convert to smart tabs?

[ker]

I bought my boat a few months back and it came with a stingray hydrofoil intalled. Havent had any problems with it and seems to plane well......but I was curious about switching to smarts tabs. If i were to remove the hyrofoil do i need to plug the holes on the cavataion plate, I thought I saw someone here mentioning jbweld to plug the holes, is that correct? Better yet should I just leave it on and forget about the tabs?

 

[Lrider]

Re: convert to smart tabs?

there are a lot of posts on smart tabs here. I have been thinking the same thing and more or less planed to use jbweld to fill the holes, but I don't think the holes would bother if they were left open.

The other thing is that my boat runs fine with the whale-tail, however, in a resent post there was an issue regarding sharp turns and the whale-tail, I can see where it would cause some serious accented turns because it is on the drive.

Just my thoughts, really don't have a lot of experience with them

 

[Bayliner175xt]

Re: convert to smart tabs?

Hi we have just put a set on our Bayliner 175 and the difference was amazing.
I had to try it (holeshot) a number of times because it went onto plain almost instantly and I couldn't believe how quick it was.
I had a foil but the tabs are 100% better.
It was easy to fill the holes, sanded and repainted the outdrive unit (Mercruiser). the boat is so much more fun to use know.
I think you should get them. LOL.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: convert to smart tabs?

there are a lot of posts on smart tabs here. I have been thinking the same thing and more or less planed to use jbweld to fill the holes, but I don't think the holes would bother if they were left open.

The other thing is that my boat runs fine with the whale-tail, however, in a resent post there was an issue regarding sharp turns and the whale-tail, I can see where it would cause some serious accented turns because it is on the drive.

Just my thoughts, really don't have a lot of experience with them

Then do not answer!

Yes, trim tabs are significantly a different level system since they are on the corner's of the stern.

If you remove the stabilizer fin there is no need to fill the holes in the plate. Now for cosmetic reasons you can fill the holes with JB weld or any stick epoxy and paint as desired or just leave the filled holes unpainted.

Now there are some hulls that present some difficulty in mounting the tabs. What hull do you have now? What is it powered by?

 

[ker]

Re: convert to smart tabs?

Then do not answer!

Yes, trim tabs are significantly a different level system since they are on the corner's of the stern.

If you remove the stabilizer fin there is no need to fill the holes in the plate. Now for cosmetic reasons you can fill the holes with JB weld or any stick epoxy and paint as desired or just leave the filled holes unpainted.

Now there are some hulls that present some difficulty in mounting the tabs. What hull do you have now? What is it powered by?

its a 1995 Reinell 196BRXL w/Merc 5.0L Alpha1 GenII, which I believe is an all fiberglass hub....?

 

[ker]

Re: convert to smart tabs?

Hi we have just put a set on our Bayliner 175 and the difference was amazing.
I had to try it (holeshot) a number of times because it went onto plain almost instantly and I couldn't believe how quick it was.
I had a foil but the tabs are 100% better.
It was easy to fill the holes, sanded and repainted the outdrive unit (Mercruiser). the boat is so much more fun to use know.
I think you should get them. LOL.

That there just convinced me, I will order a set of them now!

I have read a few different opionons on what pistons to get though, it looks like they recommend I use the 80lbs pistons, but also read a lot of people switching to the 60lb instead? i believe the boat itself weights in at 2400lbs......

 

[insearch]

Re: convert to smart tabs?

Then do not answer!

Question, you are the Moderator

If I have a comment, I shouldn't make it? or you just don't like the Lrider person

 

[ker]

Re: convert to smart tabs?

anyone has any input on the 60lbs or 80lbs actuators?

according to nada guides net weight on the boat is 2450lbs.......

 

[dannyual767]

Re: convert to smart tabs?

Then do not answer! .....

Dang! That is really harsh!



ker, you'd be fine with the 60lb tabs but the 80's would probably work just as well. You might end up using the 80's on a "lighter" setting. I've got the 80's on my Stingray and they work great.

 

[insanity]

Re: convert to smart tabs?

Question, you are the Moderator

If I have a comment, I shouldn't make it? or you just don't like the Lrider person

Look just under his SN it dose say he is a mod.

 

[ker]

Re: convert to smart tabs?

Just ordered a set and ordered the optional PR500 transom bracket. I will be switching from a SE Sport 300 hydrofoil. I should have some good comparison between the two once I get them installed, hopefully it will answer so questions for anyone who is in the same boat I am in (no pun intended) wanting to switch from a hydrofoil to smart tabs. BTW I opted to get the stainless versions, for and extra $50 I didnt want to deal with any issues with the plastic hardware.

 

[Bayliner175xt]

Re: convert to smart tabs?

Just ordered a set and ordered the optional PR500 transom bracket. I will be switching from a SE Sport 300 hydrofoil. I should have some good comparison between the two once I get them installed, hopefully it will answer so questions for anyone who is in the same boat I am in (no pun intended) wanting to switch from a hydrofoil to smart tabs. BTW I opted to get the stainless versions, for and extra $50 I didnt want to deal with any issues with the plastic hardware.

Hi Ker, post some pics of your intall when you have finished,
Here is mine