Smart tabs vs. adjustable tabs

[SC_Regal]

Great site. Hate to open this topic again but just looking for a little advice. My boat is a 25 ft open bow Regal with 5.0 EFI Alpha I . I am definately getting tabs but not sure which after searching this forum. My boat is light for its size (4200 dry per Regal) and has a lot of dead rise - 24 degrees transome. My problems, listed in order of priority are:
1. Hole shot
2. staying on plane at lower speeds (15-20 for wakeboarding etc.)
3. listing - I always list to port (alpha I)
4. top speed

I boat in and around Charleston mostly so do travel in some bigger water at times. I don't mind the thought of adjustable tabs (although I have never used them before) but I worry about the wife and adjustables.
Thanks, Mikeh

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart tabs vs. adjustable tabs

SC-Regal;

There is plenty on this site addressing this issue and it boils down to personal preference.

One of the items on your wish list indicates that you want to correct listing with trim tabs. This can be done with either helm controlled tabs or smart tabs, however I would suggest you find out why the boat is listing to port.

A list to port is common and often caused by the prop torque (ie: torque list).
This can be exagerated by either too much negative trim and/or the use of a hydrofoil. Either could cause excessive stern lift which makes the boat run bow down and ride too much on the keel. You then are balancing on the keel, and the prop torque make the boat list to port.

If you have a hydrofoil take it off, if you are not trimming out once at speed, then trim out.

 

[SC_Regal]

Re: Smart tabs vs. adjustable tabs

The list is related to prop torque and seating preferences

 

[QC]

Re: Smart tabs vs. adjustable tabs

The list is related to prop torque and seating preferences

If this is the case, adjustable hands down. My wife hated me asking people to change seats for list. New feature for John to rebut . . . helm adjustable tabs reduce arguments with spouse . . . That right there is worth the price of admission

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Smart tabs vs. adjustable tabs

If you buy the helm adjustable ones you will never be sorry...if you buy the smart tabs you will always be questioning yourself "Should I have bought those helm adjustable ones"?

For your size boat, the answer for me would be easy.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart tabs vs. adjustable tabs

QC;

I completely understand you view point. Some women are just hard to manage!

Just kidding!

 

[SC_Regal]

Re: Smart tabs vs. adjustable tabs

Thanks for your input. My wife is very laid-back, my issue is when I'm wakeboarding, tubing, or taking in some sun, will she be able/comfortable with adjustables? John, on a boat my size and weight, which tabs would you reccommend? My HP is rated @ 250, so just outside the range of your largest single arm tab.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Smart tabs vs. adjustable tabs

Thanks for your input. My wife is very laid-back, my issue is when I'm wakeboarding, tubing, or taking in some sun, will she be able/comfortable with adjustables?

I don't understand all the concern with adjustable tabs. They are just that, adjustable. That doesn't mean that you have to constantly adjust them to do their job.

Most days I set my tabs on the way out the inlet and never touch them again. It's only when it's snotty out that I use my tabs with any consistency.

I have a Flo-scan fuel monitoring system on the boat and there is a definite increase in fuel consumption when the tabs are down. On calm days such as ones you would typically tube, etc. I don't even bother to put them down. Why increase my fuel consumption if the conditions don't warrant the usage?

 

[tommays]

Re: Smart tabs vs. adjustable tabs

The problem with tabs is they make the speed correct for boarding at the cost of wake shape


Tommays

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart tabs vs. adjustable tabs

SC_regal

Let me clarify a few things. When the boat is used for sporting activities such as skiing, boarding, and tubing, it is subject to many starts and stops, speed changes and directional changes. This situation is far different than cruising out to a fishing hole or another port / harbor where you trim out the boat and let it run.

I have said in the past and will say it again, the choice of tabs is or should be based on application, activity, and personal preference. In my opinion your activity is a major consideration. The fact that Smart Tabs are active, and self adjusting will provide more comfort, convenience, and fuel economy improvements.

Howver, if the side to side listing issue is of major importance helm controlled tabs will do a better job at correcting severe lists such as people movemnt.

Mabe a hybred system is a better choice!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Smart tabs vs. adjustable tabs

what about a smart tab that half of it is adjustable, and a default switch. when not needed for load caused list. John get the engineers on it. and i want my royalty.

 

[QC]

Re: Smart tabs vs. adjustable tabs

will she be able/comfortable with adjustables?

When I ski or whatever, I set the tabs in a good compromise position and leave her to it. She dodesnt't adjust them at all and things are fine.

 

[SC_Regal]

Re: Smart tabs vs. adjustable tabs

I would say at least half the time on the boat we are starting and stopping. As for the list, how much correction can you get with increasing the lift on the port tab and how easy is it to adjust? I can almost predict how much of a prolem I will have based on the # and weight of my passengers.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Smart tabs vs. adjustable tabs

what about a smart tab that half of it is adjustable.

It's called a Bennett.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Smart tabs vs. adjustable tabs

I would recommend the adjustable tabs with the tab position indicator built into the switch panel. Also always remember when using adjustable tabs the switches are wired to control the bow attitude of the boat and not what the tabs are actually doing.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart tabs vs. adjustable tabs

The adjustment for the list is very easy and effective, however it is designed for correcting a permanet list. When in route you will not beable to make these adjustment especially if you are thinking in terms of people movement. The corretion you will get (automatically) is similar to that of your car when you load more people on one side.

 

[Tabman]

Re: Smart tabs vs. adjustable tabs

My personal boat is a 20? Aquasport Walkaround with a 175 on the back. I have two daughters, and a bunch of nieces and nephews. John is right on target with the ability of remotely adjustable Trim Tabs to correct listing on the fly. The domestic tranquility provided by allowing the girls to sit where they want is indeed priceless (?but dad I want to sit in the sun!?).

We used to do a lot of tubing and wake boarding a couple of years back (kids are off to college now). I found that I would set the Tabs for what I wanted to accomplish, i.e. Tabs up, motor trimmed out and lower throttle setting equals big old wake. I would only change the settings if I wanted to alter the wake and speed, for example, Tabs down, motor trimmed more neutrally and lower throttle setting equals less wake (and I can see over the bow) and still maintain a lower speed. This setting was great for the younger, first time tubers.

But as I mentioned once I found what I liked I left the Tabs alone until I wanted to change things up.

I hope this is helpful.

Tom McGow
Bennett Marine

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Smart tabs vs. adjustable tabs

I like the fact that Tom is honest about the fact that he is from Bennett and puts it in the bottom of the post.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart tabs vs. adjustable tabs

Bruce;

Never tried to hide anything, it is in my profile.


Regards

John
Nauticus, Inc.

 

[tmh]

Re: Smart tabs vs. adjustable tabs

Most here know John is from Nauticus already which is why he didn't repeat it. That's why he knows so much about the Smart Tabs. Also, I have read many tabs threads and John does not advertise on these forums, just answers questions. So, don't use that as any sort of desciding factor. I think all are giving fair, balanced comparisons of the types of tabs and proper applications.