[stereoman405]

Originally Posted by indykoch

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.

Originally Posted by indykoch

Per the brochure, mine weighs 3000 lbs. I'd suspect the more realistic number is 3500 (with optional engine, gas, gear, the occasional "mikeyt" in my boat, etc.). I'm still on the fence about whether I need 60 or 80 lb. actuators. The 80's feel a bit of a drag at top end, but it has a hole shot like you wouldn't believe!!!

Holt thread resurrection Batman!

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

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?

[indykoch]

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!

[stereoman405]

Originally Posted by indykoch

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!

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!

[Paul F]

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.

[WetWilly]

Hi everyone... if you're considering buying Smart tabs real soon, they're offering a $10 rebate on the SX tabs! Offer expires July 1, 2009.

Click here for the rebate form.

WetWilly

[Bubble]

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

[WetWilly]

Hi Bubble,

Any chance you could document and photograph your Smart Tab Install if it isn't too much trouble? Could really help out our do-it-yourself members who are a bit squeamish about drilling holes in their hulls but would like to do their own installs.

We could even add it to our "How To" section.

Good luck with your install,
WetWilly

[grommett]

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

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[karmann]

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

[homerd]

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!