Re: Smart Tabs
 

davanti 205 did that until i put on trim tabs... don't know why it stopped but it holds a true course now.

Re: Smart Tabs
 

Hi guys,
I've seen leveling tabs or smart tabs as discussed here, however thought they were for leveling out the ride/tilt of the boat regarding weight and passengers. I can't see how they would affect the wondering issue. Prior to my Davanti 235 I had a 20” Sea Ray Cutty with deep V hull and it did the same thing, however not as bad.

I struggle to understand why more speed and on plain corrects the issue. With narrow water ways and no wake zones, this gets old real fast and I've yet to find a way to help overcome the issue. I have learned not to over compensate, however when other boats are near or you’re in a narrow passage way it gets dicey to keep from hitting someone.

Anyone used a fin attached to the stern drive as they advertise better handling. I understand they help hole shots by channeling the prop trust straight back so the boat pulls hard and gets on plain quicker. Not sure if it will help with the wondering though. I also have heard about the benefits of a 4 blade prop vs. a 3 blade Prop and have read/heard these provide better handling and improved trust, however the down side is a little off the top end. Will this help wondering?

Any thoughts, help or experienced comments would be help full.

Thanks,
Bob

Re: Smart Tabs
 

Put a fin on the outdrive and be prepared to catch holy he-- from most on this site.:rolling_laugh:

Use the "search" feature at the top of the page , you'll find plenty on the issue you describe.

Whether you see it or not , installing Smart Tabs set at the proper setting will help your issue greatly.
The only other way to resolve it completely is run a Bravo III drive system. They seem to negate the wander.

Re: Smart Tabs
 

Bob, everyone that has installed smart tabs raves about the benefits and.solving your issue is one of them. At $120 what have you got to lose? Buy a set, install them and see for yourself, but DO NOT waste your time or money on a hydrofoil for the outdrive.... Unless is comes with free Mickey Mouse ears and a Bayliner sticker...

Re: Smart Tabs
 

Hi Larry, thanks for the candid feed back. I actually bought one and almost installed it Saturday but ran out of time. So is it safe to say based on your comments they provide no benefit? And looks cliche`? Looks like I'll be returnning it.

I will look into smart tabs as the Davanti wonders so much at low speeds its a total hassel. We like to crusie slow to talk or look at the beautiful camps and sites around the wondeful lakes here in NH.

Thanks again !
Bob

Re: Smart Tabs
 

Ok, thanks for the feed back and I beleive I'll place the order and return the Hydrofoil. Do you recomend a specific vender for the tabs?

Re: Smart Tabs
 

No just Google it and see who has the lowest price. I can't remember exactly where I got mine. Probably overtons.

Re: Smart Tabs
 

Very good, appreciate the help and glad I've become a member. Lots of great education already !

Re: Smart Tabs
 

[attach]5698[/attach-------

Re: Smart Tabs
 

Here is Nauticus' site info.

http://www.nauticusinc.com/smart_tab..._trim_tabs.htm

Might have to run the ST II tabs , but they are awesome in helping you decide. :)

Your 235 weighs in at about 3800 empty , so keep that in mind when you order.
There is also a link to retailers on their site.

Re: Smart Tabs
 

My Shabah Z212 with Bravo III and Bennett trim tabs wanders. Maybe not as much as my Ebko with Bravo I. You just have to live with it.

I had considered Smart Tabs but at the time, it seemed like this boat was too big / too heavy according to the recommendations. I went for the sport tabs to get my 6 & 8 year-olds water skiing. I can run about 11mph and still see over the bow. The installation was a challenge to fit on the stern, and I crafted some wedges to get them aligned correctly. I can dig out a post pictures if anyone is interested.

Captain-ET

Re: Smart Tabs
 

I did the same on my 25' cuddy. They worked better than expected. Best part about them - no adjusting needed!

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

Re: Smart Tabs
 

I installed a set of SX10512 with 90 lbs. actuators a couple of weeks ago on my '98 Talari Z221. Finally got to do a high speed test and the boat was about 10 MPH slower. After looking through this thread the 90 lbs. actuators seem a bit big. I originally called Nauticus and those are what they recommended. Should I even bother trying to adjust them, or give Nauticus a call?

Other than the speed issues they are an awesome product, that I would highly recommend!

Re: Smart Tabs
 

You can call or email them. They might exchange them even. One of my actuators went flaccid and they sent me two new ones.

Re: Smart Tabs
 

is anyone running the smart tabs on a 99 182 Shabah? if so, what's your results?

Re: Smart Tabs
 

No different than anyone else's if you read thru this thread. Any Mariah under 22' will benefit from them.

Re: Smart Tabs
 

This is what was appearing to me. I just purchased this Mariah and ended up ordering the tabs with a low offer on ebay. Tks

Re: Smart Tabs
 

I would like to see a picture!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Smart Tabs Recommended
 

Just installed Smart Tabs SX this past week on my Shabah 202 5.0L. I have the 9510 with 80lb actuators. I have them set at hole 3 for now, but this needs to be lightened up a bit. The boat plows a bit at lower speeds. Overall they are great, much sooner on plane, slow for the young tubers. Bow rise was much less during acceleration. Overall I would highly recommend especially since this is less expensive than a new prop. Try this first then adjust your prop if necessary. I have included pictures so you can see how I minted mine. This is what nauticus recommended for the 202.

Attachment 6506

Re: Smart Tabs
 

I just installed them on my Z202 last Friday, but have yet to take it out. I think I will start at 2 based on your review

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Re: Smart Tabs
 

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...893f10f31b.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...367de576ee.jpg

Forgot to add pictures

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Re: Smart Tabs
 

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.

Re: Smart Tabs
 

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.

Re: Smart Tabs
 

http://www.mariahownersclub.com/gall...php?n=5397&w=l
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....

Re: Smart Tabs
 

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.

Re: Smart Tabs
 

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

Re: Smart Tabs
 

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?

Re: Smart Tabs
 

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


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Re: Smart Tabs
 

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!

Re: Smart Tabs
 

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.

Re: Smart Tabs
 

GaryDoug,

Hold your breath and dive down for the retractable plates.... In all honesty, I can reach them with my head above water, but not by much. Equally complicating the problem is the swim platform that I installed.

I don't think you want to change the location of the mounting. The struts are fixed, so you are changing how their distance of travel.....

Re: Smart Tabs
 

Thanks for the reply, as suspected I might have to hang off the transom by my toes if I installed them;-)

As for the mounting, I now see in the instructions that there is an alternative bolt hole to use in the plate to either lessen the force and/or change the angle. I am noticing that about 50% of the users in the 202 size boat think the 80 lbs is too much and the other 50% is ok with it. So I might try to mitigate that with a lesser angle, like 20 degrees, since I am only looking to improve the idle speed steering.

Re: Smart Tabs
 

Sounds like a descent idea...

I installed the 80lb actuators. I've been pretty happy with them, pretty stiff but I don't notice too much bow steer. I may back change the where the pins go in this season and see if I notice difference.

Re: Smart Tabs
 

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...85b85ca2fd.jpg

Id go with the poly style. Mine came with 80lb smart tabs, stainless, id like to change them but i honestly don't want any more holes in the transom.



'98 mariah shabah 180
5.7l 350 mag
Bravo III

Re: Smart Tabs
 

I won't be using the plastic ones. The water is too shallow under my boat-lift and I suspect they would get broken very quickly and easily.

Re: Smart Tabs
 

Throw a bravo 3 on the back... steering wander gone! Haha!


'98 mariah shabah 180
5.7l 350 mag
Bravo III

Re: Smart Tabs
 

Pre drill and use the hardware provided with some 5200 and never worry about it again. I even called nauticus and asked why isnt the top mounting bracket bolted right thru? Thats the point that takes the load... lots of movement. Imo screws come loose under these conditions.
He said use 3m 5200 and you wont need to worry. Its only my second season with this boat. But they work. Cornering... time to get on plane, and low speed plane.
The idea is to get them as far away from the drive as possible ive read. Mine could have gone over a bit more i think. But they do their job.


'98 mariah shabah 180
5.7l 350 mag
Bravo III

Re: Smart Tabs
 

OK, my verdict is in. These work fine and I am happy with them. The idle speed wander is almost completely eliminated even on a windy day like today. The only time the direction changed was when a big gust of wind hit from the side and nothing but a hull redesign will ever help that. The boat come up much faster on a plane with less loss of forward vision in the process. Top speed seems to have dropped from 55 to 53 but this was a very windy day with a medium chop and that may be the main difference.

I installed the tabs in the default center positions. I may either leave the settings in the center positions or may lighten up slightly. The boat used to have a major hop over 40 when the trim was all the way up with a light load; now it is just slight and, in any case, I will never use the trim in that setting anyway. There is plenty of range left on the trim to accommodate my interests.

The boat's idle speed is dropped about 1 mph naturally, and at that speed the boat's steering is significantly more sluggish. But it stays on a course much better than before. Now remember I have the twin prop Bravo 3 and that is supposed to have minimal problems with the wander according to "some". But I seriously doubt that it makes any difference when you still have just the one drive unit.

I have some issues with the installation. I was missing one large lock nut and instead got one extra small lock nut. Luckily I had one in my shop already. The bolts used to fasted the strut to the small top mounting bracket are too short to allow the nut's Nylon locking ring to come in contact with the bolt. Again, fortunately, I had two longer SS bolts in that size.

I followed the instruction exactly in mounting the struts to the brackets on the boat and trim plate. But when they are fastened that way, I am unable to move the top bolt to any of the other two positions because of a conflict with the heads of the mounting screws into the transom. Likewise, I found it was not possible to move the lower adjustment bolt to the minimum position because of the same issue with conflicts with the head of a bolt fastening the plate to the hinge. Mounting the strut to the other side of the brackets solves both issues and should not affect the performance since the forces would still be applied to the same places. it just won't look as good, symmetrically speaking. For now, I will leave them where they are until I decide I want to move the settings. I noticed in his photo that Hunter12345 has mounted them in the best positions.

I did have to move the Lowrance Skimmer transducer for the SimRad nav unit to the right but it still works fine in that position, except for perhaps in a sharp left turn (when I won't be watching the screen anyway;-)

I did remember to install two small aluminum anodes (not included) into the spare mounting holes in the plates.

Overall, money well spent.

Re: Smart Tabs
 

I put them on my Z202 last year with the 80 lb and have them down to the lowest setting. I think it might have been better going with the 60 lb running at 4500 elevation.

Re: Smart Tabs
 

I just looked on their site and found the SX10512-90 but not the 80lbs acutators.. Where exactly were they located on the site?