Re: Smart tabs cause overheating engine?
For me and my gear in my 16ft Bayliner with 85hp Force, I have to use the lightest setting on the 40 tabs. This works great, planes fast and gives much better handling than I had with nothing or with dole fins. If I add three more folks in the boat, I move it to the middle hole and it works fine.
As to the overheating, that problem has gone away but not due to tab adjustment. It turns out that my engine timing was still set at the original 32 deg BTDC. I backed it off to 28 deg BTDC and the overheating stopped. I got this tip from Frank A. when I was searching for timing issues. Evidently, today's 87 octane + alcohol doesn't work as well as 1985 vintage regular.
I believe the smart tabs were one of the best modifications I have made to the boat to date and I would recommend them highly.
Regards,
John
