A small problem with Smart tabs

[thrasher]

Guys,

I recently bought some Smart tabs (SX9510-80) for my 19 foot Glastron boat. I fitted them as per the instructions and have noticed a nice reduction in the amount the nose of the boat climbs when starting. Unfortunately I have a large rooster tail which I think means the smart tabs are set too hard.
Unfortunately on my boat I had to mount the top spring mount about 2 inches further backwards than the hinge on the smart tabs. This means that when I connect the spring to the smart tab in any hole except hole 5, the spring mount foul's on the smart tab and tries to bend the spring and the mount. I have included a photo in case it helps. I do not want to cut bits of the smart tab to clear as this would then prevent me from using those holes later on if I find the setting too soft. Has anyone come across a similar problem and found a solution? It seems to me that I need a new U piece that goes on the end of the spring with a deeper U so that it can clear the smart tab mounting.
You can see where I have ligned the mount up with the 3rd hole and the smart tab is in it's lowest position, the minute the tab tries to rise it will foul the u mount and try to bend something!!
Any ideas would be appreciated, I have also writen to Nauticus and asked the same question, but as it's the start of the weekend I hope I might get a quicker answer from someone here.

Thanks Gary

 

[John_S]

Re: A small problem with Smart tabs

Outside of the rooster tail, are they performing fine? It sounds like they are working well on the get on plane. Has your wot speed increased slightly or stayed the same? If it is dropped, then that might indicate a too high of pressure.

I think the outbound mounting is causing your problem. Normally when you sweep though the mounting holes or slots on the SS tabs, the angle of the tab should stay relatively constant. ie you are changing the pressure setting only. In your case you are raising the tab up and changing pressure. I am wondering if the outbound angle may be causing other issues, but that is better for John @ nauticus to answer.

I doubt if Nauticus has a longer slot bracket to clear with that angle. It would have to be a very long slot if you ever wanted to attach to the inner hole. The long slot might also be allot weaker.

Its hard to tell from the picture, but it looks like the upper mount is right on the edge of the back protrussion. How far inbound would you have to move the tabs to clear it? A picture of the whole back of the transom might help.

 

[thrasher]

Re: A small problem with Smart tabs

Yes the smart tabs are performing great, they greatly reduced the pitch up of the nose under acceleration until I am on plane, I seem to have lost 3 to 4 MPH on top speed, which is why I would like to try different holes!! I will take a picture of the back of the boat tomorrow when there is some light..

Gary

 

[mvn]

Re: A small problem with Smart tabs

In order to avoid the issues you are having, I had to mount my tabs a bit closer the the outdrive. The swim platform support structure on the transom sticks way out (see photos).

The tabs are SX9510-60 on a Rinker 192 bowrider with a 4.3l V6 Volvo. The tabs are set at hole #1 (closest to the transom) and I still have too much pressure at WOT. John at Nauticus is a bit puzzled since he really feels the 60 lb. cylinders are perfect for the boat. In any event, I'm returning the 60's back to him so he can measure the force they are producing just in case they haven't been calibrated correctly. If they are OK, he's going to send me 40 lb. cylinders instead. That should fix the over-pressure issue.

Going to lighter cylinders in your case would also make a difference and help your top end if that is still a concern. You could mount 60 lb. or 40 lb. cylinders in hole #5. You may not have the range of adjustment but you should be able to get close.