Smart tabs?? Are they worth it??

[Toolboy]

I posted earlier about a long shaft on my inflatable vs. a short shaft. Some one suggested getting smart tabs on the transom. Do they really work as well as they advertise?

 

[JB]

Re: Smart tabs?? Are they worth it??

The reports we have, posted in the Boats Forum where this belongs, are all pretty positive.<br /><br />I will be installing a set on my BW Montauk soon.<br /><br />Moving to Boats.

 

[nexus]

Re: Smart tabs?? Are they worth it??

I just received my eagerly awaited composite smart tab kit for my inflatable.<br /><br />Here are my impressions so far:<br /><br />First of all, whatever jackass actually put the stuff in the box should be slapped something fierce. There's only one hinge and the screw kit is obviously for the normal metal plate kit since the machine screws arent even long enough to protrude from the plate itself, let alone the plate and the hinge with room to secure a nut. <br /><br />Second of all, I'm disappoint to receive a bunch of parts rather than an assembled product. Putting it together isnt a problem, but for a 100+ dollars give or take I just expect an assembled product. This part I'll share responsibility for since it's based partly on an assumption on my part. <br /><br />Third, as I'm reading through the assembly guide (points for thorough documention!!!!) I notice that I need to attache two zincs for use in saltwater. This is the first mention of this I've seen. No mention in product description anywhere. I checked a couple of different sites, and sure enough no mention. I look in the box, sure enough, no zincs included.<br /><br />So here I am ready to assemble and test this new toy, and all I have is an incomplete and obviously poorly assembled box of miscellaneous hardware. Not enough of the right parts to assemble anything, and not complete enough for my use either. Roughly 25 dollars of uselessness. Great.<br /><br />So I go to their website looking for an email address and it doesnt even work. I get a front page with three images that go nowhere. So I try using Internet Explorer. Still nothing. Page is broken. Apparently whoever assembled this package also fancies themself a web designer.<br /><br />They can bet on an angry phone call from me tomorrow. <br /><br />Okay... time to go post this in a couple more threads before I go to bed disappointed. <br /><br />Grrr...

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Smart tabs?? Are they worth it??

Hey Nexus.<br /><br />After reading your letter on four different posts, I think you've made your point!<br /><br />Everyone here has watched the trim tab debate for months, and most know the value of tabs and Smart Tabs. If you've seen Smart Tabs replies to queries on this forum, you'll get the idea that Nautijohn tries hard to keep customers happy.<br /><br />Why not give the guy a chance, then post the result with as much energy!

 

[nexus]

Re: Smart tabs?? Are they worth it??

I just want to make sure other potential buyers are aware of what they may be getting into. Since there are so many threads covering the same topic it made sense to post the same experience in at least a few of them. <br /><br />I'm sure NautiJohn is a nice guy. I'm sure he means well. This is not a personal attack on him. This is an uncensored account of my experience with their product so far.<br /><br />I believe I pointed out that I immediately attempted to contact them directly via their website but its a deadend. <br /><br />I am giving them a chance. This is it. Deliver a COMPLETE and CORRECT kit, and since yesterday is out of the question, tomorrow would be good. Another weekend of opportunity for experimentation is about to slip by.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Smart tabs?? Are they worth it??

http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=011407

 

[nexus]

Re: Smart tabs?? Are they worth it??

In response to a response in another but similar thread where I get flamed for my multiple posting.<br /><br />----------<br />I purchased from a third party. Package was drop shipped from Nauticus, so packing was done by them, not the vendor.<br /><br />As for multiple posting: perhaps if moderators here did a better job of managing threads these multiple threads would have been merged long ago and i would have only posted once. My reason for multiple posting was well based: If someone else is considering purchasing this product and does a search they are going to get a handful of threads, all similar in nature. I want to make sure my experience is in plain site for them regardless of which thread they happen to choose to read. I've gone back and posted a reference to THIS thread and am only responding here. That should pacify the naysayers I hope. My intention is not to further fragment this seemingly common topic, it's to provide a little cohesion to the already existing fragments.<br /><br />Onward.....<br /><br />Yes, I have very few posts. I've had very little reason to post. That's life. Between the car forum, and the motorcycle forum, and a local surf forum I have enough going on already. Sorry if that bothers some of you. I am indeed familiar with NautiJohn and his watchful eye here on the forum.... why else do you think I tried to contact him directly first and then posted here second? Seemed like a logical progression to follow.<br /><br />I'll post a full and complete account of how this develops. If the previous accounts are any indicator it will be handled well. It doesnt change the fact that a pisspoor package was shipped. <br /><br /><br />oh yeah... for those with comments about my anger... I'm not angry, I'm just disappointed. These threads on this forum are what prompted me to purchase this product. It seemed only appropriate to contribute my own experiences.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Smart tabs?? Are they worth it??

perhaps if moderators here did a better job of managing threads

nexus,<br /><br />Not a lot of people meet your expectations do they?

 

[nexus]

Re: Smart tabs?? Are they worth it??

Originally posted by rwidman:<br />

perhaps if moderators here did a better job of managing threads

Not a lot of people meet your expectations do they?

LOL Do you disagree that it would be appropriate to merge these very similar threads?

 

[rwidman]

Re: Smart tabs?? Are they worth it??

nexus,<br />Go back and read the responses on all the forums and I think you'll find that you are the only one who seems dissatisfied with Nauticus. And all this over one packaging mistake that you haven't given the company a chance to address.<br /><br />BTW: You know my real name and location - are you willing to post yours?

 

[rwidman]

Re: Smart tabs?? Are they worth it??

Originally posted by nexus:<br />

Originally posted by rwidman:<br />

perhaps if moderators here did a better job of managing threads

Not a lot of people meet your expectations do they?

LOL Do you disagree that it would be appropriate to merge these very similar threads?

I would have posted only once in the first place. Something like "Problem with Smart Tabs".

 

[nexus]

Re: Smart tabs?? Are they worth it??

Originally posted by rwidman:<br /> I would have posted only once in the first place. Something like "Problem with Smart Tabs".

Be that as it may, there were multiple posts to begin with which ellicited multiple responses. All of which could be easily mitigated by merging the multiple nearly identical threads into one. <br /><br />But this is offtopic so let's drop it. I happily agree to disagree with you on the basis of differing opinion.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Smart tabs?? Are they worth it??

Oh oh, my bad, I guess I responded to the wrong thread. <br />Well, its on the other one if you can find it.

 

[JB]

Re: Smart tabs?? Are they worth it??

Nexus:<br /><br />Multiple postings are discouraged here. They confuse those who would reply.<br /><br />Your post(s) do not mention any contact with the manufacturer or attempt to resolve your concerns in a businesslike way. Without that your rant is unethical as well as childish.<br /><br />You have hijacked threads, so merging your rant is not an option. I will delete the others.

 

[RatFish]

Re: Smart tabs?? Are they worth it??

nexus,<br /><br />I feel your pain. Last year I ordered an engine flush device. It cost me over $250. When I got the package there were several parts missing. The hose supplied was not long enough for their recommended alternate mounting location. The warranty card was missing and the packaging was absolutely lousy. <br /><br />Was I disappointed? Yes. <br />Did I expect the package to include all the parts needed for installation? Yes. <br />Did I expect clean and professional packaging? Yes. <br />Did I go off on some rant because I was unhappy? No. <br /><br />I reluctantly went out and bought the missing parts so I could install the product. I wrote a nicely worded letter expressing my disappointment. The company contacted me and offered to send the missing parts. I said not to bother since I already installed the flush device. Well, they wanted to make things right so they sent me well over $100 in free merchandise. <br /><br />Moral of the story... People and businesses will make mistakes. A person or business should not be judged on whether a mistake is made but how the mistake is resolved. If you follow this philosophy you won't be so angry in life and meet some good honest people and businesses in the process. IMHO you went about this the wrong way. Relax my friend.<br /><br />Oh yea, when people ask about my flush device, I always give the product and company 2 thumbs up!

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Smart tabs?? Are they worth it??

Not to worry Nexus, your problem will be handled in a polite and businesslike way.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Smart tabs?? Are they worth it??

Originally posted by nexus:<br />

Originally posted by rwidman:<br /> I would have posted only once in the first place. Something like "Problem with Smart Tabs".

Be that as it may, there were multiple posts to begin with which ellicited multiple responses. All of which could be easily mitigated by merging the multiple nearly identical threads into one. <br /><br />But this is offtopic so let's drop it. I happily agree to disagree with you on the basis of differing opinion.

If you hadn't been dredging up threads that are 1 or 2 or 3 Years Old........... Maybe.....<br /><br />With Your reasoning,.. There'd be about 10 threads going back 5 years.......<br /><br />For someone who Claims to be a Forum Regular,..... You're Seriously Lacking Any Sense.....<br />And,.. Your credibility is ZERO,+ Falling..........<br /><br /><br />Surfs Up Dude........... And, They're Calling Your Name........

 

[nexus]

Re: Smart tabs?? Are they worth it??

*shrug* <br /><br />I tried to contribute my honest opinion and experience. I tried to do so in a thorough manner that would hopefully be helpful to others seeking opinions/advice/feedback along the same lines that I recently sought myself. <br /><br />I stand by my position. I ordered a product, got an unacceptable example of it delivered and have yet to see a response from the product maker/provider. I'm unimpressed. <br /><br />Hopefully I'll see some kind of response before too long. <br /><br />Otherwise I'll go to the hardware store tomorrow and buy some longer machine screws and another hinge and be on my way. <br /><br />I'm done with this nonsense. I'll post the resolution when it is reached. <br /><br /><br />-------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Cheers to those of you who actually read into what I had to say.<br /><br />:middlefinger: to those who overlooked it and jumped on the flame wagon.

 

[RatFish]

Re: Smart tabs?? Are they worth it??

Nauticus Incorportated:<br /><br />TECHNICAL SUPPORT & CUSTOMER SERVICE Call: 1-800-233-0194

 

[Snowdrggn]

Re: Smart tabs?? Are they worth it??

Nexus,<br /> When I purchased my Smart Tabs, they had the wrong actuators packaged with them (30lb instead of 20lb). I called Nauticus on their toll free number, spoke to the owner himself, and had the correct actuators in my hands in less than 48 hours! Since I live in northern British Columbia, Canada, I thought this was pretty amazing!!! I have nothing but praise for the tabs or the company's customer service. I have just purchased a new inflatable to replace my old Zodiac and would not even consider not having the tabs on this one too!<br /><br /> Give John a call at 800-233-0194 and talk to him. I found he more than did his part to make sure I was happy.<br /><br /> Cheers, <br /> Snow.