Smart tabs and wakeboarding?

[akorcovelos]

I have a 21' Webbcraft that we use for wakeboarding mostly. Being an old heavy boat it throws a really nice wake as it sits, but to get that nice wake shape I need to move a couple people to the bow. This makes quick stops when the rider goes down difficult and has resulted in water coming in over the bow on more than one occation (kinda funny for everyone in the boat except the driver and the peoole up front).

Would smart tabs help or hurt the wake size and shape? Will they force the bow down more, so I dont need as much weight up front, or will they reduce the wake size by lifting the stern higher?

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Smart tabs and wakeboarding?

I think SmartTabs tend to flatten the wake somewhat. On my boat, they help me get on plane (and stay there) at slightly lower speeds, but they do seem to decrease the peak of the wake.

Jim

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Smart tabs and wakeboarding?

I think SmartTabs tend to flatten the wake somewhat. On my boat, they help me get on plane (and stay there) at slightly lower speeds, but they do seem to decrease the peak of the wake.

Jim

Yep flattens out the wake...

 

[rallyart]

Re: Smart tabs and wakeboarding?

They also make the wake less smooth so crossing it is harder. Hydraulic tabs can be lifted out of the way or you can get the stern lift with a hydrofoil and then trim up at wake speeds to shape the wake as you wish. Both of those solutions to not affect the wake shape.
Generally with a sterndrive you move weight forward, or add weight up there, and trim up about 25% to get a larger, smoother wake. (Trim up only after you are at speed)

 

[akorcovelos]

Re: Smart tabs and wakeboarding?

yeah, I'm already running a hydrofoil, and my process for getting a nice wake size and shape is exactly how rallyart described.