Question on Smart Tabs

[Bry21317]

I have been really debating on getting the Smart Tabs, I have one last unanswered question on them.

Can anyone tell me what they do when you backup the boat? I am just wondering as there is no way to trim them up. I was just wondering how it handles in reverse with them on, as they seem they would be like brakes, when in reverse.

Any input would be great.

Thanks,
Bryan

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Question on Smart Tabs

They don't effect reverse at all.

Go ahead and get them. You won't regret it.

 

[Bry21317]

Re: Question on Smart Tabs

Ok,
I was thinking the same thing. Just a littler wary on drilling into my nice pretty boat, lol.

Thanks,
Bryan

 

[nlain]

Re: Question on Smart Tabs

Once you get past the first hole it will be a lot better. I have them on my boat and do not notice a problem with backing up, I do not know if they would affect backing up real fast since they do aim down. I do know that I like the performance of the my boat with them on it and I would install on another.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Question on Smart Tabs

If you have a habit of backing up at half throttle certainly they will pull down the stern. Under normal backing they are not a problem. I have them and they are not problem.

 

[Ramathorn]

Re: Question on Smart Tabs

Not to hijack the thread...
What about trailering your boat? There are some really expensive tabs out there that come with electronics so you can raise/lower your tabs while in the boat... is this really needed?

 

[Bry21317]

Re: Question on Smart Tabs

Well I placed the order on Iboats today.

They look like they will help any boat, I have no problems with mine, but I could always use a lower Plaining speed, main thing I am looking for.

As I am turning a 21 pitch prop with to many RPMS now, so I am going to a 23, it should be at the house waiting for me when I get off work. I will then try that the next outing to see if I can get my RPMS down to 4800. The only issue I have is that I do fall off plain quick in this boat, as its heavy, thats my main need.

I did drill the holes in the top side already, as I had to have my Bimini Top, as its to hot if not.

Thanks, and I will post back what I think and if I get any speed improvements.

Bryan

 

[Crownie2]

Re: Question on Smart Tabs

Bryan - I am really curious...

Did you get the Smart tabs and install them?

Why did you feel you needed them??

Bob

 

[Bry21317]

Re: Question on Smart Tabs

Bob,
I have been a real slack *** on putting these on. I have been working on a house that I had for sale, and now that will be all done this week, so my time has been taken with that.

I also have been scared to drill the holes in the back of the boat. But I plan on doing it next week for sure.

The reason that I want them, is that my boat does not like to cruise below 35 without popoising pretty bad in chop. If I go over 35, it rides through it like glass, but the wife gets on me about the 2 year old when I am halling arse in the chop, so I am hoping that I can slow it down without the front bouncing all over the place.

I also wish to beable to lower my planing speed with them, I can get on plane in a matter of seconds now, even pulling 2 tubes, but to stay on plane I need to be going at least 20-22, so for wakeboarding this is kinda high. With the tabs they say it will slow it down to around 18, I am hoping and if lower than that, then that would be even better.

I might be heading up to Kerr Lake in a few weeks as my normal lake is about half empty here and lots of stumps and rocks are showing up. By the time I can get back on the water will be about 2 weekends and it might even have the ramps shut down by then, if we don't get any rain.

Bryan

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Question on Smart Tabs

The only problem with Smart Tabs is they might dig in if you regularly drag the stern on the bottom during launch. I would hope you don't do that. These are trim tabs, not flaps so they do not protrude very far below the hull. If you are concerned about that, make two wood blocks with a slot cut in them. Attach a rope to the block. Slip the block over the tab, pull up on the rope to raise the tabs during launch. Remove them and go. I've had mine for three years and they have never once touched bottom or even come close. They are also not a problem on a trailer unless the bunks extend more than an inch or two beyond the transom. I use a roller trailer so they aren't a problem for me in that regard either.

 

[Bry21317]

Re: Question on Smart Tabs

Silvertip,
My bunks extend about 6 inches past the back, but I think I have one Clear spot that I can get the tabs into, on the far outside. I just have not yet really sat down and looked at it and taken the time to drill the holes in the back of the boat and get them in there. I will do it soon though, but have not yet.

Bryan

 

[chaparral442]

Re: Question on Smart Tabs

Bryan- do what I did- take a pic of the transom of your boat on the trailer and email to John at Nauticus- he will guide you on the best installation spot.

You will not regret the tabs, they will allow you stay on plane at slow speeds, improve hole shot--I have had no issues backing, loading on trailer etc-- best money I every spent

 

[Bry21317]

Re: Question on Smart Tabs

I also totally believe this, once I get them on Chap, lol. I have heard lots and lots of good things on them.

I will be giving John a call as he had told me to call him, just have not yet gotten around to getting the tabs installed, due to trying to sell my old house.

Somethings have to come first, when they happen lol.

I can't wait to get them on, now we just need some Rain to fill the lake back up, or even better we really need a tropical storm to come in here and dump on us. I think we are like 15 inches or more low.

Bryan

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: Question on Smart Tabs

Bry.....Will the Smart tabs increase WOT RPM, or just improve the hole shot and planing speed? You say your trying to bring your RPM down, so I was wondering if the tabs may have the opposite reaction and give you more at WOT.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Question on Smart Tabs

I'm keeping a close eye on this thread. The outcome on this aplication should be exactly what he is looking for. Better holeshot even with the new prop, slower planing speed and a tad better top end.

Keep us informed!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Question on Smart Tabs

My 17 foot walleye boat will stay on plane down to abour 12 MPH. Tabs can indeed provide an increase in WOT rpm because they are lifting the stern. Less boat in the water the less resistance and hence more rpm and speed.

 

[nlain]

Re: Question on Smart Tabs

Fuel consumption will improve, I use about 1 and 1/2 gallons less on my normal run. boat will be more stable and ride better, it will handle rough water better. You should get all the benefits advertised.

 

[Bry21317]

Re: Question on Smart Tabs

I will try to get them on Next week for sure, and let everyone know how they do.

I am going out of town this weekend, so no boating, we will go be beach bums without the boat this weekend.

Next weekend, I hope to take it out to the lake and get a few runs in.

I will let you know how it goes for sure, once I get the tabs on. I am looking for better handling mainly, helping the slow speed wander, helping porpoising and a lower planing speed. This is what I am looking for out of the Tabs, which I know it will do. Anything else that it does, is just an added bonus.

Thanks,
Bryan

 

[GiMLit]

Re: Question on Smart Tabs

What if any are the negatives/drawbacks of smart tabs?

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Question on Smart Tabs

There not free...........