[SEMIJim]

Originally Posted by blockp

I've yet to read a thread that someone says they _didn't_ like them.

However, I did read an article (linked from somewhere here, maybe?) where the author recommended against them, if possible. His opinion, IIRC, was that if you could trim the boat properly with the outdrive, trim tabs were a waste of money. ISTR him specifically mentioning that using trim tabs to eliminate porpoising resulting from trimming the outdrive up was counter-productive, as the drag induced by the tabs would offset any speed gain from raising the outdrive. (Which makes sense to me.)

Not questioning anybody's judgement, investment, etc., but his comments kind of mirrored what I'd been wondering: If the boat was properly designed, she shouldn't need such things, should she?

Jim

[indykoch]

I see your points, but I think the idea behind trim tabs and Smart Tabs are to allow the boat to almost "ride" on the tabs. It's not the same as trimming the bow down (although you can do that more efficiently with tabs since the drive doesn't actually thrust downward). They also help with planing by providing an "extended hull". They're more like adding 2' to the length of your boat and providing a little push to keep the bow down. Once up to speed, they really are an extension of the boat, and you practically ride on them when fully trimmed and going at a good pace.

Take a look at the Nauticus website. They explain it quite well there. I know it's an advertisement, but I don't think it's all smoke in mirrors. Great point, but after growing up on boats, using the same boat with and without Smart Tabs, and seeing/feeling the differences... I can fully appreciate their functionality and can honestly say there's NO WAY I could trim the boat to ride/plane the same without them.

[blockp]

Originally Posted by vkrishan

My SX smart tabs (80 lb) - both of them - ripped off... Found the hull attachments dangling. Nauticus was nice enough to send replacements, but I'm wondering if the second set will rip off as well.. when they were on, the boat handled superbly..

Did the tab itself break apart at the hinge or did the screws pull out of the hull?

[vkrishan]

Originally Posted by blockp

Did the tab itself break apart at the hinge or did the screws pull out of the hull?

The hull attachments are still on as are the hinges, but there are no tabs or actuators... very weird... I keep my boat in a slip all year round, so not sure if the composite weakened or something...

One more thing.. the transom attachment was also cracked... Nauticus has wonderful customer service and they're sending me some replacement transom fittings. Also, nauticus suggested that I reduce the pressure on the tabs by moving to setting "5"... I'm beginning to wonder if the SX series are good enough for Z225 cuddy though... If they crack again, I'm going the Bennet tabs route