Smart tabs

[Cool It]

hey guys,<br /><br />Getting ready to unwrap the boat. thinking about smart tabs this year. Question-- will I lose any speed with these. Also how do they help in the chop IT looks like they will help side to side but how about the bounce through the chop?<br /><br />Thanks<br />Cool It

 

[JasonB]

Re: Smart tabs

I didn't lose any real speed with mine adn since they make my trim more effective, I can control the bow atitude more in all water conditions. Side/Side is one place they don't do much.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Smart tabs

I actually gained speed when I installed them as I was able to go to a larger Pitch prop, also keeps it flatter. Its a Bass Boat though. If you lose speed, you need to lighten up on the angle and the stiffness.

 

[Don S]

Re: Smart tabs

Best thing to do whould be to get hydraulic trim tabs, then you can adjust to whatever the conditions are, not just boat speed, plus you would have side to side trim that you can't have with the smart tabs.....They ain't that smart

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart tabs

Cool it;<br /><br />Top speed should increase with Smart Tabs, and if it does not it simply means that the pressure needs to be adjusted. As for side to side stability It should be compared to the suspension system on you car. Don S is recommending helm controled tabs as these will give you maximum ability to control port to starboard listing. This is most usefull when the boat is wide, or you are in major swells, or have severe balance issues.<br /><br />However; the single best advantage (performance) is not only easier planing, but the fact that Smart Tabs are always active and adjusting to the conditions. The imrpovement in the ride and handling is un-matched on smaller boats.

 

[nrladeere]

Re: Smart tabs

I put a set on my 22' Chris Craft last year. Absolutely fantastic. I have been boating for over 30yrs and this is the best upgrade you can do for the money on a smaller boat.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Smart tabs

I dont know how much I have mentioned this, and it isnt a problem with all boats, but with the bosss 21' Laveycraft speed boat and my Bass Boat, water would wash over the back of the boat when you powered down too quickly, but now you can just chop the throtle and come to a stop without even any water coming over the stern. Kinda cool really. The tabs just come down on there own and the stern lifts right up and no back wash.

 

[Cool It]

Re: Smart tabs

John <br /><br />I am getting ready to order the smart tabs-I have a 2288WA(registration says 21') Cuddy I/O 200 HP- weighs I believe about 3500lbs --- is the 12x9 17'-21' 150-240 HP ok for my weight???

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Smart tabs

I have a question for the Smart tabs folks. Did you notice any difference when backing up? Wont the tab be pushed all the way out acting like a snow plow causing the transom to sink and making the boat hard to steer?

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Smart tabs

I dont notice a problem, I guess you dont back up fast enough for it to be of concern.

 

[JasonB]

Re: Smart tabs

They don't hurt my backing ability. It stinks with or without them Mine are only 9x12 or so I think and are only down at at 30 deg angle if I remember correctly.

 

[Cool It]

Re: Smart tabs

How far does my transducer from my electronics have to be from the tabs-- I hope I do not have to move it???<br /><br />Thanks for your input!!

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart tabs

Cool It;<br /><br />Sorry for the delay in responding. The ST1290-80 should do the trick. Regarding the transducers - Transducers should not be affected by the Trim Tabs as long as they are not above the tabs. The manufacturers say to keep them some distance from the out drive or OB motor because the out-drive and / or motors are below the transducer. The signal from the transducer is like a upside down ice-cream cone, therefore as long as the object is not in its path there should be not problem.<br /><br />With regard to backing up - If the plates were set at a severe deployed angle they would create brakes in both directions. This is why we recommend 25 degrees deployment as standard. At this level when the boat is in reverse, it is highly unlikely that you would back up fast enough to create a problem.

 

[Peter1959628]

Re: Smart tabs

Excellent product would recommend on runabout/ski boat.<br />cant knock the adjustable ones as i have never used.<br />Cured my problems of chinewalking.<br />Reversing no problem.<br /><br />Ps. John,i still have the protective layer on top .How much longer will it stay there?

 

[Cool It]

Re: Smart tabs

Thanks for all the feed back guys. I ordered them .will let you know how I like them once I get in the water, which hopefully will be by Mid April <br /><br />Thanks<br />Cool It- Russell

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart tabs

Peter;<br /><br />I am wondering that myself. It was meant to be taken off upon assembly. They would look better without it. Thanks for the support.

 

[jmc830]

Re: Smart tabs

john i have a 2004 four winns 214 fun ship have you sold any for these boats was looking at the transom and it is stepped in where the out drive is and the outer corners have a brace for the swim platform been looking for a pic on the net for you to see havn't found one yet i would really like to put the tabs on it the fun ship searches really bad at non planing speeds