Smart tabs question

[stubbsboogie]

I have smart tabs on my boat and love them...

but sometimes when I have a load in the boat it lists to port. I can level it out but I have to speed up to around 35 and trim out. I think I can adjust the tabs to correct this.

They currently are set in the 4th hole from the transom. I am thinking if I put more tab pressure on the left that will level it out. My fear is that if they are set at different levels of pressure the boat will not track true when not loaded.

I know I can just change it again if it is not right but the boat is going in the river tomorow and not coming out until Wednsday or Thursday next week. So I want it to be as good as possible for the vacation.

So should I increase pressure on one or both tabs or just the left one? Thanks guys

 

[witenite0560]

Re: Smart tabs question

I have somewhat the same problem. If I'm in my 16' Crestliner, alone. If I sit in the driver's (starboard) seat, she lists to starboard considerably. I have to scoot over and shift my weight (245#) toward the keel to get her to ride level. I'm going to try putting the starboard Smarttab out a hole or two and see if this helps. Anyone else have any feedback or ideas? Thanks.

(Oh, I'm about the only variable weight onboard, other than perhaps a tacklebox and small cooler. Fuel tank is centered in the bow. Motor is a 1960 Johnson 75hp, that doesn't have a trim tab.)

Just had a thought.... battery is in the stern on the starboard side, too. Perhaps, I should consider moving it to the port side?

 

[JoLin]

Re: Smart tabs question

Others will probably respond, but I wouldn't recommend setting them up differently side to side.

You're trying to correct a 'sometimes' issue by making a mod that will likely just cause a DIFFERENT 'sometimes' issue. Where it was sometimes listing to starboard it'll now sometimes list to port, and vice versa.

If it's a real issue for you, the only sure bet is on-the-fly, helm-adjustable tabs, like Bennetts or Lencos.

My .02

 

[eavega]

Re: Smart tabs question

Nauticus recommends adjusting one side if you have a "listing" problem. From my experience, however, they are not meant to be constantly adjusted. I'll adjust mine based on the load I expect for the day. If I am going to head off to go fishing by myself, I do notch up the Starboard tab one hole.

-E

 

[dg512055]

Re: Smart tabs question

I have run mine that way several times, as much a 2 holes differnent side to side. I bought a couple of lock pins and ran a 5/16 bit through all the holes. I can change the holes while in the water with no tools.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/agriculture-farming-ranching/3-point-hitch-parts/lock-pins/lock-pin-sw-5-16-x-1-3-4-1833561