Another Smart Tabs Report

[Mr.Ladyfish]

I just wanted to report on our installation. My only experience with trim tabs was on bigger boats. Friends with cabin type boats seemed to be able to set them & pretty much forget them for the day unless conditions changed. Cigarette type boat owners seemed like they were always messing with them. I just never figured they would be worth the expense for our boat. <br /><br />After reading some reports and researching Smart Tabs I decided to try them. Our boat is a 21 ft. Wellcraft CC w/150 Johnson and t-top. It weighs about 3800 lbs.with full fuel (gas & beer). I installed the Smart Tabs about a month ago. It was easy to do and took a little over an hour for me with just a few basic tools. I followed the instructions and set the tabs in the middle of their adjustment range. The only detrimental effect they had was to drop top end speed by about 2 mph. John told me to adjust them for less pressure and sure enough I got the top end back. It has been really windy and the bay has been pretty choppy compared to when we made the “before” run so I expect the numbers to improve a little more when conditions get back to what they were when we made the original run. These are the results (speeds are GPS):<br /><br />Speed To Plane: Before – 21/23 MPH; After – 17/18 MPH<br />Time To Plane: Before – over 7 seconds; After – less than 5 seconds<br />3000 RPM: Before – 15 MPH; After – 16.5 MPH<br />4000 RPM: Before – 28.2 MPH; After – 29.1 MPH<br />WOT: Before – 42.5 MPH; After – 42.8 MPH<br /><br />As you can see the performance improved in every thing I checked but what is not shown is the improvement in the boat handling. I always thought the boat handled pretty good but it did chine walk in hard turns. Now the boat is solid at any speed. I can crank it over at WOT and it just turns, steady, no chine walk at all. <br /><br />I would highly recommend Smart Tabs to anybody who is considering tabs on a smaller boat like ours. They bring you to plane quicker, allow you to remain on plane at lower speed but most of all really improve the stability and handling of the boat. <br />Anyone with specific questions can email me at rodney.shaut@co.galveston.tx.us

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Another Smart Tabs Report

Its hard to beleive untill you experience it isnt it?<br /><br />Another great report on Smart Tabs.

 

[richg99]

Re: Another Smart Tabs Report

I received my package today. When the monsoon rains stop here in south TX, I'll install them and get them on the water later this week. I hope my assessment will be as postitive as yours. RichG TX

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Another Smart Tabs Report

Mr. Ladyfish;<br /><br />Thank you for taking the time to test Smart Tabs so extensively. I understand that the handling was key in your mind due to the water conditions in your boating area, but i am happy that you took the time to readjust the lift pressure, and pick up the little bit of speed that you had lost. If the boat runs better at top speed the hull is more efficient at all of the other speeds as well. Results - better fuel economy. For as much as you are out there that should add up quick.<br />Thanks Again!