[johnnymo]

We like the Lenco's trim tab system for boats under 28 ft. the reason is the trim tabs move together when you hit the buttons since they are electric units compared to hydraulic units. Most Hydraulic trim tabs with a single hydraulic pump will have the trim tab move slower that is farthest away from the pump itself. The closest trim tad to the hydraulic pump will move faster. Also IMO they are easier to install plus you will never see oil leaks like the hydraulic units nor have oil leaks in the waterways. Might help down the road because any spillage in the waterways can cost you a heavy fine. J M O.

[mikeyt]

Originally Posted by johnnymo

We like the Lenco's trim tab system for boats under 28 ft. the reason is the trim tabs move together when you hit the buttons since they are electric units compared to hydraulic units. Most Hydraulic trim tabs with a single hydraulic pump will have the trim tab move slower that is farthest away from the pump itself. The closest trim tad to the hydraulic pump will move faster. Also IMO they are easier to install plus you will never see oil leaks like the hydraulic units nor have oil leaks in the waterways. Might help down the road because any spillage in the waterways can cost you a heavy fine. J M O.

Agreed but, that's not what we're talkin' about here. Nauticus' Smart Tabs are the subject along with trimming of the outdrive. Lenco's & Bennetts are nice and maybe worth it on large / larger boats but on anything under 25', the Smart Tabs are far more cost effective.

[Oregondunes]

Originally Posted by gahooligan

just got the smart tabs installed and ready to hit the lake this weekend the question is do you still trim all the way down when taking off or is it no longer necessary

when you go to the lake, take the tools necessary to adjust the tabs. I found that following their instructions to a tee and using the supplied shocks, I found it worthwhile to try different settings.

I ended up removing one the shocks from each side and setting the lowest installed setting (most trim) to the least downward position for the best overall performance. I have since reduced the initial tension even more by flipping the bracket to allow shock to mount slightly higher.

Take an hour and play with it.

[Rick Senn]

Installed the 12.5 x 10 smart tabs sx on my 240 Talari this week and took her out today. What a difference! No more wander at low speeds and more importantly, on plane in a few seconds and stay there at very low speeds pulling two kids wake surfing/knee boarding/etc along with a spotter in the rear. Best $150 purchase this summer (excluding the bi-weekly non-ethanol fuel purchases). I plan to do some high speed runs tomorrow since the weather here in Vermont is forecast to be sunny and in the low 80's again.

[johnnymo]

I have not looked at smart tabs in awhile so I went to their website. I was going off of years ago info that if I recalled when they first came out they were for boats 20 ft and under with lower hprsepower ratings. I currently looked at their website and it lists boats from 10 ft to 22 ft and horsepower ratings up 240 hp / 250 hp . They also have a listing for boats 23 to 30 ft but I did not see the hp rating for these.

I would think boats that are able to produce high speeds that smart tabs would not be able to handle the water pressure coming off the transom. Anyways I can see for a low cost alternative compared to trim tabs, smart tabs would be a great buy but not for every application.

[Andy b]

Originally Posted by johnnymo

Anyways I can see for a low cost alternative compared to trim tabs, smart tabs would be a great buy but not for every application.

No one solution will ever be the answer to all problems.
But in this instance I think the benefits that Smart Tabs offer to a sub 25' Mariah are well documented.

[ColoradoDiablo]

Originally Posted by Andy b

No one solution will ever be the answer to all problems.
But in this instance I think the benefits that Smart Tabs offer to a sub 25' Mariah are well documented.

Agreed all the way!!

[Rick Senn]

JohnnyMO,

I called them directly to see what size of tab and hydraulic lb rating would be best.

Rick

[gahooligan]

Per advice above I will be doing some adjusting. I will say ghough, my wife noticed immediately that the bow stayed down during holeshots which was very very nice, I can take kff sitting down now!! I noticed thag it plains almost immediately. And my son immediately noticed how much better it rides and commented on it without prompting! It definately corners MUCH better as my 202 shabah seems to "slide" a lot at higher speed when turning. The slow spped steering Iis better and is much easier to control when docking for sure
But... I want to change settings and have some more questions.

1. It really felt to me like it was holding the front down too hard. Like really digging it in the water, which explains why it rode so nice.
2. There was a LOT of spray from the tabs even at 40+ mph and well planed... is this normal?? It looked like two hoses spraying a fan of water Iinto the wake where there is normally the smooth shallow dip in the water from the bit of hull when planed out good. ( hope that makes sense) like the tabs never came fully up and parallel with the hull.. Do they ever stop spraying up water or is this normal?
3. When I installed the tabs there was some water in the starboard side of the transom that came out the holes. Left side was dry. I remember someone else mentioning this but have not gone back to research it further and see what the responses were.
4. Should I try the tabs on the lowest resistance setting and will it make much difference? They are set at no3 (the middle hole) as instructed right now.

I have a 99 shabah 202 and installed the sx tabs w/60lbs actuators... thanks for the suggestions, opinions, personal experience and help guys. It really helps alot! I love this site!

[Oregondunes]

Id go to the lowest setting next. If it's still holding the nose down too far, Id have them send you the next lighter shock.