Question about reversing with Smart Tabs

[skyking897]

After reading here about smart tabs and talking to Nauticus I've decided to buy a set of PT 9510-60 Smart Tabs for my boat. But I forgot to ask them one question and hope some one here with personal knowledge can tell me. Do smart tabs affect your boat in any way when reversing? By that I mean is it safe to reverse with them and not cause any damage to them? Also do they affect steering when reversing? Or has anyone had some unnormal experience reversing with smart tabs. I'm sure with the Pro Troller in the extended down position there will be added stress on them but in the normal position they will be the same as the SX tabs. Anyone care to comment.
Thanks.

 

[oops!]

Re: Question about reversing with Smart Tabs

you are reversing at low speed....they will cause drag. but at that speed you wont really notice anything till you start going fast backwards.

 

[Slow Ride]

Re: Question about reversing with Smart Tabs

Agreed! Not a problem because of the very low speed. You wont ever know they were there in reverse!

 

[joewithaboat]

Re: Question about reversing with Smart Tabs

I have them.... no ill affects in reverse.
Love them will have them on every boat from here on.

 

[Ernest T]

Re: Question about reversing with Smart Tabs

I have them.... no ill affects in reverse.
Love them will have them on every boat from here on.

+1...

 

[skyking897]

Re: Question about reversing with Smart Tabs

Ok, thanks guys. I was kind of worried they might cause a problem of digging in and trying to pull the stern of the boat down because of the angle they are tilted down. But if you say not to worry, good enough for me. Thanks again. Ordering them tomorrow.

 

[wagnerz]

Re: Question about reversing with Smart Tabs

Just depends on how fast you go in reverse? Are we talking at idle speed, or 30mph in reverse?

 

[skyking897]

Re: Question about reversing with Smart Tabs

Only looking at enough speed to manoveur in and out of a docking space and probably some back-trolling, so not fast. My wife walked in the other day while I was looking at the smart tabs web site and she asks some questions and I explain how the Pro Troller will stop the slow speed wander and help slow our trolling speed, all in one neat little package. Then she tells me to order them and it is her early Xmas gift to me. Think I'll keep here around. lol

 

[John_S]

Re: Question about reversing with Smart Tabs

or 30mph in reverse?

I'd like to see that without tabs. Is that the reverse planning hull?

 

[John_S]

Re: Question about reversing with Smart Tabs

With pro trollers on your boat, you might have to come up with a tool to easily reach the lever, over the transom. Should be fairly simple though. You might find it corrects enough of the wander in the "normal" position, too.

 

[skyking897]

Re: Question about reversing with Smart Tabs

The fellow I talked to at Nauticus was very helpful. He said it would be relatively easy to make something up to for reaching over the transom to operate the pro trollers. Hadn't thought about them stopping the wander at low speeds while in the down position, only about getting the trolling speed down from 2.3mph to around 1.5mph.

 

[John_S]

Re: Question about reversing with Smart Tabs

I suspect your Sylvan has a nice flat, angled transom. Viewing and access with a tool should be doable. On many fiberglass boats, there is a step, so seeing the lever can be a challenge. Add a ladder or swim platform, and can start to get interesting. I look forward to seeing your results.

 

[skyking897]

Re: Question about reversing with Smart Tabs

Yes the Sylvan has a flat transom and can be viewed easily from inside the boat. Have freezing temps here and the boat has been winterized and is in storage for the winter until late March. Will post results after she is back in the water next spring. Thanks to all who reponded.