Which one first?

[zkimball]

OK!! Senoir management has signed off on a new four blade Turbo Offshore1 and a set of Smart Tabs. Since both will effect WOT as well as other performance characteristics, it only seems logical to do one at a time and base the selection of the latter upon the effect of the former....... Make sense?

Question: Which dio I do first? Should I install the Smart tabs and then select the prop based upon the performance or should I buy the new OS1 and then evaluate the need for the Smart Tabs? I'm trying to get up and stay up on a plane at a lower speed while running offshore.

Again, I thank you for your advice and experience. Z

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Which one first?

If your main goal is slower planing speed, AND if the Sarge will only let you get one thing at a time, then the trim tabs would be the start point--but don't expect them to work magic. If you normally plane at say, 18-20 mph don't expect them to drop you to 10

Then once the hull is where you want it, experiment with re-propping. You may even find that changing props might not be necessary. And I think that Smart Tabs just came out with a cheaper model that might be equal or less costly than a stainless prop.

At least, that's the route I would try.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Which one first?

Smart Tabs on my 17 foot walleye boat keeps me on plane down to 12 - 13 MPH. They are perhaps the best bang for the buck you can hang on a boat. For your stated purpose I'd put them on first. Second, optimize the engine mounting height (outboard only) then go for prop last.

 

[John_S]

Re: Which one first?

Since you mentioned offshore, make sure you go through the evaluation of manually adjustable tabs vs smart tabs.

 

[zkimball]

Re: Which one first?

Does my offshore use, in and of itself, call into question SmartTabs vs. adjustable tabs? Z

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Which one first?

Helm adjustable tabs certainly offer more flexibility but they also add considerable cost and if anything goes wrong, considerable additional maintenance expense. But to answer your question -- No! But that's just my opinion. Everyone has one (an opinion) you realize!

 

[John_S]

Re: Which one first?

The manual adj ones are more expensive, but you will be able to compensate for list and following seas, etc. Do a search here on lenco or bennett tabs. For inland lakes and runabouts, smart-tabs are great. When you get into offshore, just research to make sure smart tabs are still the best overall for "your" conditions/boat.