should i look into something different for my boat? i would like it to come onto plane quicker

brett

Hi Brett

Yep. Smart tabs wont work on a boat the size of yours. You need to consider either Bennett or Lenco hydraulic tabs.

question:

how would smart tabs effect low speed wakes
for wakeboarding
or maybe wakesurfing
where you kind of want bow rise and a huge wake?

Hello,

I have a similar boat to yourself, a 1999, 182 Bowrider (3 litre) and have fitted smart tabs last month. From what l see they will not be good for increasing the wake, they are fantastic and keeping the boat level and reducing the wake, my boat rides extremely smoothly with very little wake and gets up on the plane very quickly.

Hope this helps,

Gary

Smart Tabs
 

Ok guys.......I installed the Smart Tabs 60lb composite. I am finally getting around to posting a picture. So far so good. I am still experimenting with the tabs to find the best adjustment.

I do notice though, when pulling a wakeboarder.....and they fall.....I would usually cut the boat around pretty sharp with no issues (when I had a hydrofoil installed). Now, with the tabs, I find the boat feels like it almost can flip as I pull a sharp turn. I now have to slow down, initiate the turn and then accelerate to keep from feeling the boat is gonna flip. Is this normal?

Any good advice will help. Anyhow, here is the pic.

Trim Tabs
 

I ordered a set and them came in. I'm a little scared to dill holes in my baby. I think they are the real thing, but to put holes in a boat doesn't seem like the thing to do. I just hope when I do I will be impressed with the perforamnce.

Hey Double D. I felt the same way....and prior to drilling holes into my boat, I stared at it for awhile. I really didnt want to drill holes...but I measured and measured again.....and finally, held my breath and drilled the holes. So far so good. Good luck!

Smart Tabs -sx 9510 - 60
 

Hi Gang, just ordered a set of Smart Tabs SX 9510-60 from West Marine in my local market. Have read the threads and hope this is the right choice for my boat... '97 Mariah 198 SE Shabah. 4.3 Merc with Alpha One. I have a 22P 4 blade prop SS. Looking for better cruising performance. As nervous as any other first time installer. Feedback is too positive to ignore.

Thanks again for the resource and advice.

Drilling into your hull is just like carpentry^2

Measure 4x, drill once... :D

Another carpentry quote... "I cut it 3 times, and its still too short!":rolling_laugh: