[Firestone]

Forgot to add pictures

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[Scottie1961]

Ok, for any doubters about the smart tabs, another testimonial about how effective these little guys are! I immediately removed the whale tail thing off my Outdrive. Still planed out pretty well but I was not happy with the holeshot especially with skiers. I've used smart tabs on other boats so I knew they would help. Picked up a set of 80lb composite tabs at Bass Pro just to see what they would do. Installed them early this morning and took her out for some tubing and skiing this afternoon. I am very impressed with how quickly the Shabah pops up with these tabs. Boat full of gas grandkids and stuff had no problem pulling everybody on whatever they wanted to ride! Almost like driving a different boat😊 I highly recommend you consider smart tabs if you're trying to get better performance from your boat. Had the tabs set on 3 and lost 1 or 2 mph rop end but didn't have time to mess with adjusting. I'm sure I can get the top end back if I play around with them. And yes we are still skiing down here in the south.

[ASchlem]

Well i'm in also. Just ordered a set of SX10512-80 from Hodges Marine online for $114 shipped. Add it to the list of thing to do in the spring. I hope they work as well on my Z250 as they have for everyone else. Keep the pictures coming if it wasn't for you guys I don't think i would have had the courage to try these.

[baholtz]

ASchlem,
I really like the plate retractor kit PR500. It gives me the ability to put them up when I beach and I don't have to worry about them catching the bottom and ripping off. On my 202 there was just enough room.

Note: Even with these in the up position they still change the shape of the wake. Overall, I've been really happy because the boat stays on plan easier. However, the curl is significantly different. Better for skiing, but not as much pop for wakeboarding.

The benefits significantly outweigh the minor downsides to this product....

[GaryDoug]

Ordered my Smart Tabs today, SS ones at 80 lbs (ST1290-80) according to advice from Greg at Nauticus. I just want to minimize the idle speed steering wander. Greg said these would take care of it. Don't really care about the rest of the benefits. Actually I kinda like getting a bit vertical on take-off ;-) I may miss that. Did everyone just use screws to fasten them to the transom or did any of you use bolts (if practical)?

And how on earth does anyone get to the plate retractors for these? I would have to go overboard I think. I haven't ordered those yet.

[Paul F]

Try them, but based on other posts, most end up exchanging for 60s. Can't get enough bow lift with the 80s.

[GaryDoug]

How much leeway do you have with the installation positioning? Can these be minimized by installing them a little high or putting the strut mount higher than normal?

[pllevine]

Originally Posted by Scottie1961

Ok, for any doubters about the smart tabs, another testimonial about how effective these little guys are! I immediately removed the whale tail thing off my Outdrive. Still planed out pretty well but I was not happy with the holeshot especially with skiers. I've used smart tabs on other boats so I knew they would help. Picked up a set of 80lb composite tabs at Bass Pro just to see what they would do. Installed them early this morning and took her out for some tubing and skiing this afternoon. I am very impressed with how quickly the Shabah pops up with these tabs. Boat full of gas grandkids and stuff had no problem pulling everybody on whatever they wanted to ride! Almost like driving a different boat[emoji4] I highly recommend you consider smart tabs if you're trying to get better performance from your boat. Had the tabs set on 3 and lost 1 or 2 mph rop end but didn't have time to mess with adjusting. I'm sure I can get the top end back if I play around with them. And yes we are still skiing down here in the south.

Think I like that combo of the trim tabs AND the Captain's Call exhaust....


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[MTH]

Originally Posted by GaryDoug

Ordered my Smart Tabs today, SS ones at 80 lbs (ST1290-80) according to advice from Greg at Nauticus. I just want to minimize the idle speed steering wander. Greg said these would take care of it.

I did not realize the tabs were capable of fixing that idle steering wander... That bugs me so bad. I would love to hear more feedback on how effective they are after you try it out!

[GaryDoug]

I am guessing it has something to do with adding a small amount of drag to the back of the boat on both sides, like towing a couple of small sea anchors. Keeps the boat from changing course too easily. I will report the results. I find in interesting that most boating site folks think the Bravo 3 duoprop system will not have that symptom, but I think it is really the twin drive systems that do not.