smart tabs

[what66]

HI I was wondering if smart tabs would work good on my 1960 14ft elgin 25hp?<br />it's fiberglass and has remote steering and engine controls.

 

[Tufan]

Re: smart tabs

they work like a miracle... check it out<br />in-expensive also.<br /><br /> http://www.nauticusinc.com/index_1024.html

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: smart tabs

Our applications include boats from 9' to 22'+<br />with motors from 8 HP to 240HP+<br /><br />The upper limit is dependant upon the boat balance and weight. We have done (successfully) boats as long as 26' with engines up to 340HP, however these are not the norm. Our distributor in Norway sent in test results on a 8.5' Zodiac with a 3.5HP outboard. I would never have recommended this, but they tried it. The boat would not plane at all with one person, and without the Smart Tabs. They say that it planed and via GPS got up to 13kn with the tabs. <br /><br />Your boat is an ideal candidate for the ST980-40.<br /><br />Let us know how they work! FYI - don't use Smart Tabs with a hydrofoil of any type.

 

[peevuto]

Re: smart tabs

Would I use smart tabs on a brand new 2004 boat? Why would I need them?

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: smart tabs

The age of the boat is not the criteria for trim tab benefits. Would you put flaps on a new airplane (wing)? <br /><br />Trim tabs are not a bandaid for fixing old boats or problems. Although they will remedy a lot of problems, they are control devices which improve the overall performance and handling of just about any planing hull power boat. Small boats have traditionally not been equiped with trim tabs for two reasons: 1) the cost relationship (of helm controlled tabs) to the boat value of the boat; and 2) the potential for serious handling issues because one tab was deployed by accident. <br /><br />Also the power to weight ration of small boats is often 1 1/2 to 2 times that of a 35' cruiser, therefor the small boat would eventually plane. There is a lot more to boat handling and performance than just planing or not planing.