Smart tabs?? Are they worth it??

[danie]

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

Thanks nautiJohn, will contact you asap. Going on a few days leave.<br />D

 

[Jdeagro]

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

Nexus;<br /><br />I have a 10 foot inflatable with a 9.9 OB and a 3. gal gas tank and me at 240 lbs in the back. It planes no problem. Check the following:<br /><br />First do not change the angle, change the pressure. Move the actuator attacment at the plate up the slot to at least the middle. This will hold the plates down longer and with more force to give the stern more lift. Moving the plate to a 35 degree angle without the pressure, will only serve to slow the boat acceleration. <br />Please look carefully at page 8 and 9 of the installation manual. The common thought is that the adjsutment at the plate is to change the angle of deployment. This only changes the leverage point which results in the amount of lift. If the boat is not planning easily you need more lift (pressure).<br /><br />As for the use of the hydrofoil and the Smart Tabs, I think that you will find that once the Smart Tabs are adjusted correctly, you will not need a hydrofoil and may infact make the boat handle poorly at higher speeds. If it is not handling poorly now it is because you are not getting the proper lift from the Smart Tabs.<br /><br />Don't make multiple changes at one tie as this will serve to confuse the results. Please do not hesitate to call me at 800-233-0194.

 

[nexus]

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

Today will be the first time with the tabs, and without the hydrofoil. I'm bringing tools with me to make some adjustments and see what is working and what isnt. I've been getting some great input from another boardmember with a setup similar to mine. We'll see what I can come up. <br /><br />Thanks for the help John!

 

[90skichallenger]

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

Question for Nautijohn.<br />I have a 21' ski challenger ski boat. inboard with a cebter mount V8. Would these smart tab thingies do me any good?

 

[Jdeagro]

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

Most often Ski Boat with inboard engines are very well balanced, and therefore accelerate smoothly (one of the reasons it is so easy to ski behind them). You should have very little bow rise during acceleration. If you could describe the issues that you are not satisfied with or the performance characteristics you would lie to improve, I would be happy to give you my opinion. <br /><br />A few things that Smart Tabs are likely to improve is the ride and handling especially in turns. The other would be the slower planing speeds, even while towing.<br /><br />In any event what are yo looking for?

 

[jeffmcc]

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

John have you sold any tabs for a four winns funship i have the 21 foot and was thinking about tabs but the way the transoms steps in and the swim platform braces are mounted dont know if they would fit

 

[Jdeagro]

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

jeffmcc:<br /><br />Not all transoms are designed to accomodate trim tabs, but we have been able to get arround most of them. Here are some basic dims for you to use in making your evaluation. Cut out a piece of cardboard 12" x 9" and gt a 12" ruler plus some masking tape. Tape the 12 long side to the boat where you think the tabs will mount. hold the trailing edge of the "plate" down at about 3" below the edge taped to the boat. This will approximate the 25 degree deployment angle. put one end of the ruler in the middle of the "plate" and rotate the other end to the transom (or the overhanging swim platform. This would be the area where the transom bracket would mount. It should be about 10 1/2" up from the plate. If you do not have this height, then call me and i can give you a few more hints.

 

[Vlad D Impeller]

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

Hey Toolboy! Don't ya just love it when a plan comes together?

 

[ufm82]

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

I'll throw in my 2¢ here on the Tabs. I put them on a 19' ProLine center console with a Merc 150 on the back. I really wasn't too concerned about the handling to start with- it planed out easily, rode well in rough water and handled pretty well in most areas. So, I bought the tabs almost on a whim- I wanted to see just how much they really influenced the ride. <br /><br /> Let me say that I am impressed. My boat shows almost no bow rise- it simply comes up onto plane as you accelerate. The low speed ride is really different- extremely smooth. It's a very apparent difference although I did not expect any change. Plus, that annoying wander that is so common to Deep V's is gone. That in itself is a major plus- I don't have to worry about the boat wandering off anymore. It actually tracks straight! It sure does make maneuvering through a busy marina easier. <br /><br /> Once on plane the tabs made a noticeable difference while cruising but not so much while at WOT. I still got some bounce when crossing wakes but that is to be expected. However, at cruise I was able to hit pretty much anything without getting beat up. It made for a nicer cruise as well. The #1 change that I really like is the complete elimination of porpoising when coming off plane from speed. I used to have to hold on when coming down from 30mph or more- the boat would buck a lot until she slowed. Now, a touch of down trim and the tabs and she settles nice and easy. A 100% improvement over the way it used to be. <br /><br /> So, are they worth the money? I would say yes but you might say no. Are they as useful as adjustables? No, but they are 1/3-1/2 the cost as well. I think they are a valuable addition to my boat. Thanks John- I'll be an advocate for you in the future. Good product and great service. <br /><br />UFM82