Smart Tabs HELP!

[cnd_haze]

Hi all!<br /><br />I just got a set of smart tabs and got them on the boat. Went for my first test today and I am guessing I have the wrong ones on there. <br /><br />I have a 15' late 70's style ski boat with a 90 hp Mercury on the back. I wanted the tabs for skiing cuz the boat does a mad nose in the air when getting on plane.<br /><br />The problem is I get to about 20 mph and the boat feel like it wants to push left. If I keep the engine horizontal it pushes the bow down and if I trim it up then the engine doesn't seem to catch enough water and spins like mad. I'll post picks later this afternoon.<br /><br />Any ideas?<br /><br />edit: I have the 60 lbs shocks with 10" plates<br />edit: Images below<br /><br />

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[stevens]

Re: Smart Tabs HELP!

Too much stern lift, maybe?

 

[cnd_haze]

Re: Smart Tabs HELP!

I'm going to decrease the angle of the tabs to the min. What was worrying me was the spinning prop.... would that be associated with to much angle on the tabs.<br /><br />where my thinking is to much angle on the tabs to much stern lift?

 

[dutch135]

Re: Smart Tabs HELP!

I'll take a stab, (having both outboard and I/O experience)<br />It does sound like a bit too much stern lift. Possibly changing the lower setting on the bottom of the actuator , which should lower the pressure on the tab, will return the boat back to normal while on plane. I think that adjustment is to bring the bottom of the actuator toward the boat in it's slot.<br />Another possibility, is the tabs you have are too big, how big is the boat you have?<br />With the increased stern lift, compared to before, the prop may not be getting a good bite and therefore ventilating, especially in corners. (I had this problem with a Sea Ray I owned a few years ago)That could be what you are experiencing with the prop. Whether angle, or pressure adjustments are right for you could be some trial and error.<br />We'll see what John says shortly!

 

[jim dozier]

Re: Smart Tabs HELP!

Sounds to me like you have too much pressure dialed in on the actuator. As I understand it you want the tabs to essentially go away at higher speeds. Lighten up on the actuators so that they aren't angled down once you are well on a plane, that way they will help you get going but not slow you down at speed.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Smart Tabs HELP!

I have them, and have helped install two sets, It looks like to me that you have about twice the angle that you should have, did you use the template when adjusting the angle?

 

[cnd_haze]

Re: Smart Tabs HELP!

Hey guys!<br /><br />Thanks for all the replies!<br /><br />I'll try changing the pressure and seeing if that helps.<br /><br />I did use the template BUT I'll also check that again! <br /><br />Heading up to the lake tomorrow bright and early... hopefully a couple hours playing with different setttings will dial it in. Will let you know and thanks again for the suggestions!!!

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart Tabs HELP!

You should set the pressure to the minimum (actuator down the slot as close to the plate as possible). Leave the agle of deployment at 25 degrees. You have too much stern lift. If the adjustment is not enough we will need to send you 40 Lb. actuators (no charge exchange).

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart Tabs HELP!

By the way our sales representative is in Barrie, and we can make the exchange through him to make it easier.

 

[cnd_haze]

Re: Smart Tabs HELP!

Well what a weekend!<br /><br />I tinkered with them over the weekend and even with everything set to a min I stil could not get up to speed. <br /><br />The left 'hook' was gone out of the steering but the prop seemed to 'catch' air. I pressume this is from the actuators being to strong.<br /><br />-Andrew

 

[cnd_haze]

Re: Smart Tabs HELP!

nauticJohn,<br /><br />What is your email address so I can contact you to exchange the actuators?<br /><br />Also thank you for offering to exchange them at no fee, I appreciate that greatly.<br /><br />-Andrew

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Smart Tabs HELP!

Did you check the angle again with the template provided? It may be the picture, but it still looks like there is too much angle.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart Tabs HELP!

Call me at 800-233-0194 (it works in Canada Also)<br /><br />We can get them exchanges near your home.<br /><br />Regards<br />John<br />e-mail info@nauticusinc.com

 

[cnd_haze]

Re: Smart Tabs HELP!

LubeDude,<br /><br />I checked the angle over a couple times. I think that pic is a bit off for the nose of the boat is up in the air.<br /><br />nautiJohn,<br /><br />I'll be in touch tomorrow. Thank you.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Smart Tabs HELP!

cdn_haze I had the same problem with the prop ventilating with my home-made tabs. Turned out to be too much tab deployment at planing speed. I think the tabs when deployed, create a large disturbance of water going into the prop area thus resulting in ventilation. I reduced the pressure in increments until the problem went away. I used the string and rubber band "gauge" as detailed in the Smart-tabs installation book to determine when and how much the tabs were retracting. Super additions once you get them dialed in right.

 

[cnd_haze]

Re: Smart Tabs HELP!

Thanks Rod! <br /><br />I will be putting the 60 lbs actuators on soon and hopefully that'll do it! Great to know that is most likely the problem.<br /><br />Cheers!