,  I have seen them mounted there on other applications... 

Are these the tabs Rinker suggested??

[Keep'r Wet]

Challenger, the tabs I got are just like the one's you sent me pictures of. Holding them up to the boat, they look like they should mount just like your's without any problem. Those that benp have, appear to be smaller tabs from what I can see.

[challenger3x2]

They do seem smaller,,  maybe instead of 12x18 he received 12x12 or maybe 18x12,,  any way you look at it they are smaller and IMHO they will not perform like the ones I installed...   I also don't think mounting the actuator on that section of transom looks correct... 

If that is the type of tab Rinker suggests and that is the position where they want it them mounted,,, well they built the boat and did all the testing... 

I happen to feel the larger foot print on the transom and mounting the actuators in the notch worked best for me...   I feel they look factory,, they perform beyond exaction and are by far the best mod I have performed to our boat...   

I could be wrong but that's only my opinion............... 

[alswagg]

The 12X12 tab is the only version recomended by Rinker.  I took the picture of the location for the tab.  The 12 X 18 tab would work but is really overkill for a hull of this size.  The 18" tab can also be a little unstable if both run full down, causing bow steer.  Notice the " wings" or edges of the 12" tabs, the correct placement for wings are DOWN on Rinker boats.  This contradicts Lenco recommendations, but greater lift can be obtained by mounting this way.  This has been discused in another posting also.  If mounted neer the outside edge of hull, the ram lays aft, a special wedge or shim must be installed under ram TOP mount to allow for complete travel without binding.  Al

[bat32]

I have the fuel injected 350/300 hp small block with stock trim tabs on my246 cc and love it.  Plenty of power, have no problems geting on plane (even completely loaded), and great on fuel.  Tops @50+ and cruises well at about 35-40.  Perfect speed for this type of boat.  Its not made to be a speed boat otherwise it couldn't get the yacht rating.   The tabs are great for the rougher water but I wouldn't say they were needed to get on plane. 

[Gene]

trying to posta picture

[puttin]

Challenger 3x2,

We have an'04 with the 6.2 and it's very strong.  I don't feel the need to install tabs but I'm sure it would make a difference.

Drew

[challenger3x2]

Tabs on the 232 Hull are must have..  once installed and working properly the ride and handling of boat is enhanced..  We can hold plane with tabs at 2400 rpm around 15 mph..  at idle and no wake speeds the tabs are way more useful..  they can bet set to counter any nose drifting  our hopping at any speed.. 

They don't affect the drive line but enhance the performance that is already there..

  Drew,,
A 6.2 with B-III ,,  and 28 inch props I guess..  do you run high 50-low 60 mph... 
Tab will not increase your top end ..  then will make controlling the weight factor that comes with boats this size..

[puttin]

I go 55 and really never felt tabs were needed...our passengers pretty much stay put and our other ballast is evenly distributed...we're always trimmed comfortably.

[Gene]

The 12X12 tab is the only version recomended by Rinker.  I took the picture of the location for the tab.  The 12 X 18 tab would work but is really overkill for a hull of this size.  The 18" tab can also be a little unstable if both run full down, causing bow steer.  Notice the " wings" or edges of the 12" tabs, the correct placement for wings are DOWN on Rinker boats.  This contradicts Lenco recommendations, but greater lift can be obtained by mounting this way.  This has been discused in another posting also.  If mounted neer the outside edge of hull, the ram lays aft, a special wedge or shim must be installed under ram TOP mount to allow for complete travel without binding.  Al

Hey Al. You always seem to have the right answers and are obviously a boat guru. What is the best type of sealant for mounting swim plattform support poles under the water line, I used 3m 5200 and seems to be great. is there anything better?