Smart Tabs vs Trim Tabs

[Peter1959628]

Re: Smart Tabs vs Trim Tabs

ps do you like your Mariah?

 

[Bill_Hein]

Re: Smart Tabs vs Trim Tabs

Yes I Like my Mariah so far. We just bought it though last winter and have only had it out a couple of times. A friend of mine owned it before and sold it to me. <br /><br />He up sized to 26' bowrider and since he was a first year boater I am betting he thought he was overloading the boat making it steer funny. <br /><br />The Mariah looks good, the interior is nice and all in all it seems to be well made. It runs great and with just my wife and I in it is a blast to drive.<br /><br />Are you happy with yours?

 

[Boatist]

Re: Smart Tabs vs Trim Tabs

Bill<br />Do not be affraid of the adjustable tabs. After about 10 minutes of practice it is as natural as a little more or less throttle or a turn of the wheel left or right. Easy to learn.<br /><br />I use my boat in ocean, lakes and rivers. Each location I adjust difference. In the lakes and rivers do not do much adjustment. Times I would adjust would be like in a flat condition where running with bow pretty light for best MPG and see a boat cross ahead with a big wake. I would trim both sides down about 1 second to use the sharp bow to cut the wave.<br /><br />My boat natually planes at about 20 MPH with engine trim about the middle. Again I am not a skier but have went along to drive others boat a few times. Skier I have pull seem to like something in the 25 to 35 MPH range. Single Slalom skier and heavy skiers seem to want more speed. Light skier with doubles want less. Borders want even less. With my tabs all the way down my boat will stay on plane to about 8 MPH. In general If I was to pull a skier who wanted the same speed all the time I could set and forget. Set where the bow is low enough to cut any major wave but not plow at all. You can still use engine trim to make small changes. If next light young kid wanted to try a board at much slower speed I would need to readjust the tabs. If the Next one wanted big wakes to jump I would need to adjust again. <br /><br />For me as a fisherman I am mostly looking for a better safe ride. In the Ocean or bigger lakes with rough water nothing better than adjustable tabs. It will make my 21 foot boat ride like a 26 foot boat. In big chop you adjust one way, in big swells you adjust another way. For the best safe ride need to adjust speed for conditions then trim for ride. <br /><br />I will say this the Bennett tabs I bought back in 1981 came with a single JOY stick control to adjust tabs. I later changed to dual rocker switches which I like better.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart Tabs vs Trim Tabs

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart Tabs vs Trim Tabs

Originally posted by nautiJohn:<br />[QB] BillP;<br /><br />Please do not compare our Smart Tabs to "Fixed" tabs. Smart Tabs are an active system. Given that they are active and consistently working, making an instant correction from the helm is not necessary. By the time you notice a required change in attitude, Smart Tabs have already made a correction. Since you have no personal experience with the product, it is difficult to imagine just how effective they are. We are now supplying the US Navy, US Coast Guard, the State of Maryland Natural Resources Police, The Toronto (Canada) Marine Police unit, and others on boats from 15' to 24'. They are being used in the Ocean and inland lakes. Pictures are available for verification of this statement.<br /><br />I restate that the activity of the boater is likely to be the deciding factor between Smart Tabs and Helm Controlled tabs. On my larger boats (25' & 30') I used Bennett Tabs, on my 22' Sea Ray and 10 ' Zodiac I use Smart Tabs.

 

[JasonB]

Re: Smart Tabs vs Trim Tabs

I have the Smart Tabs on my 19' Glastron and theya re miles above the doel fins I tried first. The fins had some reel negatives, including making the boat roll more. Powered tabs would be nice, but a) I really didn't want another button to adjust. My trim switches require me to reach across the dash with my left hand already. b) I didn't want to spend the money that the Bennett's cost. The Smarttabs do what I need and helped all but one problem that my boat had. The boat is still sensative to moving weight aroung inside the boat, but that is an effect of the specific hull design. The tabs helped that a bit, but John had already told me that it wouldn't fix that problem when I purchased them. The SmartTabs are well worth the money I paid for them.<br /><br />On the other hand, Ihave a set of the doel fins on my 15' tri-hull and it will never be without them as they improved its handling greatly, but it is a completely different hull and is very light.

 

[Bill_Hein]

Re: Smart Tabs vs Trim Tabs

NautiJohn,<br /><br />How far out do the Smart Tabs extend from the back of the boat? <br /><br />I have a ladder that comes down from my swim platform and from what I can see it is going to right in line with either set of tabs, Bennett or Smart. Just want to make sure someone doesn't get their foot all cut up trying to climb the ladder.<br /><br />ALso - how sturdy are the Smart Tabs? What guage do you make them out of? If someone stepped on them by accident would it bend them easily? <br /><br />Thanks<br />Bill

 

[BillP]

Re: Smart Tabs vs Trim Tabs

Nautijohn,<br />A tab that isn't controlled from the cockpit is a "fixed" tab to me and to most other experienced tab users. The fact that one has to stop the boat and adjust smarttabs to meet conditions makes it that way. Ask experienced yachtsmen around the docks what an "active" trim tab is and they will say "cockpit controlled". <br /><br />As in all products the "activity of the boater" dictates what equipment he needs. It doesn't take a phd or personal experience with the product to understand smarttabs are "active" in a window of conditions. That window of conditions has limits (load, speed and sea) and the tabs are adjusted by stopping the boat and hanging over the transom. As your previous postings advise, adjust the tabs a time or two to dial the setting in for conditions. Whereas the cockpit controlled tabs adjustments are done while at the helm without stopping. "Active" tabs, no matter how smart, cannot think like a human unless equipped with a gyro...which is programmed by a human. <br /><br />Whether the boater NEEDS cockpit adjustable tabs for his application is a personal choice. Keep my lack of experience with your product out of the mix, it doesn't change the facts. Each type has it's place and doesn't mean one is inferior to another...but one is more versatile and why is clearly explained by Boatist.<br /><br />Like Boatist says, dual switches are the way to go.

 

[Mr.Ladyfish]

Re: Smart Tabs vs Trim Tabs

BillP, I think you may be mistaken about Smart Tabs. I have them on my 21' CC. You may or may not have to adjust them when they are first installed to get them set correctly for your boat. From then on unless you change something major there is no "stopping the boat and hanging over the transom". The tabs are hydraulic and work similar to the shocks on your car. They automatically adjust to the conditions. I have had them for about 2 months. I made a minor adjustment after our first run with the tabs to get back to my original top speed. I have not had to make any adjustments since. While they are probably not as "good" as helm controlled tabs they do an excellant job for what they were intended. I can not tell you how much they have improved the handling of my boat. For a smaller boat like mine the price difference made Smart Tabs the smart way to go.

 

[JasonB]

Re: Smart Tabs vs Trim Tabs

Mr_bill, I'm not NautiJohn. nor can I speak for him (just a user of his product), but i can tell you that I used 12x9" tabs, so they extend 9" off the transom. They are made of fairly thick stainless. I wouldn't worry much about bending them. I too have a problem with tabs of any make fitting due to my swim ladder, but I am removing that ladder to install a platform, so it didn't bother me much. The edges of the plate are bent up at a 90 degree angle for strength, but thee areno majorly sharp edges.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Smart Tabs vs Trim Tabs

Originally posted by BillP:<br /> Nautijohn,<br />A tab that isn't controlled from the cockpit is a "fixed" tab to me and to most other experienced tab users. The fact that one has to stop the boat and adjust smarttabs to meet conditions makes it that way. <br /> That window of conditions has limits (load, speed and sea) and the tabs are adjusted by stopping the boat and hanging over the transom. <br />

Its very obvious you do not understand the smart Tab design., and do not want to.<br />------------------------------<br />

 

[quantumleap]

Re: Smart Tabs vs Trim Tabs

Mr. Bill- I have ridden in a few Mariahs of different sizes and all were very stable, well handling rigs. I have never heard of a factory rigged boat like yours having those kinds of dangerous handling problems. I doubt they would sell many if that's the way they performed when new. I am almost certain that simply removing the foil will solve your problem with no additional expense required on your part. Let us know how it works out.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart Tabs vs Trim Tabs

BillP;<br /><br />Thank you for clarifying your description of "Fixed" Tabs. I simply did not want anyone to confuse our Smart Tabs with the "Step & Trim" device or the welded trim tabs sometimes used on aluminium boats to correct torque lists. <br /><br />Frankly I am pleased that you are a strong proponent of trim tabs regardless of the type, as I think that they are extreemly under-rated when it comes to the overall boat performance and handling. Too much emphasis is placed on the use or mis-use of the prop on smaller boats.<br /><br />I would like to point out that even Bennett recognizes the advantages and convenience of an "automatic" system as evedenced by their Auto Control system which can be added to their standard manually controlled sytem.

 

[Peter1959628]

Re: Smart Tabs vs Trim Tabs

Bill ,<br />I am totally pleased with my Mariah being its a 94 and almost pristine condition,with a new motor in 2001 due to a winterizing problem of a previous owner.<br />I have photo's if you want i can e-mail to you.<br />With & without tabs.<br />In the water you cannot see them,going along unless your are on a turn will be difficult to see.<br />Ladder is nowhere near so it's highly unlikely to use them as steps.(also which is shown in my pictures.<br /><br />John the protective plastic is still on top!<br />Bill if you want e-mail me <br />phcnc@carolina.rr.com

 

[Bill_Hein]

Re: Smart Tabs vs Trim Tabs

Peter,<br />Did you have to move anything on your hull? Lools like I have some kind of sensor and also a speedo that will need to be moved before I do anything. <br /><br />Pictures would be great! I did look at mine while on my lunch today and I agree - the ladder will not be a problem.<br /><br />Bill

 

[BillP]

Re: Smart Tabs vs Trim Tabs

Just to make it perfectly clear to those saying I'm wrong or don't understand or don't have experience, yada, yada, yada...re-read my posts and nowhere do I bash smarttabs or other type "fixed" tabs. An opinion was asked and I gave.<br /><br />Nautijohn...I have no problem with any type tabs. Most boat do better with them in one way or another. Someday I may try smarttabs...but it depends on the boat. Right now that boat isn't in the pick. This may sound funny but have you tried tabs on a small high performance sailboat? Large tabs might do something...and I want credit for the discovery...Sailorboy Tabs TM.<br /><br />Ladyfish...I'm happy that your tabs didn't need adjusting on the initial installation. But didn't you say you adjusted them after installation to get better speed? Now you only have to re-adjust them when and if you change the loading (as mentioned in above posts) in your boat. The only problem I see with not playing with adjustments now is you may be able to tweak better performance from them with different settings. Without doing that you have no benchmark to go by. <br /><br />LubeDude, why are you making this personal? Your experience with tabs is one set on one boat for only a few months. Not exactly a credible voice of experience on the pros and cons of various tabs. Re-read my earlier post and think about it. Then come back in a few years with more experience and express your thoughts on tabs. Meanwhile please make your personal attacks toward someone else.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Smart Tabs vs Trim Tabs

Originally posted by BillP:<br /> LubeDude, why are you making this personal?

Not at all, I never saw anything that was personal towards me, just quoted what you said, and it is wrong as to the performance of the Smart Tabs and the way they function. What can I say?? It just appears to me that you do not think they will work as good as they do. You are the only one that wants to deny there performance, and it is you that has no experience with them. Just look at all those that have them and love them. Have you seen anyone put them on any number of boats of different styles that didnt like them? No, not yet, that should say something to you. Maybe youre not against them, but you offer no support for them either. <br />Nothing persanal here.<br />-------------------------- <br />

 

[BillP]

Re: Smart Tabs vs Trim Tabs

LudeDude,<br />Re-read my post...As usual you jump to conclusions with a narrow mind and minimum of info or expertise. Then twist words around to belittle someone. As evidenced with your incorrect interpretation and bashing on my character with quotes. NOBODY here needs you to critique them on what to post and be positive or negative about. You have made no positive comments about cockpit controlled tabs. Why should you if you don't want to? I don't see anyone chastising you about it.<br /><br />Here are the FUNCTIONAL and verified facts again. If you don't agree you are wrong and don't want to understand or say anything positive about cockpit controlled tabs. <br /><br />Clue #1..Tabs with cockpit controls are more versatile than ones you have to adjust by stopping and changing settings. <br /><br />Clue #2...Re-adjusting is what you have to do with Smarttabs and any passive tab with mechanical adjustments. <br /><br />Clue #3...No matter how "active" smarttabs are, they still don't cover ALL changing conditions without re-adjusting at the transom. Get that into your skull and try to understand it.<br /><br />With the above said it doesn't mean non-cockpit controlled tabs are better or worse...each type has it's own application and reason for use.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart Tabs vs Trim Tabs

My sincere appology if I have led anyone into this heated debate. It is my wish that we all move on and allow everyone the right to their own opinion without judgement. I appreciate both the supporters of our product and that of other products.

 

[Bill_Hein]

Re: Smart Tabs vs Trim Tabs

Ditto - I didn't mean to start WWIII - I was just looking for honest opinions and experiences.<br /><br />I thank everyone for their input - it gives me plenty to think about. My plans are to take the boat out today or tommorrow - less the hydrofoil - load it full of people and see what happens. Then I will decide what needs to be done.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Bill