Smart Tabs

attebury20 · 04-10-2012, 06:46 PM

I have a 1994 Shabah Z212. I have changed from a 3 blade 21p ss to a 4 blade 22p ss and helped the handling a ton but im trying to use my trim more at low speeds. If I run 35 mph or more I can trim all the way out of the water without bouncing but under that I can just touch my trim and it starts bouncing. I am thinking about smart tabs but It sure looks like theres not enough room. I know my buddy has a 99 Z212 and it has a different transom design than mine. Does anyone have a pick of an older Z212 with them on it and info on the tabs for this particular boat. I lost a little speed with the extra blade and hate to lose more but would sacrifice a little to be able to trim at slower speeds I think it would help my fuel consumption at lower speeds to get some boat out of the water.

**m&mmariah** · 04-21-2012, 08:38 PM

We've had our 180 Shabah for going on 4 years now. It came with a hydrofoil installed on the cavitation plate from the previous owner. I'm reluctant to install smart tabs for two reasons. Looking at their design, there has to be lots of pounding force transmitted through the spring strut to it's upper mounting bracket. The upper mounting bracket is held in with two small screws drilled into the hull. Doesn't all this stress and continuous pounding cause the screws/screw holes to loosen/deform/crack? Or is this a non-issue?

Secondly, how do I plug the holes left in the cavitation plate after I've removed the hydrofoil? Thanks for any help/advice.

***mikeyt*** · 04-22-2012, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m&mmariah

We've had our 180 Shabah for going on 4 years now. It came with a hydrofoil installed on the cavitation plate from the previous owner. I'm reluctant to install smart tabs for two reasons. Looking at their design, there has to be lots of pounding force transmitted through the spring strut to it's upper mounting bracket. The upper mounting bracket is held in with two small screws drilled into the hull. Doesn't all this stress and continuous pounding cause the screws/screw holes to loosen/deform/crack? Or is this a non-issue?

Secondly, how do I plug the holes left in the cavitation plate after I've removed the hydrofoil? Thanks for any help/advice.

It's a non-issue. I've had mine installed on the same boat as yours for 4yrs now w/out any such problems. When you drill for the screws and mount the plates you use 3m 5200 sealant. Nothing will move once that stuff is applied.

And get rid of that damned hydrofoil & install a set of Smart Tabs! Fill the holes in the cavitation plate with liquid aluminum filler so that no one knows you had a hydrofoil.

***Paul F*** · 04-22-2012, 01:30 PM

I agree with Mikey .

If you pull up on the tabs after you install them, you'll realize that the force is not much at all.

You would have much more force on a hydraulic or electric tab because there's nothing to give.

It's like adding a suspension system to your boat. It really smooths out the ride.

Paul

***ColoradoDiablo*** · 04-22-2012, 02:39 PM

Another thumbs up for the Smart Tabs! I don't have them on this boat yet , but I had them on my 17' VIP for 3yrs with no issues. The only time I had a prob is when one of the kids decided to use one as a boarding step and stripped out the end link.
I was running a 19p 3 blade aluminum on that boat and the tabs improved the holeshot and cornering so much I never switched out the prop.
They are going on my Mariah as soon as the wife gives me my allowance!!

LOL

Larry

**m&mmariah** · 04-26-2012, 08:31 AM

Question for mikeyt--Ok, I think I'm going to order some 60lb sx tabs like yours. In looking at your original photos, you installed the port side tab with the upper bracket mounted on a different surface in relation to the bottom. You later said you had to re-drill to move the bracket. What was your thinking here, and why did you originally mount it that way? Just want to know, since I don't want to make any mistakes.

Thanks,

Mark

00 diablo 00 · 04-26-2012, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m&mmariah

Question for mikeyt--Ok, I think I'm going to order some 60lb sx tabs like yours. In looking at your original photos, you installed the port side tab with the upper bracket mounted on a different surface in relation to the bottom. You later said you had to re-drill to move the bracket. What was your thinking here, and why did you originally mount it that way? Just want to know, since I don't want to make any mistakes.

Thanks,

Mark

I just bought the 60 lb smart tabs as well. I have not installed yet , so I'm curious as well?

***mikeyt*** · 04-26-2012, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m&mmariah

Question for mikeyt--Ok, I think I'm going to order some 60lb sx tabs like yours. In looking at your original photos, you installed the port side tab with the upper bracket mounted on a different surface in relation to the bottom. You later said you had to re-drill to move the bracket. What was your thinking here, and why did you originally mount it that way? Just want to know, since I don't want to make any mistakes.

Thanks,

Mark

Screwed up.