Smart Tabs Cyl Sticking?

[John_S]

Out last weekend, and on a number of accelerations the boat leaned to starboard. It seems like the port smart tab is sticking. I have had that happen on both of my boats with smart tabs, on the first acceleration after the boat had been sitting. This is the first time it continued to happen throughout the day. Once on plane, the listing stops. When I pulled the boat out, did not find any other reason for the listing. My plan is to try to read the compressive force (hope my fish scale goes that high) and then swap cyl to see if list moves. Has anyone else had a similiar experience with their Smart Tabs?

The tabs are two seasons old, but boat sits moored during the summer. The other boat has had them for three seasons, but is trailered.

 

[rndn]

Re: Smart Tabs Cyl Sticking?

Had tabs on my other boat for 8 years and never had one stick.

 

[QC]

Re: Smart Tabs Cyl Sticking?

You should check directly with Nauticus Technical Help

 

[John_S]

Re: Smart Tabs Cyl Sticking?

QC,

I am planning on contacting them if I find a descepency in the readings or the swap causes the lean to change to the other side. I will also examine the rubber boots closely to see if there are any tears or holes. I didn't want to contact them until I had something more concrete. I know there are many smart tab owners out there, and was curious if others had the same experience. The pistons would have to wear out at some point, and probably cause a similiar occurance.

 

[stevens]

Re: Smart Tabs Cyl Sticking?

Hi,

I had Smart Tabs on my previous boat. They worked quite well and I was very enthusiastic for a while.

However, I also had the experience that the two tabs reacted differently; i.e., when slowing down, at a certain speed one tab would come down and the other remain up, making the boat turn sharply to one side. Further slowing down made both tabs come down and the boat straightened again.

The same thing happened when accellerating up through the same speed interval, where one tab would fold up before the other.

While it may have been caused by differences in the resistance of the struts, it may well also have been caused by a slight difference in the pressure setting between the two sides (although they looked set to approx. the same pressure). Presumably, adjusting the pressure setting to exactly right would have solved the problem.

Also had problems with a leaky rubber strut cover and broken end fittings. The leaking strut was exchanged by the dealer, the end fittings were exchanged by John at Nauticus, who seems a very service-minded and likable guy.

 

[nlain]

Re: Smart Tabs Cyl Sticking?

You may have a cylinder that is not working, I have smart tabs and had a cylinder go bad, I found mine one day with boat on trailer I walked up and pulled up on each tab and no resistance on one. John replaced for me.

 

[John_S]

Re: Smart Tabs Cyl Sticking?

Thanks for continued input. When it was happening on the lake, I did hang over the transom and compress each one. There wasn't a gross difference that I would have been able to detect.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart Tabs Cyl Sticking?

Imported_John_S;

Don't waiste your time testing. If the Actuators are not matched or reacting the same they should be changed. Most likely they are under warranty and will be exchanged at no charge. Call us at 800-233-0194, or 440-746-1290, or e-mail Info@NauticusInc.com.

 

[John_S]

Re: Smart Tabs Cyl Sticking?

Thanks John, I sent an email yesterday. I still plan to inspect the boots and try to get a pressure reading this weekend. I will do the piston swap, just incase the weather and the time lords allow for some boating in the next week or two. I appreciate your support.

 

[John_S]

Re: Smart Tabs Cyl Sticking?

John,

I resent the email from my home account. The first one might of went in the net bit bucket.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart Tabs Cyl Sticking?

To Imported John:

I trust we have taken care f your problem?

To everyone, The actuators for Smart Tabs are ultimately a ware Item, like brake shoes on a car. The should last 3 to 4 years. The warranty is two years. The key is keeping the water out of the boot and away from the mechanism inside. We have recently changed the physical design of the boot which we hope will extend the life. I would suggest that everyone inspect the boot from time to time by simply squeezing it. If water escapes, then the boot should be removed. If the actuator is clean and the shaft shows no sign of corrosion, you can replace the boot with a new one. Available from us at 800-233-0194. otherwise change the actuator.

Tip: When the boat sits unused for an extended period of time the seals around the shaft in the actuator squeeze the oil away from the seal. This causes a higher rate of pressure required to compress the actuator on the first compression. (make sure the larger end of the actuator is up) This will keep the tabs down longer than necessary on the first acceleration. To avoid this. simply pull up on the tabs once by hand before you launch (if on a trailer). After this the tabs should function correctly. If not call us.

 

[John_S]

Re: Smart Tabs Cyl Sticking?

John,

There has not been a response to my work email, but it might have got caught in spam filter, and why I resent this weekend. I will check my home email tonight. There wasn't any response as of 7AM this morning.

I did try to get a reading on the actuators, but my scale was bottomed out. I didn't notice any water in the boots, but its been out of the water for some time. I will cut the tie clips and inspect the actuators more closely. I'll post pics.

 

[John_S]

Re: Smart Tabs Cyl Sticking?

John,

I confirmed that I have not received any email from Nauticus. Did you receive the first two from me? If not, will resend.

Anyway, removed the actuators from the boat. The larger diameter ends were on the top on both actuators. Examination of the rubber boot on the port actuator, found two small holes on the very bottom accordian. Compressing the boot, produced some residue of water. It was leaking. The rubber feels softer in this area (worn?). No rust or pitting found on the shaft. The starboard actuator appeared to be fine, even though it was missing one of the two tie clamps at the top. It was slightly soft in the same spot, but no cracking.

After a couple of trys, was finnally able to get the small rod end off, and was able to get the boot off. Outside of the one soft spot, could not find any other cracking or soft spots.

Are the new style actuators the same length as the old? Would not want to drill more holes. And do they use the same ball snap-on mount?

As far as usage, it was just two short NY seasons. Outside of vacation, only used every other weekend (at most). And couldn't find anything that might have been contacting it.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart Tabs Cyl Sticking?

Imported John;

I have no idea why your e-mails are not comming through but please call us on our toll free line 800-233-0194. We will replace the actuaotrs, but we need your shipping information.

 

[John_S]

Re: Smart Tabs Cyl Sticking?

I will try to phone in the AM. I PMed you here at iBoats with the info, as well.