Smart Tabs (Mobster Tabs) My Review

[roger3645]

My experience with Smart Tabs.

First let me document the problems I am having with my boat.

The boat is a 1989 Sprint model 265 bass boat. It?s 16' long with a 6?5? beam with a dry weight of 950lbs. The boat is powered by a 1989 90hp Evinrude with power trim.

Problems:

At 5300 rpms (WOT) the boat runs at 44-45 mph, not too bad. The problem is trying to attain a cruising speed. I can only drop to 4700 rpms at about 38-39 mph, before the boat starts porpoising. I found these speeds to be too fast for conditions with heavy chop on the water, boat constantly bouncing off the waves, not to mention the excessive rpms the motor had to run. I want to drop the boat down to 4000-4200 rpms and 30 mph.

When coming to a stop the boat also porpoises very bad.

With two grown adults and the live well full of water the boat is slow to get on plane.

During high speed turns the boat chine walks

When traveling at low idle speeds I have to constantly shuffle the steering wheel to keep the boat going straight. This is referred to as Wandering

Here is what Smart Tabs claim they can do. I bought the Mobster Tabs model which are designed for bassboats.

? Faster hole shot and more top speed
? Eliminate chine walk and porpoising
? Improve economy
? Noticeable overall performance increase, GUARANTEED

Here are my results and I?ll let you be the Judge

Hole shot is alot faster even with two people and full live well

Porpoising completely eliminated

Chine walking gone

Wandering gone

I can drop my cruising speed all the way down to 23 mph if I wish.

I did not see an increase in top end speed, but maybe with an adjustment to the tabs I?ll see it. This was the first trip out to the lake with the trim tabs.

Overall: I am Jump UP and Down Happy with the Smart Tabs.

I had never written a testimonial for a product before but this is an item which actually does what it advertises

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Smart Tabs (Mobster Tabs) My Review

That's great to hear. Congrats on basically having a new boat!

 

[roger3645]

Re: Smart Tabs (Mobster Tabs) My Review

Yes she does handle like a totally different boat. After I bought the boat I was disappointed with the ride. Although the boat is a 1989 she is in great shape and with the original motor having 127 lbs of compression in each cylinder, I am sure I’ll get many years of service from her. The best part being, she fits in the limited storage space I have.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart Tabs (Mobster Tabs) My Review

Hi Roger;
I just decided to check out the forums and see what the latest is on Trim Tabs. I am delighted that you are happy with the Smart Tabs (Mobster Tabs) and that you took the time to post your results.
I think you will find that an adjustment to reduce the lift pressure a bit will bring the speed up. Please keep in mind that the motor trim should be (out) when on plane. Set the throttle at 25 to 35MPH then trim the motor out until the prop begins to ventilate - then bump it back down a bit. This should put the prop in a vertical position. There should be no porpoising and you should pick up a few MPH.
The best advantage with our system is that it can be optimized to the specific boat. Spring loaded system such as the Olson Trim Tabs from 1969 and the more current type cannot be “tuned” to the characteristics of the individual boat since the spring load increases dramatically as it is compressed. This provides minimum lift at slow speeds (when attempting to get on plane) and maximum lift when the boat is at cruising speeds. The exact opposite of what it should be.
I hope you have an enjoyable season.
John@Nauticusinc.com

 

[roger3645]

Re: Smart Tabs (Mobster Tabs) My Review

Okay thanks, I have already adjusted the tabs, but have not had the chance to get back out on the water. I'm sure I'll be able to tune the tabs for the best results. I am very happy with the Smart Tabs

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Smart Tabs (Mobster Tabs) My Review

Lenco trim tabs were installed on my boat with the standard switch. Once adjusted it is never known where they are! For $350 plus installation the upgrade will be done. Better off not using them with the standard switch!