[azboatman]

Originally Posted by WetWilly

Please read post #21 on this thread, Mikeyt explained it there.

Thanks....thats some good information.

[azboatman]

Originally Posted by mikeyt

I'll try to cut out the 'wind'

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. There is a lot of information on their website also. Their website link is: http://www.nauticusinc.com/smart_tabsSX.htm

Do you have any recommendations between the SX composite vs. the stainless steel tabs?

[mikeyt]

Hi Az

A little additional info. The composites work just as well, if not better, than the stainless versions. For your 18' i would suggest the 60# actuators. The 80# units are better suited towards the 20-24' range. Dont be afraid to email John at Nauticus if you are having any problems setting them up. He is more than willing to help you out.

[Paul F]

Based on what I've read on the Trailer Boats threads and my own experience, I would go with the 60lb for sure.

[300sflyer]

Installed my smart tabs today. One thing to note is the two brackets that mount to the tab itself, are the same. That is they are not a left and right.

I mounted the left tab first and wanted to keep the two of them as far apart as possible. When I went to mount the right one, I had to bend the stainless bracket 180 degrees, in order for it to fit the same way the left tab did. This way I ended up with a left and right bracket.

Hopefully, I can get out on the water soon, and test them. I have a hunch they are going to work well.

[mikeyt]

The install looks good to me. Now it's just a matter of adjusting them to the correct settings for your boat.

[300sflyer]

I set them at 25 degrees, [as recommended in the instructions] and in the middle of the adjusting slot on the tap itself. Guess I should bring a couple of wrenches along the first time out on the water. Hopefully, they will be close to the optimum setting now.

Are there any tips I should know about with regards to how the boat performs with them? That is, some way to tell if they need adjustment, and in which direction?

Thanks,

[mikeyt]

Originally Posted by 300sflyer

I set them at 25 degrees, [as recommended in the instructions] and in the middle of the adjusting slot on the tap itself. Guess I should bring a couple of wrenches along the first time out on the water. Hopefully, they will be close to the optimum setting now.

Are there any tips I should know about with regards to how the boat performs with them? That is, some way to tell if they need adjustment, and in which direction?

Thanks,

If i remember correctly, when you raise them you lower the stern. You may find that you could lower them 1 notch. I would try both settings and see which one you like better.

[Paul F]

If you feel like you're plowing through the water with little bowrise or you feel that the boat is acting squirrely, you will need to lighten them.

If you adjust at the tab, make sure that you adjust at the top attachment also, maintaining the 25 degree angle to your hull.

[vkrishan]

I instaled my SX9510-80 smart tabs a week ago and gave the 3M 5200 marine adhesive an entire week to cure. Then took my 21'10" davanti out for a test spin. Both the smart tabs broke off at exactly the same point - where the actuator connects to the tabs. And yes, I installed them as per instructions... exactly as per instructions

Tells me that for a boat my size, the SX tabs aren't what I should be getting. I got an email back from John at Nauticus saying I should go for the steel ST tabs as the boat is a bit much for the SX tabs... Anyways, it was too late for that, so I called up John at Nauticus. He knew exactly why they had broken off - because the transom bracket and the trim tab hinge weren't on the same "plane". He's sending some replacement steel connectors that will accomodate the installation.

Let's see how it goes after the parts come in.