Smart Tabs Delivered Today! - Update Water Test!

[Mark42]

Woo Hoo! So I open the brown box and take out the white box. First thing I see is a sticker that says "CD included". WOW! My heart races as I anticipate a classic Pink Floyd, or Led Zeplin or maybe Beatles album. Nope. Just an install cd. Oh well.

Anway, the contents look good. Its the SX series composite tabs (sx9510-60) for my 16 ft 80 hp cuddy w/hard top. Boat used to be fine, but after replacing a portable 6 gallon tank with a permanent 17 gallon tank, adding a permanent enclosed hard top, and other changes that shifted the weight aft, the boat is hard to get on plane, and porpoises in slight waves when fully loaded. So, I figure my mods have affected the center of gravity, etc and now the boat needs a little help.

A quick read of the instructions, and I assembled one tab and ran out to the boat. Pulled back the cover and test fit to the transom. Boy oh boy! Its looking good. Even the side with the swim step (mini platform) works. I was afraid the step/platform would be in the way, but luckily for me, the platform is offset from the transom about 2" giving just the space needed to mount the strut. Perfect, could not ask for more.

So I have to pick up some more 3m 4200 (as you guys know it hardens after opening) to seal the screw holes and will mount the tabs this weekend. Can hardly wait. Haven't been this excited since I put 3.73 gears and a posi in the Firebird!!!

End of the month the boat will hit the water, so I will keep you posted on how it performs.

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!!!!!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today!

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today!

I would think that your boat would be the ideal candidate. Please install them and let us know how they work this weekend. We can't wait till the end of the month.

 

[system-f]

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today!

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today!

Could you also please get some pictures of your wake? I want some of these bad but don't know if they are going to vastly affect the wake's shape.

 

[tschmidty]

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today!

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today!

They do tend to soften up the wake. I really like them on my boat, they really do do what they say, flattens out on the way to plane, no wandering at low speed, very happy with them.

Off topic, but curious what kind of Firebird you have? I have a '71 Formula 400 myself that I love.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today!

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today!

Installed the smart tabs yesterday. Instructions were simple and clear. Here are some pics:

Before:

The top mount on the starboard side falls right behind the swim step. Rather tricky to drill the screw holes. I started to take the step off, but it would need re-sealing and I was running out of 4200.

After: I am surprised at how strong the struts are, as it takes a lot of pressure to make them move.

It's hard to see from this photo, but to get the upper mount holes drilled and not remove the swim step, I ended up drilling to 3/8" holes in the back "flange" of the step that was in the way. Then using a long 12" drill bit, went through the access holes, and drilled the screw holes in the transom just as they should be. Piece of cake, and I didn't have to break the factory seal on the bolts going through the transom.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today!

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today!

Mark I have those same exact tie downs on my MFG and just love em, the orange pads are great although they did bleed a little, I think they were a K-Mart purchase back in the 80's and still going strong, I highly recomend them.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today!

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today!

Mark I have those same exact tie downs on my MFG and just love em, the orange pads are great although they did bleed a little, I think they were a K-Mart purchase back in the 80's and still going strong, I highly recomend them.

Yeah, they are great tie downs. They came with the boat when I bought it used, so I just assumed they were OE Bayliner equipment. I didn't know they were available aftermarket. Have not had any problems with them, and they adjust so easy even when in place. Their grip is tenacious. The orange pads are a tad faded, but have not stained the gel coat that I can see. I agree, they are some "top shelf" tie downs.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today!

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today!

If you are interested in seeing the gory details of the install, I just finished updating the shareaproject site with the project..... pending sea trials!

http://shareaproject.com/pages/projectTut,p,671,00.html

 

[MRS]

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today!

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today!

Mark, Have you gave it a run yet? I have not been able to get out yet and want to mount tabs bad just wondering if and how they worked for you....

 

[boat_chick]

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today!

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today!

I just installed a set on my 1975 16' Bayliner Mutiny. They are hands down the best money I have ever spent for accessories on the boat. It's like having a whole new boat that's a blast to run. My bow lift is barely noticeable, it rides smoother, JUMPS on plane, no more low speed wander, and stays on plane at 14mph. They are amazing and I can't say enough about them. I originally went with the 60lb. actuators, but they were too strong. I called Nauticus and they immediately sent out a set of 40lb. ones to try. They were the ticket. Nauticus customer service is fantastic. You may also find the 60s to be too much, but if so, just call them and ask for some lighter ones. I have a 16' with a 190hp I/O. they told me to use the 60s, but 40s were much better, I hope you enjoy them as much as me!

 

[MRS]

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today!

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today!

boat_Chick, Thanks for reply and welcome to iboats I am right on the boarder for 60 or 80 with my size and power. I think I will go with the 60's Thanks again for the reply and glad they worked out good for you hope to have mine on soon....

 

[commander315]

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today!

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today!

I took a look at the share a project thing for your hardtop...awesome job!!

 

[Mark42]

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today!

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today!

I took a look at the share a project thing for your hardtop...awesome job!!

Thanks!

Still have not hit the water. Have to finish installing the Deco Dot. Plan is to be on the water starting June 28.

Will keep you posted.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today! - Update Water Test!

Took the boat out today for a short ride to test the Smart Tabs.

Had a full tank of gas, (about 120 lbs) under the splashwell, two young kids and my wife. So its not a full load. And the motor trim was set on the second pin hole (full manual trim/tilt ), this setting has given the best all around performance in the past.

Set the actuators to the center mounting hole on the tabs as per the instructions. They did help with getting on plane and cruising in mildly choppy water. Had my wife sit on the splashwell to get extra weight in the back and did a planing test. The bow did go up high for a bit, but settled down after about 3-4 seconds. Much better than before the tabs.

The winds picked up and we were being slammed by gusts broadside. I noticed the boat was listing, so I did a 180 turn, and it was listing the other direction, so I attribute the list to the constant wind pushing on the side of the hard top.

At comfortable cruising speed, (about 30 mph) in chop, the boat handled well, and porpoising was gone. In fact, at no time during the whole trip, did the boat porpoise or "pound" when cutting through larger boats wake or the wind whipped waves. Small white caps were forming, and the foamy tops were being blown off by the wind. So it was getting a little rough. (BTW, this was a great trip because the hard top completely protected us from wind and wind blown spray. That alone makes me grin ear to ear).

Tomorrow the boat will have a full load. Going to set the actuators to their max setting to see how it works. Will be out for a full day of boating and beach cook-out, so hopefully I will have time to mess around with settings.

All in all, I rate the Smart Tabs as very effective. Especially in my boat where modifications made it stern heavy.

Will keep you posted on how the tabs pan out.

BTW, does anyone know how long the actuators last (in salt or fresh water) before they need replacing? Anyone have an actuator failure?

 

[MRS]

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today! - Update Water Test!

BTW, does anyone know how long the actuators last (in salt or fresh water) before they need replacing? Anyone have an actuator failure?

Mark, Thanks for the update, that is what I wondered about also I figure two years max. But that is just a guess just going on other things I have used them on seems like a couple years and have to replace. Keep us updated.

 

[Bayliner175xt]

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today! - Update Water Test!

Hi boat looks great, I put a set of SX Smart Tabs on my Bayliner 175 and the difference was huge, our boat used to have bad bow rise even without a skier, Now...... it sits almost dead flat on holeshot, I was amazed.
This was the best $345 (Australian) I have ever spent.
You will be pleased.

 

[Dabbler_E]

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today! - Update Water Test!

I had an actuator leak and take water into the boot. I called the co and they replaced it free. No other failings.

 

[nlain]

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today! - Update Water Test!

I installed mine in Sept of 2005, before the warranty was out I had one fail, the boot had leaked which let the Saltwater get to the seal in the cylinder, John replaced at no charge. The other one which is original is still on the boat and working fine. So keep a check on the rubber boots, do not let them leak. I am going to get some new ones, the original one is getting to the point that when washing the boat you will get a black cloth if you wash that boot. I keep them sprayed with silicone spray, spray it on with plenty of time for it to soak in and dry before going in the water again.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today! - Update Water Test!

Thanks for all the replies about actuators. Great info.

nlain, good idea to keep the actuator covers protected with silicone spray. Wonder if something like Armor All would work too?

Well, we ended up spending the day at the ocean side beach, so no boating today. But we made plans to have a nice cook out on a beach in a rather secluded inlet tomorrow. And as well as having a full load, a couple of kayaks will be in tow so the kids can practice kayaking while us adults just chill.

Will have to make two trips to get all the equipment and people there. Should be an interesting test of the Smart Tabs, set on max resistance for full load, will also see how that same setting impacts performance when the boat is empty.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Smart Tabs Delivered Today! - Update Water Test!

Yesterday the boat got a lot of water time. We shuttled from one beach to another looking for the perfect spot to setup for the afternoon.

I set the tabs to the second to stiffest setting before going out. This actually did not improve the ride or seem to improve time to plane, but it did cause a lot of water to be kicked up behind the boat, and after a few minutes of cruising, the entire rear floor was soaked from spray. The occupants of the rear seats were also getting wet. Water was shooting up and out the sides of the tabs, striking the O/B and splashing back into the boat.

The first stop, I moved the actuators to a position one farther rear from center (a lesser strength position). This is one less than originally installed. This time, the spray was less, and time to plane was maybe a second or two longer. But although the bow rose when trying to get on plane, it was not pointing way high as it had without the tabs.

Once on plane the boat ran nice and level, even on the weaker setting, the tabs were doing their job. The weaker setting did show when hitting other boats wake that tended to porpoise the boat. The weaker setting did not dampen the porpoising as well as the middle setting did.

I watched the tabs as my wife ran the helm. It appears that most of the spray problem is caused by the smart tabs directing water right into the hand hold holes along the side of the swim step. This causes the water to blow out the top side opening of the hand hold hole, and wet the occupants in the rear seats. Seeing as we don't use the hand holds, I plan on covering them from the bottom with some clear Lexan I have laying around. The spray from the other side without a swim step is not as big an issue, and will probably just live with it for now.

This pic shows the hand hold holes on the swim step. When the tabs are in their "running" position, IE straight out the back, water shoots out the side right up and into the holes, which direct it out the top and back into the boat.