smart tabs info?

[litwor]

I have a 22' mako and wonder if anyone has these on their boat ? The price is right but do they work offshore in a following sea ? thanks

 

[scrobo]

Re: smart tabs info?

I just bought them for my 14' runabout. I ordered the SX series online.

I would suggest the seller 1-866-864-8480 on eBay. It was less $$$$ than other sites, delivery in Canada was not subject to border fees and fast shipping!

We're going for a test soon. Maybe next weekend. My boat would suddenly list to one side when the engine was fully open (40hp Merc) and plane time was very very slow. The manufacturer AND the seller both agree (along with the nice folks on iBoats) that this should help.

And they look pretty boss too.

 

[scrobo]

Re: smart tabs info?

Sorry... forgot to add....

On a side note... they were super easy to install. Less than 1/2 an hour. It took more time to buy the sealant for the screws than it did to do the entire install.

Also... down at Port Dalhousie there is a fellow with a 15' runabout with a 65 on the back. He's out on Lake Ontario all the time with it and he has the Smart Tabs installed. The boat barely tilts when steering. And Lake Ontario is a pretty choppy body of water. I'd say go for it. What could it hurt?

Of course.. If I sink next weekend due to them... I will be sure to let you know

 

[litwor]

Re: smart tabs info?

sorry people I didnt think to do a search . Reading the post's now , great info !! thanks

 

[dingbat]

Re: smart tabs info?

Buy adjustable tabs for that boat. When I asked the same question I was told to tie up the Smart tabs with a rope when I wanted them retracted for running in a following sea.

I looked around for a while and ended up getting a set of helm controlled, adjustable tabs for $100 more than Smart tabs. Couldn?t be happier with the decision

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: smart tabs info?

Smart Tabs are better than no tabs, and far and away better than a hydrofoil. If you get them, use your trim to adjust for following seas.​

 

[litwor]

Re: smart tabs info?

adjusting the trim will work huh , thats an option I never thought of . hate hydo's had one on an I/O and had to really crank on the wheel sometimes even with hyd steering . thx

 

[78big10]

Re: smart tabs info?

i also bought smart tabs how did you interpet the 25degree employed part when installing heard alot of good things about them

 

[scrobo]

Re: smart tabs info?

I used a protractor and made a 25 degree angle with it on some cardboard. Then cut it out into a triangle and put it against the transom and lowered the plates to the 25 degrees with it. I guess it's so you can go up 2 holes or down 2 holes on the tab without any obstruction.

 

[RCSConstruction]

Re: smart tabs info?

I only have one gripe about them
My wife gashed her shin and I dang near tore me toe nail off because they are so close to the swim step.
I have the Stainless ones and they are pretty sharp.
My wife said to take them off, I told her she could just not get on.....hehe
I do need to figure something out though.

P.S.
I used a 7.00 angle finder like the ones used for bending steel.