Smart tabs for trolling

[KM2]

John or others, I remember reading something about tabs designed to slow the boat down during trolling. Are we going to see them on the market soon?

 

[MrBigStuff]

Re: Smart tabs for trolling

Originally posted by KM2:<br /> John or others, I remember reading something about tabs designed to slow the boat down during trolling. Are we going to see them on the market soon?

You don't state what you're trying to accomplish and on what craft but here's an option:<br /><br />I use a drift sock for speeds slower than the engine can manage. It provides enough of a load to slow the boat down. It's a cheap solution that is easily stowed when not in use and requires no mounting.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart tabs for trolling

We are introducing these now. They are called "ProTrollers". They will be available in two models. One for 14' to 16' boats with 40 to 80 HP (#PT980-40) and the second for boats 17' to 22' with 80 to 150 HP (# PT1290-60).<br /><br />We have developed a special bracket assembly for the top mounting of the actuator which in the UP position sets the starting angle of t deployment at 25 degrees (standard Smart Tabs setting). This allows the tabs to function as regular Smart Tabs.<br /><br />In the DOWN position the tabs are vertical (all the way down - 180 degrees) to create brakes. You simply flip a lever handle up and down. In the trolling position (brakes) the boat is not only slowed down about 35%+ but since the tabs are on each side of the boat it tracks straight - no wandering. Also, since we are not interrupting the prop thrust ( ie: happy troller) the steering is not inhibited. and one more thing, if you take off with the tabs down you will not break them since the actuator will compress first, and you will know quickly that they are too far down.

 

[sumcat1]

Re: Smart tabs for trolling

nautijohn: I already have 1290-60 Smart Tabs. Can they be converted to trolling tabs?

 

[KM2]

Re: Smart tabs for trolling

Thanks John, I may just be a buyer in the spring. Sounds like the ticket. <br /><br />If any iboaters try them out lets hear your thoughts. The water in MN will be a little hard for the next 5 months so I can't be the first. <br /><br />The drift socks works fine when drifting but I think its a PITA when trolling.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart tabs for trolling

sumcat;<br /><br />Yes! You can buy the upper bracket assembly separately as the # PR500 List price will be $39.95 per set.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Smart tabs for trolling

This is Great News,..........<br /><br />A couple years ago, John,+ I had a Long conversation about using Trim Tabs for Trolling Brakes,...........<br /><br />I'm Glad the the R&D dept. came thru..........

 

[DangerDan]

Re: Smart tabs for trolling

I have a 22' Slickcraft Fisherman that is mainly used for trolling I have a 260 HP 350 with OMC electricshift OD I wonder if these "pro troller" tabs would work or if I would need something larger. Any thoughts?

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart tabs for trolling

They will slow you down about two MPH at idle speeds on the engine. You would need to buy the ST1290-80 and then the PR500 bracket kit.<br /><br />The PT1290-60 would not have enough actuator pressure for the 260 HP OD.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Smart tabs for trolling

NautiJohn, would this kit work with my Mobsters???

 

[John_S]

Re: Smart tabs for trolling

IMHO, this would be better than deploying and retrieving drift socks or the Happy Troller type solution. I'd be interested in upgrading my ST980-30's. Any pictures on the new tabs or bracket, yet?

 

[bayman]

Re: Smart tabs for trolling

Sounds like a well thought out product!

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Smart tabs for trolling

Nautijohn, again, would this kit work on my Mobsters????<br />Thx...

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart tabs for trolling

Kenny;<br /><br />Yes! Any of our models.

 

[MRS]

Re: Smart tabs for trolling

John, where the heck do you find them I looked on the web page have all other trim tabs but not the pro trollers I was just ready to buy happy troller but what to check these out first......

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart tabs for trolling

MRS;<br /><br />They are not on the Web site yet and the best I can do is send you a product sheet via mail or e-mail. If you want to call with your address or e-amil call on 800-233-0194. The the advantage over happy troller is that the boat will track and stear much better. When you interupt the pro thrust you also interupt the stearing.

 

[MRS]

Re: Smart tabs for trolling

John, will do Thanks with a 17ft. boat will it slow down to 2.0 miles or less? Thanks for the fast reply.....

 

[John_S]

Re: Smart tabs for trolling

John,<br /><br />Could this bracket be used as an alternative to a beaching kit? ie the lower position would be the 25 degree deployed position, and the up position the retracted for beaching position? I think a lever would be better than the cable and pulley method. If so, would get a set for my non-fishing boat. <br /><br />PS: Sent email for product sheet. Thanks.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Smart tabs for trolling

Originally posted by John_S:<br /> John,<br /><br />Could this bracket be used as an alternative to a beaching kit? ie the lower position would be the 25 degree deployed position, and the up position the retracted for beaching position? I think a lever would be better than the cable and pulley method. If so, would get a set for my non-fishing boat. <br /><br />PS: Sent email for product sheet. Thanks.

Maybe you could just turn the new bracket around 180 deg's and instead of lowering the tab and actuator assy it would raise it for beaching?

 

[John_S]

Re: Smart tabs for trolling

Maybe you could just turn the new bracket around 180 deg's and instead of lowering the tab and actuator assy it would raise it for beaching? <br />

No, I was thinking to rotate it another 180 degrees, and mount the bracket 4-5" higher on the transom.