Can I use Smart Tabs with this hull?

[reference123]

I am interested in using smart tabs but am not sure it they would work with this hull design. You can see an image of the area here (not my actual boat but same year and model)- <br /><br /> http://groups.msn.com/GlastronCarlsonPhotoSite/1978cvz18.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=1382. <br /><br />I intend to remove the ladder and replace with a swim platform so the ladder location should not be an issue. Mainly worried about angle of transom.<br /><br />Any help is appreciated.

 

[Tufan]

Re: Can I use Smart Tabs with this hull?

Looks like you have the space, to make sure<br />I'd contact to the factory - they reply right away, follow the link:<br /><br /> http://www.nauticusinc.com/index_1024.html

 

[reference123]

Re: Can I use Smart Tabs with this hull?

Actually, i sent them an email a week ago and have never had a reply. Thanks for the tip though. Maybe I will try it again.

 

[gsbodine]

Re: Can I use Smart Tabs with this hull?

nautiJohn (the SmartTabs owner/inventor/whatever) hasn't been on lately. I saw him mention to Dhadley that he was going out of town. I'm sure he will get back to you as soon as he returns. He spends a good deal of time on here. search for his nautiJohn's posts. they often have his 800 number listed on them.<br /><br />good luck.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Can I use Smart Tabs with this hull?

I have installed a couple sets of these Smart Tabs. It looks like you may have an issue with the angle of your transom, You may have to use a lighter set of actuators. Also you will have to install them inboard more than the average installation and move your trailer tiedowns because they will interfere where they are now.<br /><br />John is indeed at some show somewhere, but he will catch up when he returns.

 

[reference123]

Re: Can I use Smart Tabs with this hull?

Thanks lubedude. I was hoping someone could help with this before I ordered them. I was afraid the angle of the transom would be an issue. I dont want to go the hydrofoil route but that may be my only option (trying to get plane speed of boat down to about 15mph versus 20mph).<br /><br />Any other possibilities would be appreciated. Our setup is a little different from the image as we have an OMC800 and a small block 305 v-8. Boat planes plenty quick (3 seconds with 4 adults and full tank of gas) but when pulling a tube or wakeboarder I get lots of bow rise and would like to reduce planing speed.<br /><br />While I would hate losing some top end speed (currently in the high 40's) the primary use of the boat is pulling people so top end speed is a secondary priority.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Can I use Smart Tabs with this hull?

It apears you already have a foil of sorts, and it will have to be removed with the adition of the tabs. The Tabs will do what you want, but as a down side, you will lose a large portion of your low speed wake, (which is a favorite with wakeboarders). My boat used to plane at about 25 MPH, Now with the tabs, I can maintain a plane at or even slightly below 15 MPH.<br /><br />Wait befoer you order for John to get back to you.

 

[reference123]

Re: Can I use Smart Tabs with this hull?

lubedude, thanks for the reply. The image is not actually my boat. It is the same year and model so the hull is the same. I actually have an OMC800 stern drive and no hydrofoil. I dont have the transom exhaust either but have the v-8 engine (versus the v-6 they have). I cant get an image of mine at the moment as it is in the shop.<br /><br />I havent tried a hydrofoil yet but have one i bought a week ago before finding info on the smart tabs.<br /><br />As for a wake for the wakeboarders, we are just trying to learn to get up for more than a few seconds so it will be a while before jumping the wake will be an issue

 

[reference123]

Re: Can I use Smart Tabs with this hull?

lubedude (or anyone else that knows) assuming we can use the smart tabs, would it be possible to lock them in a position if we wanted to negate their effect. Say if we wanted a wake, could we take off the actuators and put a bar on that holds them in a position that would not hurt nor help performance?

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Can I use Smart Tabs with this hull?

Yes, I installed mine and wired them up as you say, to get before stats, and then hooked them up and did tests. The actuators come off easily.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Can I use Smart Tabs with this hull?

Reference; <br /><br />Just got back!<br /><br />You should be able to install them OK.<br />I would try between the two strakes even if you need to overlap them.

 

[reference123]

Re: Can I use Smart Tabs with this hull?

I am not sure I understand what you mean by between the strakes even if they overlap. Would'nt I want to go as far to either side as I can and still have room to mount them?<br /><br /><br />Thanks and good to have you back.

 

[JasonB]

Re: Can I use Smart Tabs with this hull?

Nice Carlson. I had to modify the swim ladder and add a swim platform to my V-195 after installing tabs, But I knew it before I started and had already planned to install the platform.

 

[reference123]

Re: Can I use Smart Tabs with this hull?

Thanks. Ours is in a lot better shape than the one in these pictures. The upholstery in ours is fairly new and the boat had been very well cared for. We added a tower and bimini top which have been really nice. The main purpose for the tower was to allow us to have racks for the skiis and wakeboards.<br /><br />Much cheaper than getting a new bigger boat.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Can I use Smart Tabs with this hull?

The ribs on the bottom of the boat that run the length of the hull I call strakes. When mounting the tabs on the transom you should pick the mean line of the "V" and ignore the strakes. Placing the tabs as far to each side as is reasonably possible will maximize your side to side stability. Moving them in closer to the center will reduce the amount stability improvement a little.

 

[reference123]

Re: Can I use Smart Tabs with this hull?

Thanks for help all. I ordered a set of smart tabs from the factory today. Cant wait to get them and try them out. I will post info on the improvement once all is done.

 

[reference123]

Re: Can I use Smart Tabs with this hull?

Installed the tabs this morning. Went out before installing them as we had to adjust the boat position on the trailer to install them. Had to stay below WOT because of rough water and porpoising.<br /><br />After installing the tabs, could not only go to WOT but could almost fully trim before any porpoising would occur. We were cutting through chop in our little 18 foot boat some of the 21 and 22 foot boats around us were having a hard time with. We still need to fine tune but they are great. <br /><br />We plane in 2 seconds flat and reduced our minimum planing speed down to 15. Bow rise all but went away.<br /><br />Best performance enhancement money I have spent to date.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Can I use Smart Tabs with this hull?

reference;<br /><br />Glad to hear you are pleased. Once you have tuned you Smart Tabs let us know the final results. Maybe on a new post. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us.