Smart Tab question ...

[sphelps]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

Gunna try and get back on this thing now . I purchased this set of shims . Kinda strange it looks like they sent 2 wedges for the starboard side . I am guessing I can just flip one over for the port side .

I will need longer bolts for the top and I will need to do a little grinding on the inside of the transom so the steering arm doesn't hit .
I have read that these slotted type wedges will sometimes start to loosen up after a while . Of course that was after I bought them . :facepalm:
Do these washers look a bit small for this size o/b ?

I will need to support the motor some kind of way to add the wedges . Can I safely support it with the skeg ? I suppose I could build some sort of gantry and use a come along to lift it . Any idea's would be welcome ..

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

yep put a block under the skeg and crank the trailer jack toll it's supported... if at all possible LEAVE TWO BOLTS IN AT ALL TIMES... they can be loose....

as for the hook.... I'm not sure you would WANT to get rid of it... a little hook does the same thing as a little tab.... It MAY be designed in to help prevent porpoising.... could be worse without it

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

OH AND.. the biggest change from moving your drag link to the next hole will be the steering rate... the wheel will be less touchy... I suspect that It will still turn plenty sharp

 

[MikeB0307]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

I've got to say smart tabs made 100% improvement in our 16.8 center console with a Merc 75. No more proposing, she rides perfectly level and smooth, and handles like she's on rails! Best money spent and bang for the buck, imo.

 

[sphelps]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

I know this is probably not the best way to install these transom wedges . But do you guys see any thing wrong with the way I installed them ? I had to slide the wedges as far up as I could because I am maxed out on the room I could get for the steering system . I'm thinking it is not a problem .

 

[sphelps]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

Update :
Finally got out on the water . The wedges pretty much stopped the porpoising when trimmed all the way down . It was great to be able to sit in the back jump seats without the thing jumping up and down . I am thinking I may want to see if they will send me the 40 lbs actuators back . Thinking the 60's are to much drag . Here is a vid . Do you think the motor is too low ? It was a real chore installing the wedges . I hope I can leave it where it is .

Thanks everyone !

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

Congrats! Looks ok to me

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

... Here is a vid . Do you think the motor is too low ? ...

I do not see the AV plate at all in the video. If you're happy leave it as is.
If it bugs you that you might be able to get a little more out of it, try raising the engine up an inch at a time.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

My internet connection is too slow to justify watching the vid again BUT I could have sworn the antivent plate was right at the surface of the water at speed???

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

My internet connection is too slow to justify watching the vid again BUT I could have sworn the antivent plate was right at the surface of the water at speed???

I know it is in there somewhere, but I never saw it!

 

[sphelps]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

Yeah it might be a tad low . That was trimmed all the way down . I only need it down all the way when Someone is sitting in the back otherwise it runs well with it trimmed up a little .

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

I know it is in there somewhere, but I never saw it!
View attachment 222731

Thanks for posting the image.... I was looking at the wrong plate ... I think in your pic I can see it just behind the transom.... I'd say the motor could be raised an inch BUT if it works well now then it probably isn't necessary... raising MIGHT net a little more speed and MIGHT allow slightly higher trim without porpoising, but also MIGHT cause ventilation issues and require lowering again....

 

[Stumpalump]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

Trim it up for max top end speed and then make turns. Try and make it blow out. If it's really hard or impossible to get to blow out then yes you need to raise it. My height is set just like yours right and it's a little too high so you never know. All boats are different. I'd also pop those tabs off for now since you question the actuators and fixed the major problem. You may like it better without them on that hull and at least it will give you a new baseline for when your forty pounders come in. Cool boat!