Installing Smart Tabs on 2007 Monterey 214FS

[mont214FS]

I would like to install a set of Smart Tabs but have several questions on which ones to purchase and where/how to mount them to my boat. I know I need the 80lb actuators since the dry weight of my boat is 3500lb and I have a 5.0L MPI Merc with 260 HP but I do not know if the original Smart Tabs or the new composite Smart Tabs would be better. It appears that the new SX version needs less mounting space but is not adjustable. Any help would be great. They sound like a great product and I cant wait to try them out. I have pictures but am unsure how to load them - I keep getting that my image is to large.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Installing Smart Tabs on 2007 Monterey 214FS

mont214;

Since your boat is over 21' the best bet from both a performance standpoint and flexibility of installation would be the ST1290-80 (Stainless) The SX series will work well but is less flexible when it comes to mounting. Check out our new web site (www.nauticusinc.com ) under Install Instructions. and start with this link http://www.nauticusinc.com/pdf/ss_smart_tabs_dimensions.pdf which will give you all of the dimensions for mounting. Also check the file for the SX series.

 

[mont214FS]

Re: Installing Smart Tabs on 2007 Monterey 214FS

The space where the tabs will be mounted has 16" of useable horizontal space and 9" of vertical space. Also, at that location the hull is not straight but has a chine that creates a point about 6" in. By reading the installation instructions is states to mount the bracket flush with the hull/transom but I cannot do that. Again I have pictures but cannot upload them, I would be happy to email them to anybody to take a look at.

 

[nlain]

Re: Installing Smart Tabs on 2007 Monterey 214FS

I don't think the chine is going to be a problem, I put a set of the ST1290 tabs on my 185 and have a chine in the area of the tabs, the tabs do everything they are advertised to do for me. When you go to the Nauticus site get the phone number at the bottom of the page and call them if you are unsure of anything, they are good people and will help all they can, small company and they want only happy customers.

I will post a few pics of mine, maybe they will help a little.

 

[mont214FS]

Re: Installing Smart Tabs on 2007 Monterey 214FS

On my boat I will have to intall them in an area very similar to the left of where you installed yours (closer to your outdrive).

 

[rusirius]

Re: Installing Smart Tabs on 2007 Monterey 214FS

Also, at that location the hull is not straight but has a chine that creates a point about 6" in. By reading the installation instructions is states to mount the bracket flush with the hull/transom but I cannot do that.

That's exactly why John said to go with the SS tabs instead of the SX series... As I recall, the way the SX is made the mount for the shock has to be flush (or very close to it) with the paddle mount... I believe the mount (clevis maybe?) can break if it's not... On the other hand, the SS series doesn't suffer from that issue, so you can mount it whereever works...

 

[mont214FS]

Re: Installing Smart Tabs on 2007 Monterey 214FS

I was able to resize all my images. Just so I understand, there will be no probelm mounting them in an area where the bracket will not be flush with bottom of the hull/transom. I have circled where I believe they should be mounted.

 

[nlain]

Re: Installing Smart Tabs on 2007 Monterey 214FS

Yes that is the place to mount them and as close to the outside, tie down strap, as possible. You can see in my photos I was challenged in my mounting location, my cylinders are mounted standing almost straight up, you can do this with the Stainless tabs, they also now have a third hole to move the bracket further out for the tight, odd shaped places like we have. Right after I mounted mine I ran across a thread where they were talking about drilling the third hole. Mine work fine like they are so I will probably leave them mounted that way.

 

[mont214FS]

Re: Installing Smart Tabs on 2007 Monterey 214FS

Thanks for your help, I get nervous even thinking about drilling into the hull. One last question, I have seen some concern for beaching and trailoring with the tabs. I see yours on a trailor, have had any problems or is there a way to avoid these potential problems?

 

[nlain]

Re: Installing Smart Tabs on 2007 Monterey 214FS

No problems with the trailer and tabs, my tie down straps come right down beside the tabs to the trailer frame, the bunks come right to the back of the transom, maybe 1/2" beyond, so plenty of clearance there, you should be good as well. I do not beach the bow of my boat but I do drop anchor and back in to the beach with the drive trimmed up, not trailer position, just trimmed, have never had a problem there either. I have to anchor in a tidal area and the tides run strong so I keep at least three feet of water under the boat as a rule, I have got out of the boat in knee deep water. Never had a problem. It is really going to be difficult to put the tabs on bottom with the drive in any operating position which is within the trim range, my boat is 36" draft drive down and 18" drive up, so with the tabs mounted as far outboard as possible they will have clearance. Now should you get in a situation of shallow water with stumps just below the surface then you may have a problem in reverse, course you are also probably going to wipe out a prop also. You should have no problems. By the way, the most difficult part of the install is getting by drilling that first hole. I know. I would also get a tube of 4200 sealer to put in the holes and on the mounting screws. If you click on the link in my signature I have some photo of how I set up to measure and locate holes before drilling. Read all of the instructions twice, check the locations twice, take a deep breath and go to work.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Installing Smart Tabs on 2007 Monterey 214FS

Mont;

Your circle is the correct location.

Let us know how things work out.