Smart Tabs !!!

[b.gagnon]

I just bought a pair of Smart Tabs, and a CMC manual jack plate!!!! My dreams are finally becoming reality. On the down side I am going to have to wait 3-4 months to install them. Until then I have two questions to ask...<br />How do you mount the Smart Tabs to a aluminum boat where the wood core of the transom does not extend to the bottom of the boat?<br />With a 5" setback, how high should the Anti-Cavitation plate be above the bottom of the boat to start?

 

[surfmonkey]

Re: Smart Tabs !!!

Just drill the holes using the template in the proper place. The seal and screws is all you need and they hold very well--I have Aluminum boat with 5* set back. My Smart Tabs work well and installed in about 45 minutes. I added some silicon to the holes just as an added precaution and have no leaks.<br /><br />Cavitation plate should be even with the bottom of your boat for max performance. You can fool with the jack plate and maybe get a little better performance, but I would start with the cavitation plate even with the bottom of your boat.<br /><br />The Smart tabs added 5 mph to my boats performance and has increased my fuel effeciency some. Good product and I do not work for them or sell them...just a satisfied customer.<br /><br />When installing, you can call them and they will help you solve any problems you run into.

 

[sumcat1]

Re: Smart Tabs !!!

Can you get to the inside of the transom? Use a piece of treated wood to back up the screws or chuck the screws and use threaded fasteners with locknuts. For the outboards I have installed the manufacturer recomended the cavitation(anti- ventilation?) plate be about 1" below the hull.

 

[b.gagnon]

Re: Smart Tabs !!!

I was under the impresion that for every inch of setback the motor should be raised by some amount. As far as the tabs go...I can get to the backside but won't be easy.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Smart Tabs !!!

When installing the jack plate rule of thumb is for every five inches of setback you can raise the engine one inch. Do not use this one inch measurement for your initial mounting position. Initial mounting should be, top of cavitation plate even with the bottom of the boat. Then use the adjustment of the jackplate to raise from there. This initial mounting position will CYA if the boat doesnt like the one inch lift. You can lower it back down some if needed.<br /><br />Also a side note, when running a jackplate a water pressure guage on the engine is a MUST.