Smart tabs

[cacsmack]

Ive read a few posts covering smart tabs. I seem to fall out of the range for them. I have a 21' 2008 Tahoe 215 IO. I have a 260 hp alpha.
Now my question is would I and by how much would this boat benefit from smart tabs?

Should I be considering other options (electric, hydraulic)?

 

[seabob4]

Re: Smart tabs

Mack,
You can always go with Lenco, Bennett, Boat Levelor, etc. Smartabs seem to do best with lighter boats with smaller HP motors. Dirt cheap (in comparison) and work wonders, but I think your boat falls outside the parameters.

I cab check for you though. Know some people at Nauticus.

 

[cacsmack]

Re: Smart tabs

Bob that would be awesome if you would. Ive been reading and pondering these things for over a year now.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Smart tabs

these should do the job just fine. http://www.iboats.com/Factory_Blemi...3703934--**********.297344271--view_id.486634

or these http://www.iboats.com/Nauticus_Smar...73703934--**********.297344271--view_id.49406

i really suggest giving them a call, they have a great service dept, and know exactly how to advise you.


For any questions or concerns please contact us.

Nauticus, Inc
8080 Snowville Rd.
Brecksville, OH 44141
Toll Free: 800-233-0194
Fax: 440-746-1291
info@NauticusInc.com

Office hours:

 

[nlain]

Re: Smart tabs

I agree with Tashasdaddy, call Nauticus and talk to them, i also highly recommend the Smart Tabs.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Smart tabs

Don't rule out the smarttabs until you talk to them. Just because the few setups in the literature doesn't cover your specific needs, doesn't mean they won't work.

Manually adjustable tabs are a superior product, but as you have likely notice, they also cost five times as much.

 

[QC]

Re: Smart tabs

It's like flippin' Tab Day or something

I've put Smart Tabs on a 236 Chap and they work great . . .

My opinion is if you are a point it and go guy, go with Smart Tabs. If you like to have almost infinite control, want to make unique adjustments for shifting weight and loads, want the ability to get them all of the way up at any speed, like to play with buttons and stuff, and the budget difference is not an issue, then go with helm adjustable tabs (list above) . . . Of those, Lencos are the simplest install that I have done.

 

[cacsmack]

Re: Smart tabs

I gotta say im new here and am very pleased with the response ive gotten im going to call them and see what they say, im more of a point guy. Thanks everyone.

 

[QC]

Re: Smart tabs

You're welcome, smackdownguy, and you're also welcome aboard!! Pretty cool place, huh?

A pic of your transom could be helpful too. I'll see if there is a good one online . . . but an actual photo of your boat on the trailer would be best.

 

[cacsmack]

Re: Smart tabs

Here are the pictures....Hope they help

 

[SuperDaddy]

Re: Smart tabs

I'd say they go from right about the 28" mark to the 37" inch mark. That'd make it an inset of about 6 inches, which is what I think you want.

 

[QC]

Re: Smart tabs

As long as the rams can be mounted to the molded swimstep, I agree. Send those pics to Nauticus. They will respond.

 

[cacsmack]

Re: Smart tabs

Ok, ill do that. Thanks again for your help. You guys are awesome. Been doing some reading around the site. Crazy amount of information. Lots of members.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart tabs

First you will need to use either the MT1080-80 (10"wide x 8 deep" w / 80 Lb actuators) or the ST1290-80 (12" wide x 9" deep w/ 80 Lb actuators).

Go to our web site and under customer service you will click on installation. The look for the assembled dimension file for the Stainless ST1290 series. This will give you what you need in mounting location and options. The ST1290 series has an extra trim plate bracket hole which will allow you to drop the transom bracket down and maybe clear the extended sponsons.

Call me at 800-233-0194 if you need more help.

 

[cacsmack]

Re: Smart tabs

I was a little late in calling. I was gonna ask what are the advantages out of the 2 you mentioned.

 

[nlain]

Re: Smart tabs

The MT tabs are designed for the angled corners of a bass boat, the ST tabs are for the standard transom, looking at your photos I think you will use the ST tabs as the transom looks to be flat all the way across. If you go to the Nauticus website and click on Mobster Tabs you will see photo of them on a bass boat and if you go to the installation section and look at the installation examples you will see the mounting of a couple of transoms very near what you have.

If you click on the link in my signature and when wiki comes up click on Smart Tabs Install, I also had a rather unique install problem, I have wished at times that I had drilled an extra hole and moved my bracket out some, I have them on and after some trial and error adjusting I am very happy with them and they do everything for me that they are advertised to do.

 

[cacsmack]

Re: Smart tabs

ok now that ive decided on which tabs to order, what about the quick disconnects for beaching or trailoring? does that seem something i might need?

 

[nlain]

Re: Smart tabs

I always back into the beach, my outdrive hits bottom before the tabs are even close, I do not beach bow in where I am, when the water gets rough you want the bow out, I am not sure where you boat, I am in the ICW and the sound, the beach is on the inside of the barrier islands, when the big boats come thru they will swamp a beached boat or drive it up on the beach far enough that you have to wait for the tide to come in to get it off, hope it is not high tide when it happens. If you are on a lake you may get away with beaching bow in. I would not worry about the tabs hitting bottom the drive will hit first, even trimed all the way up, had big boat wake push me on a sand bar, no damage to tabs or anything else for that matter, well my nerves maybe. I don't see your boat in the tree stumps or rocks that may be high enough to hit without the drive getting it first. My trailer bunks end at the back of the boat close enough that tabs are no problem, and looking at your photos and the measuring tape I believe you can mount them outside of your bunks and tabs will be fine.

 

[cacsmack]

Re: Smart tabs

Ok thanks for working with me on this. Im going to go get me some tabs now.

 

[nlain]

Re: Smart tabs

You are quite welcome, that is what this place is all about, helping each other and I am glad I could help. One more thing, woodworkers have a saying, measure twice, cut once. When you get ready to do this, study the instructions, do the layout of holes to drill in your pretty gelcoat, then double check everything and start to work. Get some 4200 sealer and put in all of the holes and on the threads of the mounting screws, that will seal everything up so there are no leaks, when the boat is at rest everyone of them will be below the waterline. If I can be of any more help just let me know.