Just Ordered Smart Tabs, But ?'s

[AguaSki]

After reading a number of posts, I finally purchased Nauticas Smart Tabs. I ordered ST1290-60R for my1978 Glastron SSV-188 with a Johnson 140 hp V4. Now that the ordered has been placed I am concerned about how the Smart Tabs will fit on my transom. The transom is actually smaller than the way it looks in the pics. Just below the ladder, the rear of the boat flares off the solid transom. The portion that flares is just fiberglass without anything solid behind it. I figure I can easily mount the Tabs on the solid portion of the transom, but I am concerned about where I should mount the actuator.<br /><br />1) Will the Smart Tabs even work on this type of hull design?<br /><br />2) If the tabs can work, what is the best way to install the actuator without something solid behind the fiberglass? Interior access to this area is difficult.<br /><br />3) Should I be concerned that the surface that the tabs and the surface that the actuator mounts are at different angles?<br /><br />4) Is my ladder in the way?<br /><br />See the pics below.<br /><br />Due to travel commitments it will be some time before I attempt the installation. I am just gathering information.<br /><br /><br />

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Just Ordered Smart Tabs, But ?'s

I'm sure they will fit AS. Don't think your swimstep is in the way nor do I think the transom angle is a problem but you may have to relocate your tiedown position on the trailer and then maybe not. I would, howerver, inquire with NautiJohn as to how far inboard you should mount them.

 

[sumcat1]

Re: Just Ordered Smart Tabs, But ?'s

Talk to Nautijohn about redrilling the tabs for the gas cyl mounting bracket. I moved mine 2" to get the tabs farther apart and have had no problems.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Just Ordered Smart Tabs, But ?'s

You should be OK with the installation but you will need to move the tiedowns.

 

[AguaSki]

Re: Just Ordered Smart Tabs, But ?'s

I received the Smart Tabs about 2 weeks ago, but business travel has prevented an immediate installation. I now have the Smart Tabs fully assembled, but I have more questions before drilling holes. The location of the tabs is confusing me. I was thinking of positioning one of the tabs about a ¼ inch inside of the outer latter pole. The other tab would be in the same symmetrical location on the other side. Is this correct or should I move the tabs closer in? Also, the instructions say to mount the tabs ½ inch from the bottom of the boat. Does this mean the base of tabs should be ½ inch from the bottom or should I be drilling my holes ½ inch from the bottom?

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Just Ordered Smart Tabs, But ?'s

The base should be 1/2" from the bottom. Dont cheat on this, you will have a lot of spray if you do.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Just Ordered Smart Tabs, But ?'s

The bottom of the Tabs should be up 1/2" off the bottom of the boat. Moving the Tabs a little in either direction will not effect the performance. You should have no problems. I think you are suffering from the anxiety of drilling holes. It gets easier after the first hole! You will be very happy! Call if you have any more questions. 800-233-0194

 

[AguaSki]

Re: Just Ordered Smart Tabs, But ?'s

After completing the installation I took the boat out for a test run today. These are some of the thinks I noticed:<br /><br />• Little wander at low speeds. This made loading onto the trailer much easier.<br />• Little bow rise when accelerating from a stop. I did not feel a noticeable change in acceleration, but bow rise was definitely noticeable.<br />• My brother in-law thought the boat pulled him out of the water quicker on two skis. Yes, my brother in-law was crazy enough to dive into the lake on 12/30. Even in AZ the air and water temps are fairly cool in late December.<br />• No noticeable spray that I have read about in other posts. I was very happy about this.<br />• Maximum RPM’s at WOT were about 5,200. This is unchanged from before the Smart Tabs were installed.<br />• Top speed verified by GPS was 40.6 mph. I just received my GPS unit for Christmas so I don’t have a GPS speed to reference from before the Smart Tab installation. The speedo was registering 36 mph, which is about the same as before the installation.<br />• The prop seemed to loose its grip on the water when making sharp turns. This was especially noticeable when I turned around sharply to fish my cold brother in-law out the lake. This was an occasional issue prior to the installation of the Tabs, but it seemed more noticeable today. I am hoping to get a better prop before the next season begins.<br />• My trim gauge stopped working today. Most of my trim adjustments were done by listing to the motor and watching changes in speed and rpm’s.<br /><br />As directed by the installation instructions, I started by positioning the ball stud at the mid-point of the trim plate bracket. I also have the ball stud positioned in the middle of the transom bracket. My boat is fairly light in the rear so I think I may need to adjust for a little less lift by moving the ball stud down the ramp. Anyone have thoughts on this?

 

[NoWorries]

Re: Just Ordered Smart Tabs, But ?'s

Sounds like you got it! How about some more pics now that the tabs are on? Would love to see what you came up with working around your ladder and tie downs. I have considered Smart Tabs for my boat, but I think I'm really wanting the versatility of Bennet or Lenco tabs with individual controls. I don't have a lot of room to work with because of hull/swim platform integration, so if you got Smart Tabs in your tight spot, surely I can too.

 

[AguaSki]

Re: Just Ordered Smart Tabs, But ?'s

How about some more pics now that the tabs are on?

NoWorries – I have posted the pics you requested.<br /><br />

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<br /><br />I actually was lucky and did not have to move my tiedowns. The gas actuator has to be perpendicular to the tabs, so the V shape of my hull forced me to move the tabs outwards. By the time I had the tabs positioned such that I could mount the top transom bracket in a way that allows the actuator to be perpendicular, I had cleared the tiedowns. I did have an alternate plan in mind if moving the tiedowns became necessary. The ladder is not a problem as well.