Installing Smart Tabs need help

[chaparral442]

The installation looks straight forward but I am nervous about drilling so many holes in the transom-- Has anyone installed these before?

 

[smithrock]

Re: Installing Smart Tabs need help

I'm looking to do the same, is there an exact location they need to mounted?

 

[crb478]

Re: Installing Smart Tabs need help

I have installed them and they are not difficult. After you drill the first hole the rest are easier. I laid everyting out on tape first, double checked the placement and then drilled and camphered the holes. I also used the sealing strips plus silicone. The have held up well so far

 

[dabalone]

Re: Installing Smart Tabs need help

Just follow instructions that came with them, if still not sure go online to the Nauticus website, more info and pics there. Pretty straight forward for install, just make sure the hole size is correct for the screws. Took me about 30 mins start to finish for the first time. They work great. My boat is basic v design with nothing in the way, some boats I understand take a little different approach because of platforms, tie downs or other things that may be in the way of optimum install location. People at Nauticus are very helpful just give them a call or email.

 

[canoeist]

Re: Installing Smart Tabs need help

Do not use the sealer they give you, get some 3m 5200 marine sealant at Walmart and use it. Coat the screws or shoot some in the holes.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Installing Smart Tabs need help

Be sure to use a chamfer bit on the holes before you run the screws in. This keeps the surface of the glass from lifting as the screw goes in. If you ever need to remove them and fill the holes, it will make them alot easier to fill 'cause you won't have little volcano rims around each hole. It also keeps the hinge plate sitting flatter and tighter on the transom.

IMHO, Nauticus ought to give that little hint in their instructions.

 

[Coors]

Re: Installing Smart Tabs need help

Do not use the sealer they give you, get some 3m 5200 marine sealant at Walmart and use it. Coat the screws or shoot some in the holes.

5200 is almost permanent
4200 is more forgiving

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Installing Smart Tabs need help

Just follow instructions that came with them, if still not sure go online to the Nauticus website, more info and pics there. Pretty straight forward for install


The site tells you everything you need to know with pics too, been on it

 

[chaparral442]

Re: Installing Smart Tabs need help

do they make chamfer bits for drills? I do not own a router

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Installing Smart Tabs need help

do they make chamfer bits for drills? I do not own a router

Any decent hardware store should have one for your drill.

 

[smithrock]

Re: Installing Smart Tabs need help

Does it give you the exact location on where they need to be mounted?

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Installing Smart Tabs need help

The location is going to vary from boat to boat but you will generally want to mount the tabs as far to the outside of the transom as you can.​

 

[smithrock]

Re: Installing Smart Tabs need help

And i assume they need to be even distance on each side?

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Installing Smart Tabs need help

And i assume they need to be even distance on each side?

Yes, that's the idea.​

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Installing Smart Tabs need help

Does it give you the exact location on where they need to be mounted?

Yes, scroll up to the very top of this page and click on "marine store" Then you will see see the "Search" box, type in "sx smart tabs" It will take you to "Nauticus SX Smart Tabs" site, Then click on the length of you boat (example) 16'-20', then scroll down a little below "APPLICATION"the 3 differant part #'s and you will see "Install instructions". It gives you the installation instructions STEP BY STEP. >>> Pat

 

[scrobo]

Re: Installing Smart Tabs need help

Do you think it is a necessary purchase hjaving he composite ones?

I'm not in salt water. Will the standard models be ok? I gotta stop my boat from lurching. Scaring the poop outta me when that happens.

On the side note... Are this things any good for boats with a flatter bottom at the rear? My "V" is very very very shallow. But my boat feels like it wants to tip and turn. Plus it plows through the water like a bulldozer a lot. I was going to get a hydrofoil but the smart tabs website sure made a nice argument against them.

I've got an old 14' fiberglass runabout made by Lonestar some 50 years or so ago with a Merc 402 40hp. We use it on a fairly choppy lake at times. But mostly for going up north fishing.

 

[chaparral442]

Re: Installing Smart Tabs need help

how soon after I install them can I put it in water? the sealant cure time is 24 hours for full cure-- do I have to wait a full 24 hours?

 

[chaparral442]

Re: Installing Smart Tabs need help

Be sure to use a chamfer bit on the holes before you run the screws in. This keeps the surface of the glass from lifting as the screw goes in. If you ever need to remove them and fill the holes, it will make them alot easier to fill 'cause you won't have little volcano rims around each hole. It also keeps the hinge plate sitting flatter and tighter on the transom.

IMHO, Nauticus ought to give that little hint in their instructions.

what size chamfer ?

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Installing Smart Tabs need help

what size chamfer ?

Heck, I don't know. Just big enough to put a little bit of a chamfered ring around the hole you drilled for the screws. I'm sure there is a specific diameter and degree title for the bit but just use your judgement.

I went out to find mine so I could measure the diameter and the angle but it seems to be currently hiding from me.

 

[chaparral442]

Re: Installing Smart Tabs need help

what is the difference in chamfering and a counter sink?

Guess I am being anal but I only get one shot at doing this right