Smart Tabs on GT185?

[medic181075]

I just bought a new GT 185. I purchased a set of Smart Tabs about 6 months ago for the old boat, but never got around to putting them on. I am very happy with the performance and handling of the GT 185 without any trim tabs and I really can't imagine it being any better. Will the Smart Tabs improve any performance or handling with GT 185 hull design?

 

[medic181075]

Re: Smart Tabs on GT185?

Okay guys, I have been sitting on this for a few months now. No imput from anybody? The boat will be in the water for the season by the end of this week. Should I install the smart tabs? Anybody have any experience with Smart Tabs and Glastron's SSV hulls?

Thanks.

 

[jt185]

Re: Smart Tabs on GT185?

Maybe one of the tech forums would get more action. Sorry, I know nothing about trim tabs on an SSV hull.

 

[GXL205 Deke]

Re: Smart Tabs on GT185?

Love my ssv hull but installing smart tabs anyway...says it improves no wake wandering and over all performance..and bottom line by everything I have researched it isnt going to hurt ever as long as they are properly installed and adjusted.

 

[jt185]

Re: Smart Tabs on GT185?

Love my ssv hull but installing smart tabs anyway...says it improves no wake wandering and over all performance..and bottom line by everything I have researched it isnt going to hurt ever as long as they are properly installed and adjusted.

I just got done reading a post on the Glastron Owners Club forum from a guy who fitted smart-tabs on his mx175. He said it is one of the best mods he's done to his boat. Give us a review after you get them installed.

 

[medic181075]

Re: Smart Tabs on GT185?

Considering that the MX175 and my GT185 are the exact same hulls, I guess it sounds like a good idea. Now, the hard part is forcing myself to drill holes in a brand new boat.

 

[jt185]

Re: Smart Tabs on GT185?

Considering that the MX175 and my GT185 are the exact same hulls, I guess it sounds like a good idea. Now, the hard part is forcing myself to drill holes in a brand new boat.

Yeah, drilling holes in the hull would be a little unnerving. Take your time, read and follow the directions exactly. All the things I have a hard time with.

 

[ThreeMileBayWaker]

Re: Smart Tabs on GT185?

Measure twice, drill once!

 

[BogieGT185]

Re: Smart Tabs on GT185?

Just wondering how you made out with the smart tabs on your boat. Can you possibly send pics of where you located them. According to directions they should be 3-5 inches from corner of hull. It looks like if the are positioned there they will be in the way of the trailer tie down straps. Also did the clear the swim platform with no issues. I have a 07 GT185 with the 4.3GL Volvo. looking to make it plane off a little quicker with loosing any tiop speed. Seems to top out around 52 mph.
Thanks
BogieGt185

 

[mcgolfpro]

Re: Smart Tabs on GT185?

I have AN 07' Glastron 185 GT, bought a set of smart tabs because they were so cheap in Cabela's "bargain basement". I was perfectly happy with the performance of my boat, but I would get some porpoising when I would trim the motor out above 30 mph if the water wasn't perfect glass. The trim tabs stopped that, decreased bow rise significantly and gave the smaller boat much better handling in the chop. I think the actuators on my tabs might be a bit heavy for my boat (80 lbs I think) and when I called the manufacturer they told me to try the 80's and if I had any problems or wanted to switch them out for the 60's they would do that free of charge. great people to deal with. I was leery of drilling all the holes in my new boat as well- it's a used boat but it was new to me. I'm fairly handy but no wizard and it wasn't a problem at all. Good luck!

 

[Hiya Bayaya]

Re: Smart Tabs on GT185?

Hi, new to this forum, but I see old names from the Glastron club, JT, and ThreeM., good to see we all still have our boats. How was this past summer, we never got to finish our stories.
HOWEVER, I am think of installing Smart Tabs on my Glastron Gt185, but before I buy and painfully drill a good hull, and I have read previous postings on this topic, but I have not seen a reply from original poster Medic. His response would likely help make my decision.
If anyone has had the guts to this, please let me know.
Thanks

 

[ThreeMileBayWaker]

Re: Smart Tabs on GT185?

Yea, few ppl lurking around. Don't have any input for ya, sorry.