Benefit of Smart Tabs on my Boat

[mdunn]

I have an aluminum 17.5 Smokercraft Stealth with a F115 Yamaha.
Boat does great in small chop but wouldn't mind improving the ride some in a little heavier chop. I'm a Puget Sound guy.
Would the smart tabs do that do you think? Being aluminum it's pretty light so I wonder if how much affect they would have.
Then again I'm pretty new at boating so would appreciate any input from you much more knowledgable folks. Thanks

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Benefit of Smart Tabs on my Boat

Smart Tabs, like any other add-on are intended to help with a problem. Unless you have a specific issue they may not be needed. Stern heavy boats definitely benefit from them and i suspect yours would too since you have a relatively heavy 115 4-stroke on the back. The tabs provide lift to help get on plane quicker and to stay on plane at slower speeds. And yes, they do help tame the ride in rough water. Will they make a remarkable difference is a good question but as a user, I can tell you they do make a significant difference in ride, hole shot, and slow speed planing.

 

[mdunn]

Re: Benefit of Smart Tabs on my Boat

Thanks for the reply. I definately feel a little stern heavy.
I haven't had the boat long and have only gone out by myself so I'm pretty sure with some passengers it'll be even more so.
I need to get the dimensions of the smart tabs. I have a 9 hp kicker that might be factor as far as installation goes.

 

[circle hook]

Re: Benefit of Smart Tabs on my Boat

question what are smart tabs, I have the same problem you have I run my 16 footer in the lower NY Harbor, and at full throttle I get soaked, and at 1/2 throttle she is to slow, I find that if I place all the weight to the rear of the boat I can open her up more, the trim on the motor does very little change, I was wondering if that dolphin plate on the motor if that will make any difference or will trim tabs, now I hear smart tabs and wonder what they are & how do they work, my boat is very light alumium deep "V" with a 40 HP yamaha, the boat is rated at 80 HP max, but why go with a bigger motor is I cant even open this one up. ANY THOUGHTS WOULD BE A GREAT HELP THANKS Bob

 

[mdunn]

Re: Benefit of Smart Tabs on my Boat

I only know a little more then I did the other day but I did talk to John at Nauticus (http://www.nauticusinc.com/) and I'm going to go ahead and order a set for my boat.
I'm definately stern heavy. I have a F115 which is the maximum Hp for my hull. Also have an 8 hp kicker.
I can't use hardly any up trim or I start porpising. In smooth water she runs great but add a little chop over a foot and I start flying.
Seems like the right solution for me.

 

[pjrogers]

Re: Benefit of Smart Tabs on my Boat

It has been said here many times that there are two types of small boat in the world: those that have Smart Tabs and those that need 'em. IMHO that is absolutely true.

I've installed them on two boats so far: a light 18' bowrider w/ a 4.3LX; and a 23' SeaRay bowrider w/ a 6.2L B3 outdrive. In both cases the Smart Tabs improved low speed handling, reduced bow rise on takeoff (on the 18' boat, the thing acted like a tournament boat - it just levitated on to a plane keeping an almost even keel throughout), and smoothed out the ride in heavy water (although the 23' is heavy enough to not really need a lot of help in that department).

The only things Smart Tabs don't address particularly well are listing and masses moving around and affecting trim while underway. For those problems you want adjustable tabs like Bennetts. But for, what, $200?, they are inexpensive enough to experiment with. Try 'em, you'll likely not regret it.

 

[roadrunnr]

Re: Benefit of Smart Tabs on my Boat

Just wondering if anyone who has installed Smart Tabs has had a problem with the tabs being in the way of their transom tie down straps for trailering. I've looked at these Smart Tabs on Iboats for the last 2 years, but always wondered if I would have this problem on a smaller 17' bowrider! Maybe you can install these farther out on the transon than the pictures show in their adds?

 

[mdunn]

Re: Benefit of Smart Tabs on my Boat

I have a 8 hp kicker on my port side that is going to make it a little bit of a challenge to install the tabs.
I'm thinking about trimming a corner off the inboard side in order to maintain clearance with the kicker.
I think if done symeticaly to both sides it should work ok.
Granted you'll take away a little affectiveness but I wonder how much.
Thoughts?

Just wondering if anyone who has installed Smart Tabs has had a problem with the tabs being in the way of their transom tie down straps for trailering. I've looked at these Smart Tabs on Iboats for the last 2 years, but always wondered if I would have this problem on a smaller 17' bowrider! Maybe you can install these farther out on the transon than the pictures show in their adds?

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Benefit of Smart Tabs on my Boat

MDunn;

There are a few things I would like to address:
1) Trimming the plate accommodate the kicker motor. I would first suggest that you move the trim adjustment pin on the kicker out one hole.
2) Silvertip was obviously satisfied and I thank him for the support. I would however like to make a small comment regarding "Fixing Problems". Trim tabs are most often looked at as a cure for some poor handling issue, especially on small boats (under 25'). I have a different perspective on this issue.

When a hull boat is designed a specific "use" is set as the criteria for the design. If you want a ski boat then the design accommodates this use. When you want to carry 500,000 Lb. then you design a barge. Once built to this design the "window" of efficient operation is fixed. I know that is a radical example, but stay with me, please.

Trim tabs extend the hull running surface, and (this is big) they change the hull design when they are adjusted. When deployed they put a "hook" in the hull to create more lift. When they are retracted, they remove the hook (or part of it) to allow for different handling and attitude.

The "window" of efficient operation is opened. Many boat builders include Hooks, steps, contours, etc. to create specific handling characteristics, but once built in they can not be changed. Trim tabs change the hull design on demand. Smart Tabs do it automatically and continuously.

Just a different perspective!


Happy Holidays to All and thank you for a great year!

 

[mdunn]

Re: Benefit of Smart Tabs on my Boat

Thanks for the input Jdeagro.
I understand your perspective on trim tabs and in fact that's why I'm considering installing a set of the Smart Tabs.
Last night I did actually move the trim adjustment pin out one hole and then out to the last hole to see what additional clearance I'd have.
I think I'll still have to trim some off the tabs but not much.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.

MDunn;

There are a few things I would like to address:
1) Trimming the plate accommodate the kicker motor. I would first suggest that you move the trim adjustment pin on the kicker out one hole.
2) Silvertip was obviously satisfied and I thank him for the support. I would however like to make a small comment regarding "Fixing Problems". Trim tabs are most often looked at as a cure for some poor handling issue, especially on small boats (under 25'). I have a different perspective on this issue.

When a hull boat is designed a specific "use" is set as the criteria for the design. If you want a ski boat then the design accommodates this use. When you want to carry 500,000 Lb. then you design a barge. Once built to this design the "window" of efficient operation is fixed. I know that is a radical example, but stay with me, please.

Trim tabs extend the hull running surface, and (this is big) they change the hull design when they are adjusted. When deployed they put a "hook" in the hull to create more lift. When they are retracted, they remove the hook (or part of it) to allow for different handling and attitude.

The "window" of efficient operation is opened. Many boat builders include Hooks, steps, contours, etc. to create specific handling characteristics, but once built in they can not be changed. Trim tabs change the hull design on demand. Smart Tabs do it automatically and continuously.

Just a different perspective!


Happy Holidays to All and thank you for a great year!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Benefit of Smart Tabs on my Boat

I gather my response was taken a little out of context and I apologize if it caused any confusion. I certainly did not mean that the boat would not respond to Smart Tabs. I was only trying to point out that the help or degree of help may not be in the area of expectation. I just wanted to make sure the poster didn't spend money on a product that he thought would cause the boat to make a radical transformation. Many boaters pursue the activity on a budget and therefore don't need to spend money where it's really not needed. Then there's the situation where they spend it on the wrong products for the wrong reason -- such as looking for a different prop hoping to solve a performance issue when a tune-up is all that was needed. As I said many times before, I'd have to hurt somebody bad if they tried to make off with my Smart Tabs. Are they beneficial for every boat? I guess I don't know since I haven't owned them all -- but I'd sure like to! They sure work well on this one! Have a safe, enjoyable Christmas Holiday.

 

[mdunn]

Re: Benefit of Smart Tabs on my Boat

Hey Silvertip, I thought your response was just fine and helpfull.
Like you pointed out my boat is a little stern heavy and from all the info gathered so far I think I can benefit from the tabs.
I ordered them up today actually.
My challenge will be working around my kicker motor.
When I'm running of course I have it tilted up so if I had a way to easily retract the smart tab on that side when I went to trolling mode there would be no issues.
Or like I mentioned earlier I don't think it will take much trimming to make them fit.
When I get them on I'll post a picture and give a report.

I gather my response was taken a little out of context and I apologize if it caused any confusion. I certainly did not mean that the boat would not respond to Smart Tabs. I was only trying to point out that the help or degree of help may not be in the area of expectation. I just wanted to make sure the poster didn't spend money on a product that he thought would cause the boat to make a radical transformation. Many boaters pursue the activity on a budget and therefore don't need to spend money where it's really not needed. Then there's the situation where they spend it on the wrong products for the wrong reason -- such as looking for a different prop hoping to solve a performance issue when a tune-up is all that was needed. As I said many times before, I'd have to hurt somebody bad if they tried to make off with my Smart Tabs. Are they beneficial for every boat? I guess I don't know since I haven't owned them all -- but I'd sure like to! They sure work well on this one! Have a safe, enjoyable Christmas Holiday.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Benefit of Smart Tabs on my Boat

Hi Silvertip;

I did not find fault with anything you said and did not want you to think I did. I truly appreciate the support and am very pleased that you are happy with you Smart Tabs. I guess I was taking the opportunity to express my views on what trim tabs do for a boat, ours or any other manufacturer. Since small boats normally do not have trim tabs as factory installed or offered as an option, they are most commonly thought of a a fix for a problem hull. Most people do not know why they are not installed or recommended by the boat builder. Tabs are widely accepted on Larger boats and thought of as standard equipment.

It is like saying that wing flaps on a 747 or an f14 are OK, but not on a 172 Cessna. A boat is made up of two primary objects, the propulsion device (engine and prop) and the boat hull itself. In the case of small boats, the norm is to improve performance via the propulsion unit while ignoring the hull.

That is like changing gears in a race car that does not handle well in turns.

Again Thanks! And have a very happy holiday season.

 

[hdradaza]

Re: Benefit of Smart Tabs on my Boat

I guess I have the same problem. I just bought my boat (first time boater too) and wondered why the bow was so high. I could not even see the front. I could get on a plane, but only after speeding up then slowing back down. I have a tri hull.

I also noticed that my beer cooler is towards the back so that could be a big factor too, including the fuel tanks.

QUESTIONS>>>

1) I guess smart tabs is the answer. Price aside, what would brand and model smart tabs would you experienced boaters recommend ?

2)And this might be a stupid question... how does the smart tab know when the bow is up or down ?

3)And is there some sort of a manual override where I can manually adjust the tabs if I feel I still want to lower the bow some more...

4)Is there any effect on fuel consumption ?

5)In stopped position with the engine off or in neutral are the tabs fully down ? I ask this since my telescopic ladder is on the back and might get in the way. No problem if it is fully down when the boat is stopped. Anyway, the ladder is up and away when running when the tabs might be in a horizontal position. Any thoughts ?

Here is a good pic of why I need smart tabs...
http://www.friendster.com/photos/6270895/1/216305120

 

[HONKER1]

Re: Benefit of Smart Tabs on my Boat

I have an 18' Starcraft that I installed Smart Tabs on last summer, for all the same reasons mention in the other postings. The tabs lived up to everything I had hoped for.
I also have a 8hp motor on the stern that I use for fishing. To clear the Smart Tab I installed a kicker motor bracket on the stern (OMC but there are many differant brands). This enabled me to raise the kicker out of the water for fast traveling and also it keeps the kicker clear of the Smart Tabs when I am trolling. Hope this will be of some help.

 

[mdunn]

Re: Benefit of Smart Tabs on my Boat

The kicker bracket sounds like a possible solution.
Although I barely squeeze in the garage now.
Life is a compromise just about always isn't it?

Hydradaza, I'm still figuring this out but but between this site and this link http://www.iboats.com/Marine_Store/...52--**********.144022450--search_type.keyword you can find a lot of answers.

I have an 18' Starcraft that I installed Smart Tabs on last summer, for all the same reasons mention in the other postings. The tabs lived up to everything I had hoped for.
I also have a 8hp motor on the stern that I use for fishing. To clear the Smart Tab I installed a kicker motor bracket on the stern (OMC but there are many differant brands). This enabled me to raise the kicker out of the water for fast traveling and also it keeps the kicker clear of the Smart Tabs when I am trolling. Hope this will be of some help.

 

[circle hook]

Re: Benefit of Smart Tabs on my Boat

I also read on the smart tabs web site that they have a release lever lowering the tabs all the way stright down so as to become a brake, if trolling if your boat is to fast this will in deed help that problem.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Benefit of Smart Tabs on my Boat

hdradaza;

Check ou web site www.NauticusInc.com and review the application chart. The size of the boat will determine the plate size and the weight, and Motor HP will determine the actuator pressure. With the Tabs installed the bow will not rise more than 5 or 6 degrees as the tabs will keep the stern from dropping (stern down = bow up, Stern up = bow down). You can continue to trim the motor to fine tune the attitude. Additionaly the pressure adjustment at the plate bracket will allow you to fine tune the Smart Tab pressure to your needs.