Smart Tab users...quick question

[fishndvm]

I got my smart tabs yesterday, and I began to assemble them tonight. There are two trim plate brackets that mount to the tops of the trim plates. These are special L brackets that accept the ball studs to which the bottoms of the gas actuators will attach and be adjusted. My question is, I would have assumed that these brackets would be mirror images of each other:that is, I would have assumed that on one side the L would face one way, and on the other side I would expect it to face the other way...a reverse L if you will. Both of my brackets are identical. Once mounted on the plates, with the plates mounted to the transom, the brackets both form reverse L's, facing port side. Is this correct, or did I get a wrong part? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Smart Tab users...quick question

Mine do the same thing. I thought like you did but looking at the installation book and the reference pictures, this is the right way.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Smart Tab users...quick question

NautiJohn confirmed that they had been cheapskates when it came to making mirror image tab brackets. It does offend my sense of order but they do work as presented. I guess you'll have to learn to love it.

 

[garycinn]

Re: Smart Tab users...quick question

I thought I heard you could reverse and reassemble the brackets somehow so that they were symetrical.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Smart Tab users...quick question

Originally posted by garycinn:<br /> I thought I heard you could reverse and reassemble the brackets somehow so that they were symetrical.

No garycinn. The tab bracket, unlike the transom bracket is assymetrical. You cannot reverse it. What you can do is install the ball stud on the opposite side of one of the brackets. The problem in doing that is the center of the ball is no longer over the center of the tab. NautiJohn says the imbalance is no problem, but it too looks goofy.

 

[fishndvm]

Re: Smart Tab users...quick question

Thanks for the help. I just didn't want to install them, and then have to rip one down again. How do you like them by the way?

 

[garycinn]

Re: Smart Tab users...quick question

Thanks for the clarification on the symmetry question. I have yet to buy. Trying to decide between these and Bennetts -- or none at all.

 

[Rudderman]

Re: Smart Tab users...quick question

Yep the tabs have left and right handed brackets, but I think it looks ok....you really need to have a lot of time on your hands to notice it! They work great on my boat when one person is in it, but when I have a passenger, I could do with even more "lift" at low speeds but I have the settings maxed out.

 

[Snowdrggn]

Re: Smart Tab users...quick question

Rudderman,<br /> I originally was supplied with actuators that were too stiff with my Smart tabs, they were exchanged at no cost and no hassle, very quickly (all done in less than 48 hrs)<br /><br />I would check it out with the dealer who you bought them from, or with John directly through his website....<br /><br />For your info,<br /> Snow

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart Tab users...quick question

The reason we desided to keep both bracket the same is to insure that we did not send two right or two left brackets, or that they were installed backward. The other reason is the additional cost of tooling and maintenance. Since these would be under water we felt it was not a cosmetic issue.