Smart Tab question ...

[nlain]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

You will not regret this ever, I have them on my boat, they do everything advertised, mine are the SS version, should not make a difference in performance, I bought 80# for my boat, traded with Nauticus for 60#, they are great.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

If they were actually necessary then the boat manufacturers would either install them or improve their hulls.

No one said they were necessary but to call them useless is ridiculous.

 

[dan02gt]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

Everybody has glowing reports on smart tabs & I guess I don't doubt it. Anytime I see a pair on a customers boat I ask if they like em, or if it makes a difference. Have to admit they always answer, "Yeah, I think?" 'Least I ain't heard no complaints.

My Baja has no hole shot problem. No porpoising problem. What it does have is a chine-walking problem. If someone could convince me smart tabs'd remedy that, I'd order a pair tomorrow.

They will help with chine walking by add artificial wedge on your hull, but it will come at the cost of bow lift and speed.

My Stingray like to walk a little over 55 and I can settle it right down by adding 5-10% deflection on my tabs.

 

[nlain]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

I cannot speak to a Stingray because I have a SeaRay, they are great on my boat, they have saved enough gas to pay for them and then some, you can stay on plane at a slower speed than without, in my case about 22 before Smart Tabs and now with about 14 to 15, no slow speed wander when in no wake zones, on plane faster and with much less bow rise, more speed at different ranges including possible more top end speed.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

Everybody has glowing reports on smart tabs & I guess I don't doubt it. Anytime I see a pair on a customers boat I ask if they like em, or if it makes a difference. Have to admit they always answer, "Yeah, I think?" 'Least I ain't heard no complaints.

My Baja has no hole shot problem. No porpoising problem. What it does have is a chine-walking problem. If someone could convince me smart tabs'd remedy that, I'd order a pair tomorrow.

If you have chine walk, get some smart tabs, it will no longer happen!

That boat is a work of art. I'd have a hard time drilling a bunch of holes in it to install something that is relatively useless. Trimming properly eliminates porposing.

As for the turning, if you crank a v hull boat the rail gets really close to the water. Hike up the skirt and accept it or stop turning so hard The trim tab will definitely make it impossible to make it turn on a dime.

Sir, I will just simply say your wrong! Just one question, have you ever run a pair of smart tabs on a boat that you have owned?

If they were actually necessary then the boat manufacturers would either install them or improve their hulls.

Again wrong for many reasons. Many different "good" boat manufacturers do include trim tabs or offer them as an option. Many don't because it is a added cost just like designing a high performance hull is an added cost.

They will help with chine walking by add artificial wedge on your hull, but it will come at the cost of bow lift and speed.

My Stingray like to walk a little over 55 and I can settle it right down by adding 5-10% deflection on my tabs.

Smart tabs adjust on there own and are constantly adjusting for the best attitude/ride. They do not act like a normal controlled tab. If anything, you will probably gain speed. Try adjusting your helm controlled tabs a thousand times in a day, get my point?

I cannot speak to a Stingray because I have a SeaRay, they are great on my boat, they have saved enough gas to pay for them and then some, you can stay on plane at a slower speed than without, in my case about 22 before Smart Tabs and now with about 14 to 15, no slow speed wander when in no wake zones, on plane faster and with much less bow rise, more speed at different ranges including possible more top end speed.

Ditto plus some!

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

If they were actually necessary then the boat manufacturers would either install them or improve their hulls.

How about trim? I've owned a couple outboard boats that didn't have trim. Some didn't have any assist, you had to yank the old 85 evinrude up by hand. Others had tilt only. guess trim is worthless also, otherwise it would have come OEM.

Come to think of it, manufacturers generally don't install engines either when they sell a hull. The dealer does the final rigging with the engine. Guess those aren't needed, so I'd have to agree with you, no engine = no need for any tabs.


The reality is that there are poorly designed hulls out there. And even the best hull can be upset by an engine that is either too heavy or too light, or even something as simple as the location of accessories. (owner stores a big anchor and a second battery far astern...) Smart tabs can make a HUGE difference on some boats, and are well worth the money. There are very few, if any, people who aren't happy with them for a reason.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

These smart tab threads always seem to bring an argument and I'm guilty as the next guy because I have had a great experience with them. Therefore I hate to see someone give there opinions on something when they haven't experienced them. Of all the restored or upgraded things I have done to my rig, you could not yank the tabs away from me ever.

Even if you have a boat that has enough power, a good hull and it makes you happy in everyway, the smart tabs will only add to that performance and probably happiness. These tabs weren't designed for under powered boats or unhappy boat owners, they were designed to improve performance on all boats and also offer a different type of experience than helm tabs even do.

And no I'm not bashing helm controlled tabs, they have there place.

I just ask, if you have not experienced Nauticus smart tabs, then maybe those that make negative comments should be asking questions instead of saying there not needed or shouldn't be needed etc.

And as far as the holes you drill, its a necessary evil with any tabs you will install. Properly installed, the holes will never be an issue.

Smart tabs I will say are a smart way to spend your money.

 

[sphelps]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

That boat is a work of art. I'd have a hard time drilling a bunch of holes in it to install something that is relatively useless. Trimming properly eliminates porposing.

As for the turning, if you crank a v hull boat the rail gets really close to the water. Hike up the skirt and accept it or stop turning so hard The trim tab will definitely make it impossible to make it turn on a dime.

Thanks ! I do think she's a work of art or at least very cool ! As far as trimming the motor it's as far down as it can go . I guess if they don't work as advertized I can always sell em . And I think I can handle patching the screw holes .. :

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

Everybody has glowing reports on smart tabs & I guess I don't doubt it. Anytime I see a pair on a customers boat I ask if they like em, or if it makes a difference. Have to admit they always answer, "Yeah, I think?" 'Least I ain't heard no complaints.

My Baja has no hole shot problem. No porpoising problem. What it does have is a chine-walking problem. If someone could convince me smart tabs'd remedy that, I'd order a pair tomorrow.

I installed SmartTabs largely because of chine-walking, and they completely eliminated the problem with no loss of speed. I get the added benefit of a better hole shot and less bow rise when I take off.

 

[zenwriter]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

If they were actually necessary then the boat manufacturers would either install them or improve their hulls.

I would ignore this no-nothing comment.

I added SmartTabs to my 90HP Sea Hunt Triton 172, and it tracks better at low speed, gets on plane faster, lets me ride on plane at a lower speed (helpful in the ocean), and is more efficient as I don't have to trim the motor to level out the ride.

Overall an excellent investment.

 

[sphelps]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

I respect everyone's opinion here . Heck that's why I joined the forum . There are so many helpful and knowledgeable people here this is the go to place for everything boat related for sure !
With that said I sure have not heard anyone say that they don't like there trim tabs and are taking them off .
I'm hoping to see the big brown truck pull up soon ..

 

[sphelps]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

Tabs came in today !

Funny , package said it came with instructional dvd .. Dvd was not in the package ..Oh well I guess I will just wing it . I may have to cut my outside bunks off a little to keep them from hitting the tabs . I really don't feel like moving my winch post..

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

I think their web site has the same video content as the DVD.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

No reason to have extra bunk length sticking out of the back of the boat anyway right? Keep us posted on how well they work for ya.

Tabs came in today !

Funny , package said it came with instructional dvd .. Dvd was not in the package ..Oh well I guess I will just wing it . I may have to cut my outside bunks off a little to keep them from hitting the tabs . I really don't feel like moving my winch post..

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

3-6 inches of bunks sticking out the back will not interfere.
Unless your bunks stick out a foot, they will not be a problem.

Installation Videos and Instructions.

 

[sphelps]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

3-6 inches of bunks sticking out the back will not interfere.
Unless your bunks stick out a foot, they will not be a problem.

Installation Videos and Instructions.

Yep only an 1-1/2 of bunk sticking out and it seems to be clearing the tab just fine . Gunna pick up a tube of 5200 on the way home and try and install them tomorrow ..

 

[JimMH]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

Installed them on my boat a few years ago. Time on Plane and porposing is gone. Yes you can trim to stop porposing but it takes away your ability to use the full range of trim. I would definitely recommend the smart tabs. If you go to the coast and walk around the Marinas 90% of the boats will have tabs of some sort on them. This is not just for looks it is purely for function.

 

[solocam181]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

Hi everyone ! I have just about convinced the Admiral into loosening up the pocket book and purchasing some Smart tabs ..
My boat is 16.5 ft with a 90 hp . So I assume this one is the right size for it. SX Smart Tabs Trim Tabs for Boat Length 15' - 19' FT and 60-150 HP - Nauticus SX9510-60BL - iboats
My question is , from what I understand, that it will help eliminate porpoising but how about handling issue's . When I take corners at higher speeds she likes to lay down on her side and really dig in to the turn. It turns on a dime but at times just feels a bit scary . :fear:
So I am thinking that the inside tab when turning will dig in and help level out the hull .
Anyone with similar problem that the S/T helped correct ? Here is the boat ..

Thanks ! SP...

Ya I just recently emailed nauticus about selection for my boat 192 discovery (Bayliner) they sent me back there suggestion and even went as far as including a recent photo of a set mounted to the same boat. Excellent customer service id say.

 

[sphelps]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

Ya I just recently emailed nauticus about selection for my boat 192 discovery (Bayliner) they sent me back there suggestion and even went as far as including a recent photo of a set mounted to the same boat. Excellent customer service id say.

Yep I agree , Greg with nauticus has helped me through the whole process ..

 

[sphelps]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

OK the tabs are ready to go .. Installation was a piece a cake !