Smart tabs and outdrive trim control

[fishingdan]

Hi,

I'm about to pull the trigger on purchasing some smart tabs and removing the hydrofoil on my 19' Cobia bowrider.

I'm interested in comments regarding the ability to control the running attitude of the boat with the outdrive trim controls after the installation of Smart Tabs. I understand that the Smart Tabs will eliminate most of the need to adjust trim from a a dead start through getting up on plane. The focus of my question is on adjusting trim to change running attitude once the boat is up and running. I boat mostly in in-shore coastal waters. Needing to adjust trim for the conditions is part of the process. I'm not referring to adjustments to running in a 3' waves on top of a 4 foot swell or anything like that. I'm referring to small swells (1 or 2 foot) and/or 1'-2' waves. I like to adjust the bow up or down for ride comfort.

Can anyone share their experiences?

Thanks,
Dan

 

[sleeper]

Re: Smart tabs and outdrive trim control

I recently got my smart tabs installed. I still find the bow fully adjustable with the trim control. If you need to put the bow down or raise it up depending on the wave conditions it still responds well after the tabs. The smart tabs changed the whole attitude of the boat though, I love them.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Smart tabs and outdrive trim control

$ for $ they are the best investment you can make in your boat.

 

[mrcj001]

Re: Smart tabs and outdrive trim control

After installing my smart tabs,I dont have to mess with the trim very much at all anymore.Only when I get it to shallow water I will trim up, but otherwise, I start out with the trim 3/4 down and go.

The smart tabs are everything they are advertised to be.They really improve the performance of your boat.....and on my "slightly" over-powered boat, made seem alot safer due to the stability they provide the boat at any speed,even through chop.

 

[nlain]

Re: Smart tabs and outdrive trim control

You will still have full control of the boat, you can raise or lower the bow for whatever need you have. Smart Tabs are worth every dollar, they make your boat ride and handle better, save gas also.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Smart tabs and outdrive trim control

Excellent feedback everyone. Thank you. That is what I was hoping to hear.

 

[QC]

Re: Smart tabs and outdrive trim control

I will only add one thing, if they are too stiff or they are set too high, then some trim control is sacrificed. My experince is that you want the lowest setting you can live with to accomplish what you want, which sounds like trim flexibility along with the planing and stability features offered at lower speeds . . .

 

[gotfish1]

Re: Smart tabs and outdrive trim control

MRCj001,

I would like some coaching/tips on correcting what I will call a "squirrely" or erratic action my SeaRay displays when I'm up on plane. I have Bennett trim tabs installed and they work to trim the load. But my problem is that I cannot keep the boat from veering/listing from left to center to right without constantly adjusting the trim tabs. It's a great boat but I really dislike this feeling of instability. I appreciate any tips you care to share. Thank you.

By the way, do you REALLY have your tabs 3/4 of the way down most of the time? Mine are basically level with the bottom of the boat. Perhaps this is my problem...

After installing my smart tabs,I dont have to mess with the trim very much at all anymore.Only when I get it to shallow water I will trim up, but otherwise, I start out with the trim 3/4 down and go.

The smart tabs are everything they are advertised to be.They really improve the performance of your boat.....and on my "slightly" over-powered boat, made seem alot safer due to the stability they provide the boat at any speed,even through chop.

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Smart tabs and outdrive trim control

Our "smart tabs" are not adjustable from the hem. Only at the tab
themselves. He was speaking of the trim position of his motor. However with the smart tabs they are installed at least at a 45 degree angle to the bottom of the boat but retract as speed picks up.
I installed aset on my 18' center console slightly underpowered with an 85 hp and it made a world of difference coming up on plane. Also helped with a porpoiseing problem at my ideal trim on my motor.
Highly recommended, especially for the $120. I paid.

 

[mrcj001]

Re: Smart tabs and outdrive trim control

MRCj001,

I would like some coaching/tips on correcting what I will call a "squirrely" or erratic action my SeaRay displays when I'm up on plane. I have Bennett trim tabs installed and they work to trim the load. But my problem is that I cannot keep the boat from veering/listing from left to center to right without constantly adjusting the trim tabs. It's a great boat but I really dislike this feeling of instability. I appreciate any tips you care to share. Thank you.

By the way, do you REALLY have your tabs 3/4 of the way down most of the time? Mine are basically level with the bottom of the boat. Perhaps this is my problem...

The smart tabs will adjust themselves automaticly when in a turn. If you have a "list" setting still, you can adjust one side to correct the problem. You may have to do some seatrials to get the "list" corrected.

BTW, the starting angle of the smart tabs is 25* down.

Get ya a set...you wont be sorry.