I talked my friend into get a set of the SX Smart Tabs for his 18 ft Beachcraft 898 runabout. He was in the process of building a new motor that is basically stock but with 9.4:1 compression.
I helped him put them on the other day (I do like the SS tabs better, I hope these do not break) and today we took it out to test the new motor and the Tabs.
He was totally blown away. Although we did not get to check top speed due to engine break in requirements, here are the unmistakable benefits.
With moderate acceleration the boat jumped up on plane. Never had a second of bow rise.
The steering effort was more even between left and right and you could practically let go of the wheel, at speed, and the boat would continue on straight.
Low speed wander was virtually eliminated. No longer did he look like someone from an old fifties movie, seesawing back and forth on the wheel.
When you eased the throttle back, you could not even tell when it came off plane. There was no change in attitude. It just settle in.
This all was just with two of us in the boat. I told him to wait until he had a boat load and the difference would be just as remarkable.
If there ever any affordable products that do more than advertised, Smart Tabs are certainly amonst them.
Personally, however, I'd like to see some stainless steel actuators. I think they would go a long way to extend the life of said same.
I helped him put them on the other day (I do like the SS tabs better, I hope these do not break) and today we took it out to test the new motor and the Tabs.
He was totally blown away. Although we did not get to check top speed due to engine break in requirements, here are the unmistakable benefits.
With moderate acceleration the boat jumped up on plane. Never had a second of bow rise.
The steering effort was more even between left and right and you could practically let go of the wheel, at speed, and the boat would continue on straight.
Low speed wander was virtually eliminated. No longer did he look like someone from an old fifties movie, seesawing back and forth on the wheel.
When you eased the throttle back, you could not even tell when it came off plane. There was no change in attitude. It just settle in.
This all was just with two of us in the boat. I told him to wait until he had a boat load and the difference would be just as remarkable.
If there ever any affordable products that do more than advertised, Smart Tabs are certainly amonst them.
Personally, however, I'd like to see some stainless steel actuators. I think they would go a long way to extend the life of said same.