Re: Hey Lubedude!!!
kclost;<br /><br />What "proof" would satisfy you?<br /><br />"Scientific" would indicate that there was some formula available. I am not aware of this - especially when there are so many variables. Water conditions, weight or load, load balance, hull design, engine performance, etc.<br /><br />The way all of the national magazines have tested the Smart Tabs is to conduct a before and after test which has always included top speed. These tests are conducted over approximately 1 1/2 hour time span. The Smart Tabs are installed on the boat, then disabled by removing the actuator. The "Before Tests are then run with the Tabs non functional. Then the actuators are installed ( takes about five minutes) and the same tests are conduction. The attempt is to keep all variables as close to the base line as possible.<br /><br />In all cases we were able to significantly improve overall performance, including the Top Speed. I will say that all of the editors were amazed that the top speed was improved.<br /><br />This is the explanation: When a manufacturer designs the hull, it's anticipated use is the number one criteria. For example if the boat is to carry 500,000 Lb. they build a barge. If the boat is to pull skiers, they build a MasterCraft. <br /><br />In other words the hull design dictates the performance of the boat. Since the hull is fixed (rigid) the "maximum performance" window is limited. For example: the best fuel economy will be at a specific RPM/MPH, and the speeds below and above this point will degrade. As the boat goes lower it sits deeper in the water and the engine works harder. As the boat goes above the sweet spot the hull design will restrict the speed in one way or another. Generally the most restrictive high speed characteristic is porpoising. The up an down movement of the bow keeps the boat from achieving top speed. <br /><br />Trim tabs allow the operator to adjust the hull design to compensate to the variables. In the case of Smart Tabs, they do this continuously and in concert with the conditions. The porpoising is minimized (if not eliminated) because the tabs act like a suspension system , dampening the up/down movement even though they tabs are fully retracted. Since they are continuously under a load (once the water pressure exceeds the actuator load the tabs are up but under a load) they create a suspension effect. Additionally, the Smart Tabs load (pressure) can be easily adjusted to insure that the system is set to maximize the performance at all levels.<br /><br />It is simple but it works, and we have never failed to improve the performance of a boat. The leading magazines such as Trailer Boats, Boating World, Boating, Boating Life, and DIY Boating have all come up with the same results on boats from 13' to 20'.
