Beginner Need Help with Smart Tabs SX

[AmericanHoney]

I am basically a complete beginner to boating having bought a 1983 19' Cobalt Bowrider middle of last summer. But this spring I've decided to make a couple upgrades and one of them was to remove the current hydrofoil and install Smart Tabs SX. My first question is if the SX9510-80 are the correct model to choose? My boat has a 260hp Mercruiser.

The second question is regarding the placement of both the Smart Tabs and the transducer for my fish finder. I have attached an image with what I think would be the correct/best layout, but would appreciate any feedback. The yellow lines represent the placement of the Smart Tabs. My only question regarding that is that I will not be able to place the hinge flush to the bottom of the transom because of the shape of the hull.

I then plan on installing my new transducer where the red rectangle is. The transducer shown in the image was an old one that came with the boat. It is about 25" off of center (about 18-19") from the prop. Do you think it will be a big problem moving the new transducer in 5-6 inches? Currently I have many issues with the sonar while moving, but it is very old and not sure if it is that or the installation/placement that is the problem.

So far that is what I have come up with, if anyone has other ideas I would be very grateful. I am looking to get a bunch of upgrades for my boat and want to get them ordered but If I buy something that I can't use because it doesn't fit or is a bad application for my boat, the wife will kill me. So once again any help is very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Beginner Need Help with Smart Tabs SX

what about mounting the tabs just to the left of the transducer? mine are inboard a little ways to clear the swim step and stuff.

 

[AmericanHoney]

Re: Beginner Need Help with Smart Tabs SX

Thanks for the reply.

Yeah I could come inboard, was trying to stick with the 3-5" from the outside. Not sure which is better, further outside or being flush with the bottom?

On another note I notice your transducer is very close to center, do you have any issues with your sonar when moving? Just curious.

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Beginner Need Help with Smart Tabs SX

Thanks for the reply.

Yeah I could come inboard, was trying to stick with the 3-5" from the outside. Not sure which is better, further outside or being flush with the bottom?

On another note I notice your transducer is very close to center, do you have any issues with your sonar when moving? Just curious.

I just emailed Nauticus yesterday asking them what I thought of my install. Im assuming they are closed and ill probably hear from them this coming week on it.
The transducer on the left is for the fishfinder/depth finder, and the one on the right is for the speedo but it doesnt work anyway lol. I use the GPS for a speedo. the fishfinder works great, i use it mainly for the depth alarm.

 

[koko1]

Re: Beginner Need Help with Smart Tabs SX

You need to mount the smart tabs as close to the outside as possible as the directions indicate.. I have them mounted closer to center and they still work great but Nauticus recommends mounting as far away from center as possible for best results.... It looks like you can do that so that is what I would do.... I was limited because of my swim platform but like I said they still worked wonders...I also had to move my transducer and it was no problem for me..Good Luck..

 

[AmericanHoney]

Re: Beginner Need Help with Smart Tabs SX

Thanks for the input.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Beginner Need Help with Smart Tabs SX

That transducer looks to far out. I wouldn't be surprised if that was out of the water when the boats on plane.

 

[mciaio]

Re: Beginner Need Help with Smart Tabs SX

I just emailed Nauticus yesterday...

Last time I emailed them, I never got a response. I called and they told me their email had been down. That was about 2 months ago, but I wouldn't wait too long before you call them.