I'll try to cut out the 'wind' :D

Are Smart Tabs perfect? No. It would still be nice to have full helm control to balance side to side loads a little better at times. But, at the significant difference in cost & complexity, i am very happy with the performance of the Smart tabs.

Smart tabs usually require some playing with to get the setting just right for your boat. It's a simple job though & usually requires 2 or 3 runs while playing with the positioning of the tabs. Some people get lucky & it works well at the Nauticus suggested setting. The tabs do self adjust somewhat as your boat speed changes and that is one of the positive things about them. It took me a little playing with the right settings but in the end, there was a definite improvement in low speed wander and it did lower my 'drop off of plane speed'.

I didn't have a problem with the swim ladder positioning or with swimmers using a tab as a first step but i have seen others (on other boating websites) that have had some problem in that regard. Most of their problem was due to the design of the stern making it difficult to position the tabs correctly. The key to installation though is measure, measure and then measure again, use a pencil or whatever to mark the stern with and make sure everything is properly positioned before you use your drill. And use plenty of proper sealant. Also, i know their application chart tells you to use the 80# actuator version for your boat but...you might want to talk to Nauticus about trying the 60# actuator first. Those 80's were way too strong for my 18'. I would also suggest that Smart tabs are limited to boats 22' - 24' & under.

John, the owner of Nauticus, is always willing to help you out with questions on positioning of the tabs and where best to mount them particularly when you send him some photos of your arse. :eek_animated: There is a lot of information on their website also. Their website link is: http://www.nauticusinc.com/smart_tabsSX.htm

I've heard all the rants about Smart Tabs, and personally, if I had a smaller boat, I would add them without a doubt. They seem to be a foolproof setup, practical, and affordable. However I think my boat is just a slight bit too big and too heavy for them. I want to put a set of Lenco's on this year, if the budget permits, but the way it's looking right now isn't very good. A couple other boat projects have run a bit on the expensive side!

Hmmm that is one item I don't think I saw when I was wandering around the boat show yesterday.

Nor did I remember to keep my eyes out for them.

These still might be a thing to invest in for my lil diablo.

I added Smart Tabs to my '95 Talari 180 a couple of years ago. I used the 60lb actuators and my boat responded just like IndyKoch's. I like how it has smoothed out the ride, it's like someone added a suspension system to my boat.

It really helped in teaching my daughter to water ski. In the past, boat would dig itself into a hole and when it came on plane, you had to adjust the throttle back to slow down and that's when you usually lost your skier. Now the boat comes onto plane smoothly like a ski boat should.

I think I will put a set on my 210 Talari. Do you think I will need the 80 lb or the 60lb ones?

Thanks

Probably the 80lb actuators given the weight of your boat.

I have the 80lb actuators on my 21'. I have them at the least resistance setting, yet still seem to be just a tad too strong. I was thinking about getting the 60lb actuators, but never got around to it. I really think I'm at the point where the 80's are too stiff and the 60's will be too soft. I still see all the benefits of Smart Tabs, I just think they may be dropping my top speed a few clicks from too much drag. I'll update this thread if I do try the 60's.

I have been thinking of putting smart tabs on my Z-210. Mostly for the low speed planing benefit. The location you chose, Indy, is about where I would be stuck with them. I might be able to get them out near the chines, but then they would interfere with my trailer tie down straps. This is bad for me because my home port is also known as my garage.

Thank you Indy for trying it out and being an inspiration to the rest of us. And indeed I have never hesitated to ask my weightier passengers to relocate for the benefit of proper trim and balance.

It might be worth trying the 60lb actuators since there is a fair bit of adjustment available. I know the 80's were way too strong for my 18' and i've got the 60's set on the soft side of the neutral point. Nauticus had no issue with exchanging the actuators either so give it a shot & let us know.

Still trying to decide which ones to order. 60 or 80... The weight of my 210 Talari is 2850 lbs. If some of you with Smart Tabs happen to know the weight of your boat, it would be a great help.:)

Thanks