Not happy with Smart Tabs?? Say it isn't so.

[Drowned Rat]

I just got a set of Smart Tabs for my 14' inflatable. They are the ones made to roll up with the boat. It appears the same attention to detail that went into their other products didn't make it into these. First, they don't fold flat to the transom as advertised. Not even close. The screw holes in the piano hinge are directly opposite each other so the screw heads hit when you try to fold it up. All it would have taken is to offset the holes a little to prevent this problem. In fact, the picture of them on iboats shows the holes offset, but they aren't.

The fit and finish of the product leaves something to be desired as well. There were some incorrect hardware choices. Bevel head screws are used where pan heads would work and look much nicer.

Although I haven't used the boat yet with them to see how they actually work, I'm a little concerned about the tab material they used. It's a white composite that is quite thin and even a little flexible with hand pressure. The tabs made sort of a crunching sound when bending them ever so slightly. They appear to be a 3 ply plate and I'm worried they will delaminate at some point. There is no reinforcement like on the SX series. I'm worried they will flex too much when underway. I should have just ordered the SS ones because there is no real advantage to these at all.

On a positive note. I also ordered the retractor bracket and it is a stout piece of hardware and works wonderfully.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Not happy with Smart Tabs?? Say it isn't so.

have you contacted Smart Tabs about this. they may correct it, before bashing them on the open forum. could be as simple as their supplier, delivering the wrong hinge.

 

[Nandy]

Re: Not happy with Smart Tabs?? Say it isn't so.

I don't see this as bashing. Good info, thanks for the post.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Not happy with Smart Tabs?? Say it isn't so.

I'm not bashing them TD. I got the product directly from Nauticus. I'm just giving an honest review of the product.

I've praised Smart Tabs on numerous occasions and I love my Smarts Tabs on my Sea Ray.

I think Nauticus would appreciate the honest field apprasial.

 

[Hitech]

Re: Not happy with Smart Tabs?? Say it isn't so.

I think Nauticus would appreciate the honest field apprasial.

I think they would also, esp. if you called them and gave them the apprasial.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Not happy with Smart Tabs?? Say it isn't so.

D R;

Sorry you are not satisfied. Let me help with some info. The hinge should be mounted on the top side of the plate so that the 3/8" thick plate does not keep the hinge from folding. Next, you should have received flat heat screws to mount the trim plate to the hinge, The flat head should be on the top of the plate and the nut on the bottom. The plate itself is made from a three layer starboard material similar to layering plywood so it does not warp. In the four years that we have been supplying this we have never had a de-lamination problem. Also, since the actuators are limited to 20lbs, the stress are also limited. I would not worry about the strength.

Keep in mind that we have a five year warranty on the components, and two years on the actuators. This is not a prorated warranty. Please call if you need further assistance (800-233-0194).

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Not happy with Smart Tabs?? Say it isn't so.

D R;

I forgot to tell you that if we can not make you satisfied, we have a satisfaction guaranty and will exchange the product or refund your money. We want you satisfied! Give us the opportunity.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Not happy with Smart Tabs?? Say it isn't so.

Thanks for the reply. Good news about the plate material, thanks. Pan head screws were provided to screw into the hull and flat head screw to go throught the plate. I did set up the plates as you describe. The problem is that the holes on the hinge are directly opposite so the screw heads hit before the plate folds flat. The top of the plate is about 6 inches from the transom when folded up as high as it will go. I believe the hinge should have offset holes that are countersunk. Make the hinge material thick enough to be able to countersink holes and then provide flat head screws for both sides. The plate would then fold completely flat.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Not happy with Smart Tabs?? Say it isn't so.

Nag, nag, nag.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Not happy with Smart Tabs?? Say it isn't so.

call John (800-233-0194).We want you satisfied! Give us the opportunity.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Not happy with Smart Tabs?? Say it isn't so.

Guys, I'm not asking for anything. Just explaining how the make the product better. If you don't want this post on here then just delete it.

 

[jeffnick]

Re: Not happy with Smart Tabs?? Say it isn't so.

Drowned Rat,
How about some pictures?

 

[steelespike]

Re: Not happy with Smart Tabs?? Say it isn't so.

Gee DR don't be so testy. SBN is just being a jokester.It seems to me smart tabs has always been very accomodating and a phone call up front would have served you better with a post afterwords with your feelings, opinions, suggestions.
I'm guessing that unfortunately the hinge is probably a proprietary part and thus may be predrilled so is adapted to the application.Every post I have seen the smart tab folks have been very helpfull and I bet if you call that number you will be happy.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Not happy with Smart Tabs?? Say it isn't so.

D.R

It appears that you have installed them correctly. I will check into the issues and get back to you via this forum or if you wish you can email me (john@Nauticusinc.com). The plates should fold up to about two inches from the transom at the top.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Not happy with Smart Tabs?? Say it isn't so.

Guys, I'm not asking for anything. Just explaining how the make the product better. If you don't want this post on here then just delete it.

'tis the season DR.
Ho! Ho! Ho!

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Not happy with Smart Tabs?? Say it isn't so.

I know Spinner was just joking. Wow! Nauticus has some fans on this board for sure.

I'm not worthy. DR<<< chanting.

I know Nauticus' customer service is good, I've called them before. I don't need any resolution on this matter, I was just stating some facts about the product. Jeez! These tabs are still a bargain and I'm sure I'll be happy with the performance aspect of them.

If anyone is still interested, here are pics of the install.

Here you can see the problem I was talking about, not that it matters.

Here is the retractor bracket in the retracted position. This device works great and is very stout.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Not happy with Smart Tabs?? Say it isn't so.

Yes, even if both sets of screws were the flat head type, it would be better.
I concur, they should be offset so as not to meet like that.

 

[mdunn]

Re: Not happy with Smart Tabs?? Say it isn't so.

Hey DR.
I just recieved my Smart Tabs and you mention the retractor bracket?
Quote "Here is the retractor bracket in the retracted position. This device works great and is very stout."

Can you re-deploy the tabs while in the water?
I tried calling Nauticus but they are closed for the day.
The retractors would be a good solution for me when trolling with my kicker if I could re-deploy.
I didn't see anything about them on the Nauticus web site.
Thanks.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Not happy with Smart Tabs?? Say it isn't so.

mdunn,

Yes, if you notice that steel handle looking thing, that can be raised or lowered at any point. You would need to be stopped so the actuator doesn't have a load on it, otherwise you might pinch your fingers. It can also be mounted in the reverse manner to act as a trolling brake. Cool little gizmo. It pulls the tabs above the plane of the hull when retracted so trailering or beaching is easy.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Not happy with Smart Tabs?? Say it isn't so.

very nice install. in agreement that the screws need to be changed, on off centered.