2011 Q7i Smart tabs

[whitey224]

So finally after a lot of reading posts on here, talking to nauticus techs, Iboats members and totally over thinking the whole process I put smart tabs on my boat. I was worried about drilling holes in my boat and the placement on the hull. I decided to put them in by the out drive because of the curve on the outer area. We took the boat out this morning and I can't believe the difference. It was a totally different ride. My wife even noticed that the boat performed a lot better. They do everything they say they do. The only problem I had is if the out drive is trimmed up to far on take off it cavitates (sp ??) I think. At first I thought there was something wrong with the boat because it would shake and sounded like the prop was slipping. It was trimmed up to about where I would run it when on plane before the tabs. The boat might do this without the smart tabs but I dont know because I usually take off with it trimmed down but I was just trying to see what it would do with the tabs today when I noticed it. Anybody ever notice that? Besides that they are awesome and if you are thinking about putting them on just do it and you will love them.

 

[spdracr39]

Re: 2011 Q7i Smart tabs

Yes it will always do that when you take off with it trimmed up. You should start out with it down although when pulling a tube or kneeboard and the person driving is not so experienced I often have them start with it trimmed up about 1/4 of the way and leave it so they don't have to worry with it. It seems to come on plane fine. I LOVE my tabs and will never have a boat without them.

 

[grendelsniper]

Re: 2011 Q7i Smart tabs

that's amazing they work that close to outdrive, it would react alot better if the tabs where mounted outward on the hull due to leverage. just my .02, looks nice though and glad it works for you. The nautica smart tabs do wonders to our tahoe's.

 

[BiggerDee]

Re: 2011 Q7i Smart tabs

Told ya so! The difference is amazing and no matter how many people tell you about the improvement, there's always that bit of doubt. I felt it too before I installed mine! Glad that you're happy with them!

Mine does the same thing, I have to be completely trimmed down on takeoff. It pops up out of the water quickly, and I can trim up after just a few seconds. Technically, that's the way that you should start out even if you don't have tabs, it gets the boat up and out of the water as quickly as possible. It doesn't take long to get to a point where that will be second nature for you.

You did a great job on the install, that's the exact location where I have mine.

Enjoy your NEW boat!

 

[BiggerDee]

Re: 2011 Q7i Smart tabs

As an FYI to anyone considering Smart Tabs and reading this at some point in the future, my Q7i's Smart Tabs are in the same location. Before installing mine, I consulted with Nauticus, Inc. (Maker of Smart Tabs) and sent them pics of my transom, and this is the location that they recommended, duy to the unique design of the rear of the boat.

 

[whitey224]

Re: 2011 Q7i Smart tabs

We have been here at the Lake of the Ozarks for a week now. Put almost 20 hrs on the boat and the tabs have performed perfectly. `This lake gets pretty rough at times and the boat handled it very well. It just cuts through the waves. I also was able to get out of the water on 1 ski finally. I am not saying that the tabs are the only reason for that but I think they helped a lot. I have been trying for a while now and got it the first time out this week.

 

[grathmell]

Re: 2011 Q7i Smart tabs

Hello

Any updated on how the smart tabs have worked out over time when installed on this "inside" location?

Do you have the "rooster tail affect" that others who installed further out have mentioned?

I assume you give up some of the side to side balancing help when they are further inside but what is your take?

Thanks for posting!

Geoff

 

[spdracr39]

Re: 2011 Q7i Smart tabs

I have had them mounted inside like these and outside like recommended and they performed the same. There was also no rooster tail on either installation.

 

[BiggerDee]

Re: 2011 Q7i Smart tabs

Mine have been in this location for 13 months now and work great. I don't seen any unusual wake/roostertail issues, and the boat handles great. It may not be as perfect a location as further out but compared to how it performed before the installation of the tabs, they are worth their weight in gold. Instead of working to get and keep the launch and ride optimized, minimal input is required and you can actually enjoy driving and riding!

 

[whitey224]

Re: 2011 Q7i Smart tabs

I have been out quite a bit with the tabs and I still think they are great. I haven't noticed any change in the wake. It feels like as soon as the boat is moving it is on plane. I think the best thing is like BiggerDee said you dont have to work to get the ride right. You just trim down to launch and once up to speed trim it up and you dont have to mess with it. And as I said when i started this post My wife even noticed the improvement in the ride.

 

[saintv90]

Re: 2011 Q7i Smart tabs

You guys have sold me on Smart Tabs. I'm ordering mine!

 

[grathmell]

Re: 2011 Q7i Smart tabs

Thanks for the replies. My Smart Tabs are on the way and I appreciate the feedback regarding the install location.

Geoff

 

[grathmell]

Re: 2011 Q7i Smart tabs

Well guys, looks like the inside location is not even an option on the 2010 Q7 Ski & Fish due to the inlet for the Live Well.



So I'm going to have to install on the outside and pray I don't get any rooster tail (maybe I'm over thinking this) :facepalm:

Mocking up the install location, I have 2 options now... Basically trying to determine if I need to worry about the bottom chine step, left of it but further outside or to straddle it.

Option A


Option B


Any thoughts?
Appreciate the help BTW.

Geoff

 

[spdracr39]

Re: 2011 Q7i Smart tabs

I would put it to the outside of it. I think the installation instructions say not to put it in front of it but not sure.

 

[BiggerDee]

Re: 2011 Q7i Smart tabs

I agree with spdracr, option B looks like it's the best. Send your pics, along with a pic of the entire transom, to Nauticus and ask them about it. They are great folks and will respond quickly. That way, you'll have them in the place that the inventors say is best for your application.

To be perfectly honest, even with them in a non-optimal location, you will still be amazed!

 

[will2kz]

Re: 2011 Q7i Smart tabs


I put mine over a chine, it was the only way to mount the post flush and keep them as far apart as possible. I see a "little" pair of rooster tails from the tabs that maybe goes out 10 foot from the back of the boat but it doesn't effect those I'm pulling at all. The wake behind the boat when trimmed and planning is a beautiful V and at 50 foot back the skier has about 15 foot on either side of smooth sailing with no splash in the face unless we hit cross chop its just windy. Of course with some aggressive maneuvering I can generate some beautiful chop and high wake if required to launch a kid from the tube (like 6 foot in the air )

 

[PrinceValium]

Re: 2011 Q7i Smart tabs

Well guys, looks like the inside location is not even an option on the 2010 Q7 Ski & Fish due to the inlet for the Live Well.

View attachment 165339

So I'm going to have to install on the outside and pray I don't get any rooster tail (maybe I'm over thinking this) :facepalm:

Mocking up the install location, I have 2 options now... Basically trying to determine if I need to worry about the bottom chine step, left of it but further outside or to straddle it.

Option A
View attachment 165340

Option B
View attachment 165341

Any thoughts?
Appreciate the help BTW.

Geoff

I would go with option B and will be installing mine in that same general area when they arrive. (mine are in the mail) According to their instructions it says to measure 5 inches from the edge of the outer chine. When I talked to them they said they tell people to put them there so they do not try to install them under the boat...LOL

 

[BiggerDee]

Re: 2011 Q7i Smart tabs

Just like the comedian James Gregory says, "That means that sometime, in the past..."!

 

[saintv90]

Re: 2011 Q7i Smart tabs

Got mine installed and they work exactly as you all have said! I'm very happy with my purchase! Now I need a prop!

 

[BiggerDee]

Re: 2011 Q7i Smart tabs

They will amaze you every time you take your boat out!

What engine do you have? I have an '11 Q7i with the TKS V-8, and I love the Vengeance 19p stainless steel prop. (48-16316). Godd all-around performer with good holeshot/pulling power, and 53MPH top speed (Two adults and two teens, full tnak of gas). It has the Flo-Torq II system to protect the foot and the prop, nad it has already saved me once. I have had several props, from a 17p to a 21p, and this has been the best performer for me. It seems to do everything well. Find a used one on eBay, and it's a great deal as well.