New Member, New Air Boat Owner

[Barrett-FL]

Hello!

My son and I just purchased our first airboat yesterday and I have a lot to learn and I'm hoping this site will be a resource for some information from some experienced and patient air boat operators.

The boat we purchased is a 13' 6" Cotton Mouth with a 350 SBC direct drive. It appears to be an older boat due to some of the rigging and what I see as "Old School" technology.

It has been completely refurbished fairly recently and in very good cosmetic and structural condition with quality welding and solid stringers etc. I think it was likely made in the 90s. Not sure when the last Cotton Mouth hull was manufactured.

It has a fairly new crate engine which starts and runs well. It has a slight oil leak at the port side valve cover which I anticipate will only need a new gasket to correct. The boat needs some upgrades such as lights and wiring. The trailer is home built and recently refinished and re-bunked and in excellent condition and also needs lights & wiring.

My first question is: It currently has a pad for the trim tab but no actuator. Which ,manufacturer should one look to for a decent price and warranty? Are used ones generally available and if so, what is a fair price for a used one?

Thanks for any info!

Barrett
(Snake Bit)

[SWAMPHUNTER45]

Welcome to SA

Great starter boat it won’t be long and you will want more power.

Electric trim tab ? Look at Lenco

[Barrett-FL]

Thank you!

I figure it will be a good boat to learn and see how we like it. We got a good deal on the boat I feel and can sell to upgrade when we're ready.

Like everything else, once you get into it, you want to climb the ladder and I figure airboats are no different.

[One Eyed Gator]

Welcome

If you have you don't have much stick time the is a do and don't with some good info it that's worth reading.

Enjoy the addiction and it's a very tall ladder that can reach the sky if you're not careful.

[Bonefish]

Check the existing trim tab closely as there are some that are spring loaded and don't require an actuator.
Welcome

[kwanjangnihm]

Barrett-FL welcome to SA!

This is a good read on Airboating Do & Don'ts

viewtopic.php?f=132&t=30116

[Marshn]

Run shallow water, run with other boats, don't leave cell coverage ,and join your local club. Thanks SA for all the info I got from ya'll.