Smart Tab Install-results

[dutch135]

Ok, finally got the boat in the water last nite<br />with the Smart Tabs on. In conversation with John, he figured on the 60 lb tabs, but when I ordered another person recommended the 80's.. so, I started with the bottom setting about 1/4 away from the least most pressure setting, and I think I will try it all the way, and see how it goes. I felt last nite like I lost maybe 2 mph, but acceleration was so much better, no bow rise hardly at all.. the boat did much better in reverse around the dock, and the slow speed wander is gone! Just as everybody else has mentioned!<br />It felt much more stable at high speed corners, almost made the boat feel flat on the water. Tonight will be another test,, with about 5 more people and possibly trying to pull the wakeboarder. <br />My planing speed was as low as about 13, incredible to just cruise at a low speed. I thought planing time was about 3 seconds,, just seemed like a straight pull and on plane so quickly. I did notice a bit more spray from the back of the boat, and maybe that is due to having too much pressure still. I am still not so sure that I won't be dropping to the 60's. <br />Here's a pic of the tabs on my contoured stern. <br />Installation was a breeze as everybody says.<br /><br />

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[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart Tab Install-results

dutch;<br /><br />First, if you have lost speed then the pressure is too high. Second, it looks as though you left the white film on the plates, That is a protective film for shipping and handling purposes. It covers the polished finish. You can remove it.<br /><br />The extra spray in the back is most likely do to the extra presure. When you reduce the presure the spray should go away.

 

[dutch135]

Re: Smart Tab Install-results

Thanks John,<br />Sorry about the pics, I can't see them,, not sure how you can!<br /><br />How much pressure are we talking along the length of that adjustment on the bottom grove?

 

[vipzach]

Re: Smart Tab Install-results

Your pictures were there a minute ago, but not now. The more and more I see and read about these tabs, the more I want them. My wife gets tired of me driveing faster so I can stay on plane, she doesn't like the bouncing around. The more I see, I think these may be the perfect solution.

 

[s1jor]

Re: Smart Tab Install-results

will these tabs shrink the wake of a boat cause they lift the boat out of the water??????? not to good for wakeboarding if they do?? thinking of getting some but wont if thewake disapears

 

[dutch135]

Re: Smart Tab Install-results

ok, enough of yahoo crap,,<br />put them on photobucket,,, <br />we'll see if that makes a difference..<br /><br />As far as my tab setup,, the boat is a Crownline 182,, just over 18', with a 4.3LX 4bbl mercruiser... turning a 21p (today slightly dingedup) aluminum prop. Once I get the tabs adjusted properly, I am contemplating a prop change, possibly to SS, and from there maybe even to 23P, I'm turning just about 5,000 rpm's now with the aluminum.. and realize that's a tad high. And, with the new acceleration characteristics with the tabs, I may not lose any hole shot, and could pick up a few mph... to put me over the 50 MPH mark!

 

[dutch135]

Re: Smart Tab Install-results

I will try to let you know about that tomorrow,, if my son brings his board with him today, I will be able to try it with a load of people in the boat. <br />Also, it doesn't take much to "tie" them up if you wanted to not have them affect the boat while boarding. I actually think it's going to be fine, and with some trim adjustment can still keep the bow up a bit and keep some good wake for him. I think the tower would be the biggest thing to improve the boat for him, but,, that's a bit more than I'm going to invest at this point. (about $1200 for a decent one)

 

[BRG25]

Re: Smart Tab Install-results

Question for John...<br /><br />Looks like dutch installed the top left ball stud backwards (according to the instructions). I did this also when I installed mine. It seems to work fine. Do you see any problems?

 

[dutch135]

Re: Smart Tab Install-results

BRG, <br />I did that to try to keep the tabs as far outside as possible, and put the upper brackets so the screws were closer to that contour, and so that the top of the actuator could snap on and off with enough room and not have to worry about interfering with that contoured area. <br />I don't see any reason it would hurt, and felt the instructions were a bit vague about it.. almost like it's a non issue.<br /><br />where do you boat? ever get up to Caz lake?

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart Tab Install-results

Dutch and BRG;<br />There is no problem with changing the Ball Stud position. <br /><br />S1jor;<br /><br />Regarding the wake size: How far the stern / boat sets in the water (draft) is what determines the wake size. The trim tabs will normaly reduce the wake at any given speed. For example if your are running at 20mph (your minimum plane speed)the trim tabs will allow the boat to be up on top more and reduce the wake. Two things can be done, one is to trim the bow up with the tilt trim on the outdrive, and/or slow the boat down. Keep in mind that the boat will run at about 15 mph on plane with the tabs. The slower speed will allow the boat to draft more. The third option would be to bring the tabs up so that they were not working. This would however create a high bow rise. You could also move more people to the back of the boat, or add bladders of water.<br /><br />I wish I could tell you that trim tabs do not affect the wake, but they do. However other things can be done to bring at least some of the wake back.

 

[BRG25]

Re: Smart Tab Install-results

Yea, I haven't had any problems with the ball stud installed that way.<br /><br />Nope, never been to Casenovia lake. I mostly stay on Skaneateles, Cayuga and Owasco Lakes although this weekend I'm taking my boat up to Alexandria Bay.

 

[dutch135]

Re: Smart Tab Install-results

Skaneateles is one destination I am going to try to get to this year. They say a tour around that lake is quite a sight to see,,, I have driven the roads, but never seen the homes from the water.

 

[s1jor]

Re: Smart Tab Install-results

do you sell the trim tabs in the uk??????????

 

[garycinn]

Re: Smart Tab Install-results

I too have spray in the back of the boat. I think mine is worsened because of the small spacing between the tab and the I/O. I have adjusted the 60 lb actuator to the lowest setting. The spray has gotten better the lower the setting, however it is still there except for WOT. I will be calling John for the 40 lb'er. My understanding is that the 40 on the highest setting is about like the 60 at the lowest setting, so I will have to do more fine tuning. I just hope the 40 lb'ers are the same form factor as the 60's.<br /><br />BTW, I also put the studs on different sides to maximize the distance for outward mounting of the tabs, but still keeping them evenly spaced.<br /><br />Here is my setup:<br /><br />

 

[dutch135]

Re: Smart Tab Install-results

Gary,<br />How do you like that 4 blade prop?<br /> I am still struggling with prop choice, and am picking up a 23 alum this weekend (can't refuse a good deal). But, with my sons last nite, we had a conversation about props.. and my older one mentioned the 4 blade, which could be the answer for us. We had 6 people, and full load of fuel last nite,,probably close to 1500 lbs in that 18', and I have to admit that even with the 4bbl 4.3, we struggled a bit pulling the boys out on skis (trick) and the wake-skate. But, with one or 2 in the boat, I can over rev up to 5000... so my fear is if I bump pitch up to help the WOT, then my pulling may suffer.. although the smart tabs have done a wonderful job with the bow lift, even fully loaded. As far as the wake goes.. with that much weight in the boat last nite it was hard to tell if we lost much, and actually with the wake skate and trick skis they didn't want all that much wake. The biggest difference with them in tow, was the ability to maintain slow speeds and stay on plane.. I could hold anywhere from 15 to 22 with no problem.. unlike without the smart tabs.. I also am awaiting the 60lb actuators as we speak..

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart Tab Install-results

S1jor;<br /><br />Yes we do sell in the UK! Try this distributor:<br /><br />Streamlined Propeller<br />Unit 17, Caverdist Mews<br />OFE grosenor Rd.<br />Aldershot Hants<br />GU1 13EH<br />1252-316412

 

[txswinner]

Re: Smart Tab Install-results

Nautijohn, I keep seeing others getting lighter actuators, what do a set of 60's cost I have 80's now and would like to try a lighter set.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart Tab Install-results

Txswinner;<br /><br />If your boat is running smooth at top speed and the WOT speed has increased 2 to 4 MPH, then your are there. If not then we should talk (800-233-0194) as it could be adjustments, or actuator pressure. Or ??? Anyway the cost is $39.95 each.

 

[garycinn]

Re: Smart Tab Install-results

Originally posted by dutch135:<br /> Gary,<br />How do you like that 4 blade prop?

As they say in the truck world, "it could pull stumps out." I love it. It is a Turbo 2+2 18P. I got the 20P and while it was much better than the 3 blade 21P aluminum re: hole shot, it wasn't where I wanted it. I exchanged it for the 18P. The 18P is absolutely wonderful for hole shot and mid range punch. The only problem is that it maxes out my rpms by about 200 rpm when I have a lighter load in the boat. I'm going to take it to a prop shop locally and for $50 they will add some cup to it. The problem is finding a time during the season to be without it and go back to the 21P.<br /><br />The rest of the details about my setup: 2750 lbs dry; Alpha 1.65 ratio drive; 18 deg deadrise; 8' beam.<br /><br />Sorry about the thread hi-jack.

 

[garycinn]

Re: Smart Tab Install-results

Regarding my earlier post about 40 lb actuators. I contacted John from Nauticus and I still need to do a WOT test (and a string retract actuator test) to see what the tabs are doing. From there we will be able to determine what to do. I'll post on another thread what happens.<br /><br />I know many have posted before that John helps out with support, but he has been very helpful -- both before and after the sale.