Smart tab sizing, what size to get?

[Hitech]

I am thinking of getting a set of smart tabs for my boat. However, I don't know what size. I have on old (1976), 16.5 foot boat that is light (1500 lbs max). It looks like an old Tahiti (closed bow, low freeboard). It has a Volvo-Penta AQ120B with a 280 stern drive. I have no idea what the HP rating is. Any idea what size to get?

 

[Maclin]

Re: Smart tab sizing, what size to get?

On the "older" Volvo Pentas the numbers after the AQ indicate the horsepower. The numbers for the "older" drives relate to the top horsepower rating the drive is designed for.

"Older" = pre-1993 or thereabouts....

 

[etransfer]

Re: Smart tab sizing, what size to get?

I am thinking of getting a set of smart tabs for my boat. However, I don't know what size. I have on old (1976), 16.5 foot boat that is light (1500 lbs max). It looks like an old Tahiti (closed bow, low freeboard). It has a Volvo-Penta AQ120B with a 280 stern drive. I have no idea what the HP rating is. Any idea what size to get?

Go with the 40lb and if they don't work they'll send you the 60's !

 

[Hitech]

Re: Smart tab sizing, what size to get?

Thanks for the information. Based on the HP and boat size I should get the 60. Why the suggestion for the 40?

Thanks again.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Smart tab sizing, what size to get?

my best advice is to contact Nautlis, they will give you the best advice.

 

[nlain]

Re: Smart tab sizing, what size to get?

Call John at Nauticus: 800-233-0194

Website: http://www.nauticusinc.com/

 

[Hitech]

Re: Smart tab sizing, what size to get?

Thanks, I'll call them before ordering.

BTW, do you really get 40% less bow rise and 30% slower on plane speed? That would be great.

 

[nlain]

Re: Smart tab sizing, what size to get?

Pretty darn close. Before Smart Tabs I lost sight of the water getting on plane, now I never lose sight of the water getting on plane. I had trouble staying on plane about 22 to 23 mph gps, now I can come down to about 15 to 16 in rough water and stay on plane, could possibly get lower on smooth water. I run a little over an hour each way when I go out, I use about 1and1/2 gal less gas with tabs than without per trip.

 

[Hitech]

Re: Smart tab sizing, what size to get?

Sounds great. These sound like the biggest performance improvement short of a bigger motor!

 

[orion25]

Re: Smart tab sizing, what size to get?

I have a question I have not been able to find answer to. Will smart tabs be compatible with the my boat if I keep it in Dry Storage. I have a Larson 208 LXI and am concerned that the Forklift used to move it in and out of the water could damage the tabs. Should I be concerned about this?

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Smart tab sizing, what size to get?

the smart tabs are available with a device that locks them up out of the way. In any event they are not that difficult to remove rather quickly and just leave the brackets if you are concerned.

 

[Acer2428]

Re: Smart tab sizing, what size to get?

I would imagine there are other boats with trim tabs there.