Jack Plate - Smart Tabs?

[wannagofishin]

I'm thinking about adding the Smart Tabs to my little Skeeter (1986 Strada F-80 for those who haven't read the numerous posts about my "new" boat)and am wondering if anyone here has any experience with them. I fish mostly on rivers and wonder what the effect will be from currents and ebbing tides. (When fishing, not running.) How about when trolling? Any major drag/strain on the trolling motor? <br /><br />Am also considering the CMC PL-65 hydraulic jack plate with the normal 5" set-back. Will this help or hinder performance and will the little boat handle it? Is it worth the expense? <br /><br />Thanks,<br />Dan

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Jack Plate - Smart Tabs?

I would deffinatly go with the Smart Tabs, you will never ever regret it, I have them on my Bass Boat and will have them on every boat I ever have in the future. Im looking at another boat right now, actually. More about that later. They dont hinder anything that I have noticed yet, everything has been a plus. As far as a Jack plate for that boat, I wouldnt bother, with the Smart tabs you wont even think about one again.

 

[wannagofishin]

Re: Jack Plate - Smart Tabs?

I'll definitely go with the smart tabs then. I've read a lot of good things about them here on iboats, but was wondering about them while fishing. It is the cheaper way of the two to get better performance. <br /><br />Thanks for the reply LD. I really love this boat and want to make it the best it can be. (enlist it in the army?) It's getting cold here, but unless it gets really bad, I'm going fishin'!<br /><br />Dan

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Jack Plate - Smart Tabs?

Have you rung it out yet? I would say that out of the box it will do at least 45 MPH. With a little help you should be able to tickle 50.

 

[wannagofishin]

Re: Jack Plate - Smart Tabs?

That's why the questions about the jack plate and smart tabs. WOT, the GPS says 37.9. That's also why I want to add a tach, to check my RPM's. The prop is a Quicksilver SS 17P which is the same as the stock prop (I have it, too) The engine looks like it has never been tampered with, so I'm thinking it might be time for a carb rebuild at least.<br /><br />Dan

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Jack Plate - Smart Tabs?

Does the engine have power trim?

 

[wannagofishin]

Re: Jack Plate - Smart Tabs?

Yup. I've had only a little bit of time to get used to the boat and half of that was fishing. At WOT, there is a fine balance between front-end steer and porposing. Along with the tach, I want a trim gauge so I can see where the engine is as opposed to guessing if I have it in the same place I had it before. <br /><br />Another problem may be weight distribution. I don't have much excess weight, (except me) but I've heard I should keep most in the rear, and I've heard to spread some to the front. I'm prone to believe the former. It seems logical due to the design of the boat. <br /><br />I still need to do some experimentation and, like I said, I'd like to get the gauges for monitoring purposes.<br /><br />Dan

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Jack Plate - Smart Tabs?

You wont be able to trim much at all unless you are at WOT, Can you trim out much at WOT? Where is the ventilation plate in relation to the bottom? You will need the tach before we can go much farther.

 

[skeeterboy]

Re: Jack Plate - Smart Tabs?

Yea the 37.9 seems slow. Mine has a 50HP but i can run 40 even with GPS. Im also 130 wet sooo haha that might be a factor as well. DONT get the jack plate. I talked to my dealer and they said its a gamble to ge tany sort or performance and it could hinder performance. I run premium gas in my boat which i dont know if it makes ANY difference in HP or not, but its cleaner i guess . Good luck!

 

[ladano]

Re: Jack Plate - Smart Tabs?

I was also tinkering with the idea of a jack plate. '84 '15 f-80, '84 115 merc. Why is it not a good idea? Any help will be appreciated, Thanx.