Re: 24' Boat Smart Tabs or Hydrofoil??
Well first off welcome to iboats!!<br /><br />I am fairly opinionated on this subject, but here goes.<br /><br />FORGET THE HYDROFOIL . . . I hate them, hate them, hate them, and when I see them on a reasonably new boat, the first thing that comes to mind is loser . . .
<br /><br />If budget is not a concern AND you are the kinda people who like to have more control over your boat then I vote for adjustable tabs like Bennett's. If you are more of a turn key and go kind of person then I vote for Smart Tabs and they are about half the price.<br /><br />Foils can introduce some uncomfortable and potentially unsafe handling characteristics. They also almost always slow a boat down. IMHO trim tabs on the other hand should be standard equipment on all v-hulls. Even without the hole shot improvement, they provide more stability at low speeds. Way better speed control at wakeboarder speeds, better visibility and if installed correctly usually as good or better top speed.<br /><br />Adjustable tabs give you the added benefit of adjusting for shifting loads from side to side and the ability to apply higher levels of positive trim at higher speeds, or less trim at lower speeds if the conditions dictate. An example might be really nasty and sloppy conditions where you want the bow higher than usual to maintain a drier ride. Can't do this with Smart Tabs . . .<br /><br />I don't sell any of this stuff, but I have installed and operated various sets of both types of tabs. Either way you go, you will absolutely love them!!
