Question for smart tab users

[Husker-Q]

I installed SX-60's on my Sea Ray 182 but have not tried them out yet. Hope to get out tomorrow and will post results.

My question is what trim level do you aim for with these - I'm so used to keeping at full trim to keep porpoising down I never get to go past 1/4 trim! Looking forward to see how they perform

Thanks!

 

[Maclin]

Re: Question for smart tab users

With properly tuned tabs, meaning the right struts and hole settings, the boat will plane easier and you can begin to trim up sooner as you accelerate from a dead stop. The boat should be able to hit the same mph as before and proably 1-2mph better once the trim is applied. With the properly tuned tabs the hull is not only planing faster but is holding plane easier so now the trim can be used to set the optimum angle of attack for the prop and that is where the more mph comes from. You may be able to trim past 1/4 but you also may find that 1/4 is ideal and the boat has more mph at 1/4 without beginning to porpoise.

If your mph is slower, or even the same, after mounting the tabs then there is some tab tuning to do. Usually that means the strut pressure is too high and needs to be adjusted my moving to a different hole in the mounts, or if already at the "lowest" setting then a change to a less powerful strut is indicated.

 

[Shabah 182]

Re: Question for smart tab users

i have a similar setup with an 18 foot bowrider, 4.3 liter mercruiser and 60lb Smart Tabs. I run them in the second position grom the transom and can plane instantly. I also can trim up to the mid point on my trim gauge without and cavitation. No porpoising at all.

 

[Sunsetrider]

Re: Question for smart tab users

Could I love anything more than the Instant Planing with Smart Tabs?
No.

 

[QC]

Re: Question for smart tab users

My question is what trim level do you aim for with these

The best answer is we always aim for the trim level that meets the conditions regardless of tabs or no tabs. Based on your comment about porpoising, I think you will find you'll be able to use all of your trim range under most conditions. You adjust for speed and comfort of your passengers. Go for it. You tell us