Advice on Smart Tabs Install?

[jsteen0213]

Re: Advice on Smart Tabs Install?

I will be installing the Nauticus Smart Tabs SX that I have had for a while now in the coming weeks. Anyone out there have any advice on how I should go about this? Basically I am looking for some "do This" or "Do Not Do This" type of suggestions.

The Smart Tabs will be going on a 2007 Larson 208 LXi with a Mercruiser 5.0 MPI - Alpha one. I will be installing the version that John (I think that was his name) at Nauticus recommended. These have been sitting in my house for 6 months................ It is sad that I had to wait until winter to improve my ride.

Just curious if you did the install and if it helped? I have the same boat with some modifications. I purchased the high five stainless steel merc prop and it helped some. But, I still have hell getting on plane with any amount of people/weight on board. I love the boat, but man is it frustrating to have someone go stand in the bow until we get on plane.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Advice on Smart Tabs Install?

I wouldn't have any worries about ruining the hull or transom....I have over-worked a set of these on my boat that has quite a bit more power than recommended hanging on the transom....I installed the trolling brackets when they came out (great product) and then forgot to lift the tabs from the vertical position one day after reeling in.....65MPH for a few miles before realizing what I had done (required a bit more trim to lift the nose), when I stopped and looked over the back, it just folded the attach brackets down on the tab plates. I put the boat on the trailer, straightened the brackets and checked the mounting screws...no issues there.
I have abused these things trying to break them and they are always ready for more. John knows I have over 400hrs on these now, and I have not 1 thing to complain about.
These are the Mobsters...not the SX series, to be clear, but I have installed a set of the SX series on a friend's boat and he loves'em.
Follow the instructions and the advice from JDeagro (John) and you can't go wrong.

 

[orion25]

Re: Advice on Smart Tabs Install?

Just curious if you did the install and if it helped? I have the same boat with some modifications. I purchased the high five stainless steel merc prop and it helped some. But, I still have hell getting on plane with any amount of people/weight on board. I love the boat, but man is it frustrating to have someone go stand in the bow until we get on plane.

Not installed yet. It has been too cold here. I have no problem getting on plane with the 14.25X21 3 blade aluminum prop I have right now. I just want to plane faster and be able to stay on plane at a lower speed. Hope to get them put on this week since it is going to be warmer. Just depends on the rain.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Advice on Smart Tabs Install?

We have had considerable experience with the Larson 208 / Alfa one drive.

"Getting on plane" means that at some point your are not on plane.

3/4 to full throttle acceleration to plane is a waiste of fuel, although it may be fun.

Can you gradually and slowly accelerate and achieve a planing attitude with no more than 5 or 6 degrees of bow rise? Can you sit down at 9 to 10 MPH and still see over the bow?

Once you get your Smart Tabs installed, you will understand how the boat should ride and handle.

Thanks to everyone for the support and good words!

 

[orion25]

Re: Advice on Smart Tabs Install?

Well, I finally got around to installing the smart tabs today. I swear it fealt like I sat there 30 minutes with the drill in my hand before I could get the courage to drill my 17 hour old hull............. But I did drill it. Below is an installed pic. The best advice I can give anyone installing the SX tabs is to use masking or duct tape to hold the tab bracket in place while you mark the holes...............

This Pic is large!





http://www.trbradley.com/After%20Smart%20Tabs.JPG

 

[lifeisfun]

Re: Advice on Smart Tabs Install?

Looks great !

 

[180shabah]

Re: Advice on Smart Tabs Install?

Looks like a nice clean install.