Can't install my new Smart Tab :(

[AngelC]

Hey Fellows,
I just got my smart tabs yesterday and was planning on installing them in the morning. Went to take a look at the transom where I'll be screwing the plate in; and noticed that my bunkers are hanging out to long.They are about 2"inches over. I do have about 6"inches in-between the bunkers. Problem is that It's about 15"inches from the end of the transom to the nearest spot to install the tabs. The instructions state to place them 3 to 5"inches from the end of the transom. Not shure if tabs would hit trailer or if they can be that close to the drive.

Any suggestions?? any info will help, I'd hate to have to return these. I was so excited about getting them because everyone hear speaks very highly of this product.

http://i480.photobucket.com/albums/rr168/AZcontreras1/1.jpg

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http://i480.photobucket.com/albums/rr168/AZcontreras1/7.jpg

http://i480.photobucket.com/albums/rr168/AZcontreras1/3.jpg


Thanks,
AngelC

 

[DJ]

Re: Can't install my new Smart Tab

I assume you mean trailer bunks.

Don't let that stop you from that great product.

True, bunks should extend past the hull but that doesn't mean 2".

How is your weight distribution now? A little tongue heavy? If so, just slide the boat back about 1 3/4".

You can also jack up the back of the boat and do a little surgery on the bunks.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Can't install my new Smart Tab

you only have one bunk on each side, effecting you. either move the boat back, or a staple puller, and a circular saw, cut bunk even with the bracket, will solve the problem very quickly. the one set of bunks is plenty to support the transom. see yellow mark.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Can't install my new Smart Tab

Get a photo of how the front bow stop is mounted. I am with DJ on this and you may just have to adjust the bow stop a short bit and have the entire boat moved back just less than 2". That would be the "non-surgical" proceedure. Look under the bunks themselves and see if there is adjustment there too.

 

[AngelC]

Re: Can't install my new Smart Tab

Ok Guys,

Got up this morning and the first thing I did was check for reply's!! Thank you!
I am ready to work now, I did go out and take some pics of the bow. It looks like I can adjust the front stopper. My question to you guys is how can I pull the boat back safely?? My worries is that the hull is fiberglass and I cant treat it like if I was jacking up a car, right??
I will weight on you guys to guide me on this.
Thanks again fellows,
I love this site!!

http://i480.photobucket.com/albums/rr168/AZcontreras1/11.jpg

http://i480.photobucket.com/albums/rr168/AZcontreras1/15.jpg

http://i480.photobucket.com/albums/rr168/AZcontreras1/14.jpg

AngelC

 

[salty87]

Re: Can't install my new Smart Tab

i'd back it down the ramp and float her back a little bit.

 

[AngelC]

Re: Can't install my new Smart Tab

Hey Salty not near the water now. Boat is on my trailer. Do you know if any other way of sliding the boat back about 2"inches safetly using my jack??

 

[eaglejim]

Re: Can't install my new Smart Tab

I was able to move my boat when it was in the garage with 4 friends only had to move it about 5 inches, mine is a 15ft tri-hull hope that helps. forgot put water on bunks

 

[AngelC]

Re: Can't install my new Smart Tab

Hey Eaglejim,
My boat is 3150lbs 20"6 it's a bit heavy. I was hoping to be able to lift the stern with a jack some how and have somebody push.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Can't install my new Smart Tab

Tie rope to the eye in back let off the trailer winch and tie the rope to a tree and pull the trailer out from under the boat.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Can't install my new Smart Tab

Attach the tow vehicle to anchor the trailer ...... let out a small amount of slack in the winch line..... attach the stern hoos that you use for tie down to another car or substantial tree and move a tiny bit.

Another method is to hook up the trailer loosen the lines and have tow people to just push the boat. It will slide faily easy on the bunks.

Once you achieve the distance based on the bunks then adjust the bow stop/ winch mount and make sure it is tight. A drop or two of locktite on those nuts would help.

 

[AngelC]

Re: Can't install my new Smart Tab

Ok guys thanks,
I'm going to go with Bob's method. I going to pull it back with another tow vehicle and put my jack away. Thanks fellows. I will let you guys know the out come. I will be installing the smart tabs as soon as fix this bunk problem. Hopefully this will be much easier.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Can't install my new Smart Tab

be careful. you could spray the hose on the bunks, may help it slip.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Can't install my new Smart Tab

If this was my project...I would measure how far back I needed, put the boat in the water, move the bow stop back that exact measurement, and put the boat back on the trailer!

Actually...I would put a 'choke' collar on my anxiety to install the tabs...and move the bow stop the next time I took the boat out for a fun outing. This would allow me to note some GPS speed readings before the installation...for comparison.

And I would feel a whole lot better...than 'pulling' my boat, down the bunks, using the stern eyelets!

 

[AngelC]

Re: Can't install my new Smart Tab

Ok I was looking to see how the tabs would fit after I move the boat. I looks like the plate will have to be down right about 10"inches from the end of the transom because of the tie down. would that still be a good place to mount the plate. Again, it states 3 to 5"inches on the instructions. What do you guys recommend??

http://i480.photobucket.com/albums/rr168/AZcontreras1/P1060997.jpg

http://i480.photobucket.com/albums/rr168/AZcontreras1/P1060998.jpg

 

[Bondo]

Re: Can't install my new Smart Tab

Ayuh,...

Move the trailer's Tie-down attachments...

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Can't install my new Smart Tab

agree move tie down.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Can't install my new Smart Tab

Or just drill a hole in the trailer where the s hook goes and not touching the tabs.

 

[AngelC]

Re: Can't install my new Smart Tab

Guys this project is starting to have me a little worried. I got the boat moved so now I have the bunks out of the way but the tie-down bracket is welded on so I can't make any adjustments. What effect would I have if I place the tabs just to the right of the strap?? Do the tabs have to absouletly be 3 to 5"inches from the end.?

http://i480.photobucket.com/albums/rr168/AZcontreras1/P1070002.jpg

http://i480.photobucket.com/albums/rr168/AZcontreras1/P1070003.jpg

http://i480.photobucket.com/albums/rr168/AZcontreras1/P1070004.jpg

http://i480.photobucket.com/albums/rr168/AZcontreras1/P1060998.jpg

What do you guys think?? I really don't want to re-rig the tie-downs it is a brand new trailer.

 

[slasmith1]

Re: Can't install my new Smart Tab

If those are mounted wrong you can have significant performance and handling (think safety here) issues. you can always alter the type of straps you use.

You could install an eye anywhere on the trailer that will work and use the standard removable style straps.