Another Smart tab report, 21' Lavey Craft I/O

[LubeDude]

Last week I installed a set of Smart tabs on the Bosss 21' Lavey Craft.<br /><br />

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<br /><br />I didnt do too much in the way of before testing, as this boat isnt the easiest thing to trailer around, and it is a lot farther to the lake than my boat is. Anyway, the boat used to be a pig out of the hole, I would guess it must have taken about 6-8 seconds at least to get on plane, even though it is powered by a 454. It always wanted to lean to one side or the other, not what I would call stable at all. Top speed was about 60MPH at 4,500. We took it out last friday to try the tabs out and this is what the results were.<br /><br />The boat jumped on plane like in about 3 seconds, the bosss eyes about popped out of his head. After we had gone a little ways, he said. "I just noticed that the boat is flat, its never done that before, it used to **** me off when I would take people out and it was leaning all the time. I thought sure we would have to install powered tabs to correct that". We ran a few minutes to let the engine warm up and them pushed it, it jumped to 4,800 RPM and 65 MPH, Needles to say the boss was estatic. We turned around and the boat didnt lean into the turn as bad as before, it was bad before, you felt like you were going to fall out. He looked over at me and said, "Cool". All the way back to the shop, all I heard was how happy he was with the boat, He said he had even considered selling it, but not anymore. After we unloaded it and put it back into the shop, he said, " You tell the guys where you got these that I will give anyone the best reference I can about these tabs, you done good putting these on, Ive never been happier with a product in my life.<br /><br />Another really happy customer.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Another Smart tab report, 21' Lavey Craft I/O

LubeDude;<br /><br />Thanks again for taking the time to post the results. I noticed that the boat has a four blade prop, which was added to help the boat plane easier I suspect.<br /><br />Anyway, the boat was obviously stern heavy and the brute HP plus the four blade prop still did not allow it to perform properly (without the tabs).<br /><br />It is hard to believe that one simple add on device can change the boat handling so dramatically. Better low end performance and more top speed and stability. Every time I hear another report like this I am amazed.<br /><br />I wonder what would happen if the prop was changed to a three blade with a bit more pitch. Maybe DHadley could venture a guess. Possibly more speed? Since Hole shot is no longer an issue.

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: Another Smart tab report, 21' Lavey Craft I/O

I too have heard nothing but good things about SmartTabs. My friends boat works much better with them. I plan to get them when I get the spare change.<br /><br />Would it be correct to say that SmartTabs make up for a bad hull design?<br /><br />Or do they just make a good boat better?<br /><br />Ken

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Another Smart tab report, 21' Lavey Craft I/O

Kenimpzoom;<br /><br />Hull design is of course and issue, but much has to do with boat balance. If you send your address to us (john@nauticusinc.com ) we will send you a tech report explaining boat balance and performance. It may be of interest. <br /><br />Regardless of the hull design, having a section of the hull that is adjustable, to compensate for changing conditions (ie: weight, load balance, water conditions, wind, boat speed, etc.) is an invaluable tool to improve boat hull efficiency.<br />Regardless of the boat (power boats).

 

[DJ]

Re: Another Smart tab report, 21' Lavey Craft I/O

LubeDude,<br /><br />Did you get a raise? <br /><br />Nice installation.