[Snowaterdude]

Alright ! I just finished reading all 100 posts on smart tabs and I am somewhat convinced that they will help my boat. My 93 Talari MX200, 5.0 L planes quite fast which is not a huge issue for me. My biggest concern is when I have 2 or 3 passengers sitting in the back and I'm the only one in the front driving. As soon as I start trimming up when I drive at 30 or 35 mph, the bow starts rocking up and down non-stop like if I was going over big huge smooth swells in the ocean.

Very annoying ! I can not trim at all unless I sit some people in the bow. My boat is a 20 footer weighing 2550lbs empty. What actuator do I need, the 60's or 80's? Will the tabs fix my problem with the bow rocking up and down when I have passengers sitting on the rear seat?

[mikeyt]

The Smart tabs should resolve your porpoising problem. Given the size of your boat i would consider using the 80# actuators.

[mikeyt]

Originally Posted by Tom

Thanks for the advice!! At this point it will be a spring purchase unless I find a deal!! Will there be any slow down in planning going to the 3 blade from the 4?

If there is any it would be minimal.

[Snowaterdude]

Originally Posted by mikeyt

The Smart tabs should resolve your porpoising problem. Given the size of your boat i would consider using the 80# actuators.

Hi Mike ! I see you live in Cambridge. I live near Barrie! Do you know of any dealers selling the smart tabs in Ontario or do I have to order online from the states?

[wplaine]

I just got to test the Talari Z215 with new smart tabs. Did screw up the data by going from a 1/4 tank of gas to a full tank, about 200 lbs dead weight. On plane was about 1 sec faster, top speed up 3 mph and bow rise greatly decresed. Overall very pleased with the install.

[mikeyt]

Originally Posted by wplaine

I just got to test the Talari Z215 with new smart tabs. Did screw up the data by going from a 1/4 tank of gas to a full tank, about 200 lbs dead weight. On plane was about 1 sec faster, top speed up 3 mph and bow rise greatly decresed. Overall very pleased with the install.

Excellent news and very glad to hear the Smart Tabs helped !

[Snowaterdude]

I bought a set of Bennett trim tabs with position indicators. I can't wait until the spring to install them. They will definitely do the job.....The price was steeper than smart tabs, the only draw back...

[Vacation Dave]

I went with Bennett sport tabs dual cylinder 12 X 12.It was 7 yrs of saving since they are pricey.

I'm really happy with them. Great performance. Since I want to enjoy the ride and not tinkering with adjustments,

I also purchased and installed the computerized automatic level controller. Once set you don't need to adjust the tabs.You still need to adjust the trim on the engine, however.

[Paul F]

Dave,
I'm sure you'll be very happen with the Bennetts. You'll be able to adjust for your load for a very nice ride.

Smart tabs are great for a 16 to 20 foot boat where you can't justify the expense of Bennet tabs. In addition, regular tabs on a small boat can be hazardous as improper adjusting at high speeds could throw someone out of the boat.

[Snowaterdude]

This is why I purchased Sport Tabs 12 X 12. I'm hoping it will eliminate the porpoising. I can't cruise at a decent speed without bouncing up and down, specially when everyone is sitting in the back. Of course, this is where they all wanna sit. Even when I'm fully trimmed down, it still happends.

I also wanna keep the bow down at lower speed. My boat plains really quickly with that 305 but if I wanna cruise at 25 mph or so, I can't seem to keep it plaining. I hope the Sport tabs will do it. I was going to purchase the Automatic Tab Control (ATC) but wasn't sure how well it worked.....I decided I was going to play with the switches along with the position indicators. I like the idea of auto retract when you turn the ignition off....I will install all this in the spring, it's now snowmobile season....Gotta play all year around!