Re: Smart Tabs
 

Holt thread resurrection Batman!

(Just wanted to keep all the info in the same place. :D)

I think I'm sold on these guys, and my boat is pretty dang similar to yours. Did you ever work out the 60lb vs 80lb issue? Also did you ever figure out if they hurt top end at all? I notice now that they have fancy levers that let you can add to retract them. I figured that would come in handy for wake boarding, etc...

More importantly, are you still sold on them a year later?

Re: Smart Tabs
 

You found the thread!! I was looking myself and couldn't decide which one to refer you to (and by the way, thanks for keeping it in the same thread - it helps when doing searches).

I have to admit, I got a bit lazy and still love them so much that I haven't touched them since!! I swear I still feel a bit of drag (and some spray coming from further up the boat than I think it should), but I haven't cared enough to disconnect them and see what kind of speed I get. Maybe I'll jump on that this weekend and let you know.

But to really answer your question - yes, I still love them! The ride is MUCH smoother and the hole shot is great. I highly recommend!

Re: Smart Tabs
 

Awesome! Good to hear. I keep beating a dead horse, but the Chaparral 2130SS I'm getting rid of to keep the Talari was such a smooth boat that I got way too spoiled. The misses likes a smooth ride so I've been nervous how she's going to like the trade off. I think the big difference is that the Chaparral has sponsons that go all the way to the back of the boat instead of notching in like the Mariah's, so you get more like a 22' hull contact with the water. I'm hoping the tabs will help give that extra surface area that I'm missing.

It's not a horrible ride, it just feels like it could be smoother. I think I'll get a set post Memorial day so I have a good before and after comparison.

Thanks again for the help!

Re: Smart Tabs
 

If they are set correctly, they are supposed to increase your top speed.

Don't know if that's true, but they were right about everything else in their claims.

I haven't had the opportunity to check my top end.

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Re: Smart Tabs
 

As my SX18 has quite a pronounced nose up attitude with people sitting in the back, I took the plunge and ordered a set of Smart Tabs:)

They turned up today and if it doesn't rain I will fit them on Saturday afternoon.

I hope that they live up to their claims:)

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Re: Smart Tabs
 

I am thinking of adding smart tabs to my Z202 shabah. They would have to go inboard so I think I will have to move the little paddle wheel thingy. I am not sure where I would move it too, and I would love to hear from anyone who has moved it; is it easy to shorten and re-connect the cable? Could it go between smart tab and keel or would this interfere with flow to the prop?

Cheers

Ian

Attachment 1860

Re: Smart Tabs
 

Hello Indy

No problem at all with swim ladder, these things work great.
If you want pics of my install give me an email #
thanks

Re: Smart Tabs
 

New here on the site. I really appreciate all the information on the smart tabs and I ordered mine today. I called Greg at Nauticus and he suggest the ST1290-80 tabs for my Mariah 215Z 5.7L Bravo III. I just got the boat and I must say it is horrible out of the whole and tends to porpoise. I am praying this helps!

Re: Smart Tabs
 

Hello, could I have pictures of your install! Do you need my email or what does the # mean

Re: Smart Tabs
 

You'll be thrilled and amazed at the results! At least I was.

If you have trouble trimming the bow up, you'll need to lighten them. I would think that 80 would work great on your heavy boat, but if you can't get them light enough, they'll trade them out for 60's no problem.

Great customer service, too!!

Re: Smart Tabs
 

Installed and tested the Smart Tabs. Wow.........what a difference. This is best $158 I could have spent. I am so excited about how the boat performs. I can stay on plane at 2200 RPM where before it wasn't even close. The porpoising was eliminated the hole shot amazing. I installed the st1290 80lb. Installation fairly easy but wish the would have a right and left hand plate attachment to actuator. I had to heat it and bend to make the tab installation even. Anyone installing, please make sure you take this into account.

Re: Smart Tabs
 

Has anybody installed these on a 2000Z?

I have a mariah 2000Z 1992 and have the smart tab stainless 80's

All the suggested locations dont allow enough height for the actuator. The only lace I can see to install is near the ctr near the outboard part of the engine.

That would make them a good 22" + from each side of the boat and will also be an issue for the trailer as this is the same location the boat sits on the trailer guides.

If anybody has done this and has any pics I would be grateful

Thanks

Re: Smart Tabs
 

This discussion sure has legs!! We have them on our 94 Talari . Backing is not a problem at all. Low speed planing is much improved, down to 15 mph. The problem we have is the list to the left that I can not get rid of. We went to the 60 lb. actuators as well and that improved the nosedive, but the list remains. We have tried changing the position of the tabs left and right and it hasn't mattered. Ours are mounted as far to the edges as possible. We never had a list before the smart tabs. The prop was nicked up a bit this past year and we're going to have it redone, am also considering going back to a 3 blade from a 4. It's always a project!!

There is no question, however, that the boat planes much quicker with the tabs-2 out of 3 ain't bad!

Re: Smart Tabs
 

The list to left is caused by the torque of your propeller. I tore up my 14.25x 19 Stilletto prop on a wing dam and put back on my stock 14.00 x19 Aluminum and it greatly reduced the list to port. Hard to imagine that 1/4 inch diameter makes that much difference.

Trimming the outdrive out helps also.

Re: Smart Tabs
 

I wondered the same thing. The Prop Wizard is suggesting a 15 1/4 x 15 or 14 1/4x 17 or a 14 1/4 x 19. Any ideas??

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14.25 x 19 if you stay with 3 blades.

I've fixed my Stainless prop, but I'm leaving the aluminum on for now.

I think I like it better, especially for slow cruising.

Re: Smart Tabs
 

I agree with Paul, 14.25 x 19" is the correct choice for Tom's Talari.

btw...i've got a 4 blade 20" SS prop on mine along with the Smart tabs & i dont have any list whatsoever.

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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?

Re: Smart Tabs
 

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?

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

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If there is any it would be minimal.

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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?

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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.

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

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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...

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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.

Re: Smart Tabs
 

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.

Re: Smart Tabs
 

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!

Re: Smart Tabs
 

You all convinced me that Smart Tabs work great and that I reeeeeeally neeeeed them.

I just ordered SX9510-60X Factory Blems @$106.87 deliveredfrom iboats.com . I have 4 or 5 months to get them on before the weather warms up enough to play in the water. This will give me plenty of time to decide the best location to install them. I'll document the installation with pictures as I install them.

Steve

Re: Smart Tabs
 

Hey Everyone.

Sorry to resurrect this thread, but it is a good one!

I have a 1995, 202 Shabah with a 5.7 Alpha 1. I was thinking of getting the SX tabs, but not sure since it is a bit heavy with the big block.

I do not have porposing issues except when overtrimmed. I am looking for slower plane speed for wakeboarding.

Dave

Re: Smart Tabs
 

I am also considering these for my 2001 - 180 Diablo. I'm not sure what style to go with on my boat.. so i've been reading the different opinions online. I do know that a hydrofoil is not an option now.. I thought they were good.. but all the negative press online has steered me away.

Does anyone on here have a 180 with the tabs installed? can you post pictures if so? Thanks, Nick

p.s. I was also concerned about the swim ladder, will it be in the way of the tabs when down?

Re: Smart Tabs
 

I have 60lb set on my 1995 Talari 180 and they work great. Is the bottom hull the same on a 2001?
You should be able to mount them inside the ladder no problem.

On a different website, I've seen them mounted on some pretty radical transom designs. Haven't been on Nauticus's web site for a while, but they used to have some photos showing various ways to mount them.

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Any input on a 202 Shabah. I thought I saw some used the SX and a few used the SS.

Input appreciated.

Thanks.

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I think you are right on the edge of moving to the SS version. I would email (or call) Nauticus & speak with John & give him the details of your boat (weight/length/engine?normal load etc).

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ok.. Thanks.. I did talk with the owner several years ago, but it was too new at the time and I really wasn't sure if I wanted to go this way vs adjustables.

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I believe I am going to order these. How well do they control list? Sorry if that's the wrong term (only my third day of ownership lol). I had to move people around 4 adult.. and 4 small kids. It was probably a big load for a small boat (2001 Diable 180), however the 3.0 didn't have much problem getting on plane. The problem was getting weight equal on both sides. The kids didn't effect much (they are all 2-4 years of age).

Where is the best place to purchase these? I can probably go with the SX series right? My kids are to small to get in and out of the water.. so i'm not worried about them stepping on them (unless it's on the trailer and they try to climb in the boat like monkeys).

Thanks again,
Nick

Re: Smart Tabs
 

Some people set the port side stronger to help with list caused by prop torque. I find triming the outdrive to be more effective.

You really need electric or hydraulic tabs to adjust for loads, but smart tabs will take care of everything else.

Re: Smart Tabs
 

installed the ss tabs last week on my 94 z202 and was extremely pleased with them. felt the 80 lb actuators were too stiff so they sent me the 60 lb ones and going to try them this weekend. these were a great investment.