Smart Tab question ...

[sphelps]

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...

 

[carey965]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

one thing i found with the tabs on my boat is she hooks up and takes the corners like it on rails

before the smart tabs i would have to trim down if i didnt it would cavitate and slow right down, now i have no problem she will take all the corners on the river and i dont have to touch the trim button, they are 100% worth the investment

 

[82rude]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

one thing i found with the tabs on my boat is she hooks up and takes the corners like it on rails

before the smart tabs i would have to trim down if i didnt it would cavitate and slow right down, now i have no problem she will take all the corners on the river and i dont have to touch the trim button, they are 100% worth the investment

1 plus.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

Yes, they will help with stability while in turns.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

They will help in a number of ways, turning being one of them as they will help keep your boat flatter in a turn (no chine walking). They help get you on plane faster with less bow rise, hold you steady while cruising (no porpoising) & help keep the boat on course at low speeds. They absolutely transformed my 19' IO. Even bigger & newer boats I've driven recently without them show me how much I like them. I can almost guarantee Smart Tabs (or some kind of tabs) will be one of the first purchases I make for any other boat I ever own.

Nauticus (makers of Smart Tab) have a little wizard for telling you what size you need: Smart Selector

Though I think you have it right. May still be worth it to double check.

 

[dan02gt]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

You may wany to call Nauticus and ask them about going with the 60lb actuators as they may be to strong for that small of a boat. I've heard a lot of people say the ones the web site recommend were to strong for their boat.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

You may want to call Nauticus and ask them about going with the 60lb actuators as they may be to strong for that small of a boat. I've heard a lot of people say the ones the web site recommend were to strong for their boat.

+1.

First, They are great. On Lake Erie I am always going "Over the Bounding Seas".
I was slamming the hull before I got them. I can now run in the lower 20 mph range through 1-2 foot chop.

Next, 80# Tabs were recommended for my 18 foot bow rider. Too strong!
I traded the actuators for 60# and have them set to the lighter setting.
I would still like to see if the 40# struts worked any better.

The recommended struts are based on HP and length. Weight is not in the formula.
Lighter boats need lighter struts. And too light is better than too strong when selecting Smart tabs.
If too strong it is like having a set of water brakes dragging that don't retract.

Consider the 40# Tabs for your 16 footer.

 

[sphelps]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

Thanks guys ! This is all good info.. I'm on my phone now so this evening I will do some more research on their site . If I get the 40 lb actuators will the tabs be smaller in size than the 60 lb ? At wot when a passenger steps to the back by the motor it will begin to porpoise . Not uncontrollable but a neusance mostly .
So your thinking a 40 set at the strongest would be better than a 60 set at its weakest ..
Thanks again everyone !

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

Talk to nauticus, don't go by someone else's experience. You can call or email then. The tabs will be the same size, the actuators will be the only difference in that style tab.

 

[sphelps]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

Just emailed Nauticus with my info . We'll see what they come up with . Looking forward to trying them out ! Maybe I should do one of those before and after video's ..

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

Just emailed Nauticus with my info . We'll see what they come up with . Looking forward to trying them out ! Maybe I should do one of those before and after video's ..

Before RPM ranges to plane and other info is actually a good idea, you will find that you will be planning out at a much lower rpm and probably picking up a few mph at top in if tuned in right. But it will definitely help with stabilization as you wanted. Good luck.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

...If I get the 40 lb actuators will the tabs be smaller in size than the 60 lb ?...So you're thinking a 40 set at the strongest would be better than a 60 set at its weakest ...

All Smart Tab SX's are the same physical size. The Actuators are what is different.
The actuators are small Gas Springs like what holds up the the rear hatch of an SUV.
The 40# is adjustable from 36 to 48. (That would be 40# per Tab for a total of 80# lift.)
The 60# goes from 48 to 72.



At the lowest setting, the geometry puts the maximum strain on the Tab, so going low and adjusting high is better than going high and adjusting low as far as stressing the Tab is concerned.

If you find that you selected the wrong range, and they still appear to be in new condition, Nauticus will exchange the actuators for the cost of shipping.

 

[sphelps]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

Just got reply from Nauticus . They are recommending the SX9510-40 . I have the clearance under the swim platform with an inch and a half to spare . :joyous:

 

[Natesms]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

Just got reply from Nauticus . They are recommending the SX9510-40 . I have the clearance under the swim platform with an inch and a half to spare . :joyous:

Will you get them on this year? Let us know how the handling changes!

 

[sphelps]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

^^^Yep and will do..^^^

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

Good deal, my bets are your gonna LOVE them. They were simply the best thing I bought and did for my boat.

 

[V153]

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.

 

[oldjeep]

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.

 

[superbenk]

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.

Wow, that's pretty extreme. There sure are a lot of people who've actually used them that would disagree including me. I've driven boats with & without them & can most definitely say they make a difference & a very noticeable one at that. I can trim a boat to not porpoise too, but that doesn't make these things useless.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Smart Tab question ...

Wow, that's pretty extreme. There sure are a lot of people who've actually used them that would disagree including me. I've driven boats with & without them & can most definitely say they make a difference & a very noticeable one at that. I can trim a boat to not porpoise too, but that doesn't make these things useless.

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