Original Stainless Smart Tabs vs SX Composit molded tabs

[Mark42]

Anyone have experience with both? The SX description says "TRACKING RIBS have been added to improve handling at higher speeds. " to the SX line. Do they perform any better than the original stainless steel tabs?

Also, when deciding on a size, if the boat falls between two sizes, is it better to go larger than smaller?

The reason I ask is I'm looking at Nauticus products to help my Bayliner 1600 get on plane with a full load. Last summer it became obvious that the boat was now stern heavy with the new 17 gallon tank and monster battery in the rear. Add a full load of people and gear and the 85hp motor struggles to get it on plane. The 1600 is only 16 feet long, but because its a cuddy, the seating tends to be more rearward than in a bow rider, compounding the weight distribution issue caused by recent projects. I'm thinking I should "upsize" the tabs due to the nature of the Bayliners issues. Sound right?

 

[MRS]

Re: Original Stainless Smart Tabs vs SX Composit molded tabs

I am just waiting to dial in my rpm's and after that I am going with the stainless for sure. I know composits have come a long way but I want metal that will bend if something happens and not break composits are great but for me it is just personal I will take metal any day. On the caught between question I would ask Nauticus and give them the information you posted here. Good luck and let us know how it turns out. I really want to add them bad.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Original Stainless Smart Tabs vs SX Composit molded tabs

I am just waiting to dial in my rpm's and after that I am going with the stainless for sure. I know composites have come a long way but I want metal that will bend if something happens and not break composites are great but for me it is just personal I will take metal any day.......

Yeah, that's a good point about the stainless. I often bring the boat into shallow water where waves cause the stern to bump bottom as we unload sometimes. That could be a disaster to a composite if the boat moves backwards driving a tab into the sand. The stainless are about $70 more than the SX composite for my application. Will have to give this some serious consideration.

Will let you know what I pick in the spring.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Original Stainless Smart Tabs vs SX Composit molded tabs

Well spring is almost here, so I thought I would drag up my old thread rather than start a new one....

Looking at the SX9510-60X composite tabs and the ST1290-60 stainless tabs. Both rated for my 16' Bayliner and HP.

The stainless model is about 60% more than the composite, and with this economy, price point is going to be my deciding factor, unless I hear the composite tabs have issues.

Is anyone having problems with the composite tabs breaking? How well do they hold up to extended sun exposure?

What if the kids decide to use them as a step? Will that be the end of them?

Thanks!!!

Update:

Just got off the phone with Nauticus. They said not to worry about kids breaking the tabs, and for my specific application, I was advised to buy the composite. Nice folks, don't know why I didn't call them before.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Original Stainless Smart Tabs vs SX Composit molded tabs

But Mark,The stainless looks way more cool....
Do they still sell the stainless blems?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Original Stainless Smart Tabs vs SX Composit molded tabs

1st you teach the kids it is not a step.

Mark look at this, we are the only store that has them, may help you make your decision. http://www.iboats.com/Boat-Parts-Ac...91747--submit.Search--submit.x.30--submit.y.4

 

[MRS]

Re: Original Stainless Smart Tabs vs SX Composit molded tabs

But Mark,The stainless looks way more cool....
Do they still sell the stainless blems?

This is true will look sweet on your boat. I am even cashing in my cans for the stainless tab fund.....

 

[Bondo]

Re: Original Stainless Smart Tabs vs SX Composit molded tabs

Also, when deciding on a size, if the boat falls between two sizes, is it better to go larger than smaller?

Ayuh,... Bigger is always Better with Tabs too....

You'll think your boat is 2' longer....