installed smart tabs

loco boater

Cadet
Joined
Sep 30, 2009
Messages
15
Well I did it. I installed Smart Tab SX on the boat this weekend. Once I got past the shock of drilling into the transom it went very smooth.Havent put into the water to make adjustments, if needed, but am looking forward to this weekend. Hopefully the weather will cooperate. I have a Sea Ray 215 E/C with a Merc 5.0. When fully stocked and 4 people on board, she didnt do bad as far as getting on plane but the bow did seem to be strait up and needed wot. I thought they would be deeper in the water and less flexable. It seemed to take longer to get the tools out and clean up afterwards than it did to install the tabs. Now its a waiting game.
 

MRS

Commander
Joined
Jul 10, 2005
Messages
2,579
Re: installed smart tabs

Make sure and let us know how it go's I really want the stainless steel tabs bad. Maybe if I survie Xmas I will get them this year. My wife and the kids really love riding on the float tube toys and it brings the bow way up and the prop sucks air. I am sure you will love yours give a update......
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: installed smart tabs

run your trim all the way down, until then.
 

MRS

Commander
Joined
Jul 10, 2005
Messages
2,579
Re: installed smart tabs

run your trim all the way down, until then.

I do but all the weight is in the back of the boat motor batteries fuel tank. Plus the tube is one of those big mothers really puts a lot of drag on the boat. But the wife really loves riding on that thing...... Maybe Santa will bring me some tabs....:)
 
Joined
Jul 1, 2007
Messages
27
Re: installed smart tabs

Finished installing mine this Spring. 1985 21' Celebrity with 350 chevy. This is one HEAVY boat especially in the rear end. It's like night and day now. Pops right up n plane. no more porpising. I can even play with the trim instead of having it down at all times. I know what you mean about the shock of drilling all those holes in the transom. Scary !!!!
 

Genonbamagirl

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Dec 9, 2008
Messages
134
Re: installed smart tabs

I have them on my 68 correct craft and they have made a difference that is believable only by seeing. I used to see the horizon only for a few seconds after full throttle from a standing start until a half minute later. Now, she pops up like a properly trimmed bass boat. The difference is truly amazing for such a tiny portion of contact.
 

Genonbamagirl

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Dec 9, 2008
Messages
134
Re: installed smart tabs

There is no trim on her btw - just a shaft with a prop at the end and a rudder aft of that.
 

MRS

Commander
Joined
Jul 10, 2005
Messages
2,579
Re: installed smart tabs

loco, did you test out the Tabs yet? Just wondering what the difference in the boat performance is let us know.....
 
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