Smart Tabs - Any negatives

[Gmonkey]

I'm considering getting some smart tabs for my 19 foot center console. It's a little stern heavy and the hole shot is pretty sluggish, especially with people in the back. There is some porpoising but can be trimmed out most of the time pretty easily. How likely is it that I will be disapointed or downright agry with the addition of smart tabs. I know some applications may benefit more than others.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Smart Tabs - Any negatives

You won't be disappointed because the boat will get out of the hole much better and will stay on-plane at lower speeds. I have them and won't ever be without them again. They are very adjustable and John will work with you to solve any issues you may have. They are also easy to install.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Smart Tabs - Any negatives

I've got 'em too, great product. Negatives? I feel compelled to come up with something, so I guess these are stretches:<br /><br />1. I had to move two of my trailer bunks forward because they stuck out too far and interfered with the location of the tabs. This was a one-time inconvenience maybe won't effect most people.<br /><br />2. I feel the need to remind everyone who climbs up my ladder after skiing/swimming that the smart tab is NOT a step. I think it's only a matter of time before someone puts their full weight on it while trying to heft themselves into the boat...hopefully it holds when that happens. But you're running a center console, so you probably don't do much skiing/swimming?<br /><br />But from a pure performance standpoint, 100% positive, no negatives. Save some cash and buy the factory blems offered here on Iboats. Best I can tell a "blem" must be defined as a minor scuff. Well worth the $50ish discount for something you'll never really see anyway.

 

[Gmonkey]

Re: Smart Tabs - Any negatives

I couldn't check the board this morning, but ordered them anyway. I've heard so many good things about them, and I thought being a little stern heavy, it's what I needed.
I did get the factory blems. Nice deal. I hear that they usually look perfect anyway.
I'll post some results once I get them mounted. It may be 12-13 days according to iBoats for shipping.
My stainless stilletto prop comes today. That may help some too.

 

[Gmonkey]

Re: Smart Tabs - Any negatives

I couldn't check the board this morning, but ordered them anyway. I've heard so many good things about them, and I thought being a little stern heavy, it's what I needed.
I did get the factory blems. Nice deal. I hear that they usually look perfect anyway.
Trailer loading won't be a problem,
Swimmers may be. My swim platform is pretty big and lake water pretty murky, so I will hope for the best. It's a Sea Pro, so it is a great fmaily/cruiseing boat with all the seats and bow pad etc....
I'll post some results once I get them mounted. It may be 12-13 days according to iBoats for shipping.
My stainless stilletto prop comes today. That may help some too.

 

[lakelivin]

Re: Smart Tabs - Any negatives

If you do much wakeboarding with your sterndrive I'd think investing in manual tabs would be much better than trimtabs w.r.t. controlling the wake size.

 

[Gmonkey]

Re: Smart Tabs - Any negatives

They finaly shipped the tabs (took about a week) and I got them installed Friday, 7/07. Installation was basically self explanatory and not too hard.
There was a problem though. O.k , was I being careless, or does this happen to everyone?
I was very carefull to put the template for drilling in the exact same place for both sides. The innermost hole for the hinges were drilled the exact same distance from the centerline. I thought this was a pretty crucial measurement so I was very careful. I guess I am pretty stupid.
Later, upon screwing the tabs on, I realized the the holes in the hinges are not the same for both sides. Now, the right tab is about an inch further from the centerline than the left. Nice !!!
Anywhoo, we took the boat out for a littlewhile Sunday. I have to say I am another one of those guy who raves about Smart tabs. What an improvement. Hole shot is better, very little bow rise and it seem to ride better in rough water. I guess this is b/c the bow is lower. My boat is no longer so trim sensitive. Any speed with any trim setting runs fine. No more porposing.d
I need to stiffen the left side because it lists a little to the left. This may be b/c the right one is out farther. Besides that, I wouldn't know how to adjust them. They seem just fine.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart Tabs - Any negatives

Gmonkey;

The list to the left may be from the prop. It is called a torque list. The prop rotates clockwise and the boat leans counter-clockwise. This is common when a more agressive prop is installed and when a hydrofoil is installed. If you are using a hydrofoil, remove it!

The other thing that can cause the list is trim. If the bow is too far down the boat rocks on the keel. Trim up!

If it is a torque list from the new prop, reduce the pressure on the port starboard side and increase is some on the port side.

Glad you are pleased with the Smart Tabs.

 

[Gmonkey]

Re: Smart Tabs - Any negatives

Thanks for the reply John. I'm not too concerned about the listing. I'm sure a small adjusment would get it right.
What do you think about the hinges being different?

I am pleased with the performance. I may try some adjustments to make sure i'm getting their full potential.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart Tabs - Any negatives

1" should not make any difference.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Smart Tabs - Any negatives

Been reading about Smart Tabs for a few years now. The only drawback that I can think of that you must pay for them....

d

 

[KaGee]

Re: Smart Tabs - Any negatives

Been reading about Smart Tabs for a few years now. The only drawback that I can think of that you must pay for them....

d

[colour=Green]Yepper, the KaGee Smart Tab fund is now open if anyone would like to make a contribution.


At no wake speed or trolling, my Regal wanders worse than an Irishman leaving the bar on St. Paddy's Day.[/colour]

 

[John_S]

Re: Smart Tabs - Any negatives

Kagee, while smart tabs ellimated my high speed porposing, improved turning stability, and provided the expected bow-rise reduction, they did not elliminate the V bow wander. Hey, they can't fix anything and everything on all boats. I do think it is improved though, just not elliminated. This is on a 20' bowrider that has a deeper V than what I see on newer and wider boats, in the same class, today. Moving people to the bow, seems to help the most, but still doesn't elliminate it. I have smart tabs on two boats and would be the first thing I would add, if I get another.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Smart Tabs - Any negatives

I'll try trimming all the way down until I can get the Tabs. Thanks!

 

[rottenray6402]

Re: Smart Tabs - Any negatives

Can they make my teeth whiter and my hair turn brown again? 8)8)

 

[Gmonkey]

Re: Smart Tabs - Any negatives

Can they make my teeth whiter and my hair turn brown again? 8)8)

No, but I know what can make your teeth brown and your hair turn white. Today I've been fighting with the IRS, and CSX.

I never heard about the wandering issue at slow speeds. Thats always been annoying. A deeper vee in the water helps huh? More water tests needed.
Smart tabs do help global warming too.
www.newscapade.com/story/23424/thisisabslink.htm

 

[John_S]

Re: Smart Tabs - Any negatives

I believe the deeper the V, the worse the wandering will be. I am not sure if Nauticus claims to help the wandering, but I did see it mentioned in one of the magizine reviews, posted on their site.

I have a mile of narrow channel of no-wake zone, before reaching the lake. Having people sitting in the bow,seems to help.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Smart Tabs - Any negatives

if only you had thjem in the 70's, we coulda used them as mirrors! disco fever baby

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart Tabs - Any negatives

Glad to see you all having some fun. Life is too short not too!

If the tabs can be spread apart the low speed wander is typically reduced. Since the place are down at that speed they tend to keep the boat more true.

They have given me white hair, but not the brown teeth.

Enjoy the season!

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Smart Tabs - Any negatives

The biggest drawback to the tabs I can see is they don't give them away with every boat purchase. I love 'em! Give 'em to me free, I'd love 'em even more!