MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

I have a 1996 180 Shabah, it had a dreaded hydrafoil on it which is about to be installed on a trash can, I haven't ran it yet without the hydrafoil but I am hoping that it plains out ok.
I notice you have the same boat that I do, so I was wondering what about an 18' boat made you decide that you needed the smart tabs? Also, Is there something extra about your boat that might make it harder to plain out or heavier on the rear?
I am just curious in case I need to be looking into a set for mine.

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

I am confident that MikeyT will have a better response but I wanted to share my experience with them on my 2007 SX-18. My boat has the 3.0l with the Alpha One and adding the tabs fundamentally changed the boat. The boat no longer pointed at the sky when given throttle and reached plane far faster than without the tabs. The tendency to wander at slow speeds diminshed dramatically. I am moving my boat to a marina where it will be transported by forklift so I am going to install hydraulic trim tabs but I highly recommend the SmartTabs.

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

The hydraulics are very nice and give you that added ability to level out your boat at speed with the adjustment of one side or the other at the flip of a switch but for those of us who cant afford that pricey option, Smart Tabs are hard to beat!

Mine had a hydrofoil on it when i bought it also but i found it did nothing for low speed wander or high speed chine walking. It did work okay at getting the boat on plane but i've seen 2 instances of damage to the cavitation plate from those hydrofoils and i realised just how ugly they really are, so i decided to do a little research at the suggestion of a couple of other members (Paul F comes to mind) and was impressed with what i had read. I ended up buying a set of Smart Tabs SX with 60lb actuators and installed them myself (took about 2 hrs but i'm slow) then took the boat out for a test run. I did end up moving the pins one notch from the starting point and they have done just about everything advertised. The only thing i did not gain was some extra top speed but then i didn't lose any either. The boat planes much faster and levels out (side to side) quickly and stays on plane at much lower speeds, the low speed wander is not completely gone but the improvement was considerable and the boat also feels much more stable at high speeds. I did take the boat out for a couple of runs without either the hydrofoil or the Smart Tabs installed and i didn't enjoy it. The boat liked to tail walk out of the hole and pulling a wakeboarder up out of the water was an adventure so the investment of less than $200 resolved those problems quickly.

The install is quite straightforward if you are reasonably handy with a drill and a marking pencil and very good at following instructions. You DONT want to drill too deep with the mounting holes and you DO want to use some 3M 5200 when you are installing the mounting plates.

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

Mikey I did read that you sent back a set of actuators, where they the 80lbs ones or 60lbs? Also, can you give me the brand that you used and maybe a part name or # so I know what I am looking at, I would really hate to get a set that no one has experience with and they turn out to be junk.
I was just having a hard time trying to figure out why a small boat would need so much help, but they are heavy. If it makes a difference, I do have the 4.3lx Gen+ motor.

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

I think I just found Smart tabs SX, I see all of the sets and they are showing 2 different actuators for an 18' boat, it is showing that I need an 80lb one for my boat being 18' and 205hp, is your boat also a V6?

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

Mine's the same as yours and the 80# actuators were too stiff for my boat. When i switched to the 60#'s they were perfect. John at Nauticus said it was an 'iffy' thing as at that size the hull & transom design, as well as the weight, of each boat affected the decision on the actuator size.

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

I think I am going to go ahead and add that to the "to do list" this summer. Doesn't look hard to install. Thanks Mikey!

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

The 60 lbs. are the ones you want. We have the same boat/engine combination and the 80's were too strong. We ended up with a slight list to the port after putting the tabs on. Some have told me it's partially due to the 4 blade prop, so I got a 3 blade. Yesterday I talked to a prop guy and he said it doesn't matter. The list can be fixed by putting a new anode under the fin that has a small rudder as a part of it and it is adjustable side to side. He said make a small adjustment with it and see how it works. It may take a couple of runs to get it right and of course make sure the weight is balanced during the runs.

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

I run a 4 blade SS prop on mine and have no list. Neither do i have an anode with a small fin. Usually the list problem is due to uneven weight distribution in the boat. I'd be interested in hearing what happens when you install the anode your prop guy mentioned.

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

not to get off the subject Mikey but what pitch 4 blade are you running? And what mph and rpms? I am looking into props and it is like anything else you ask 1000 different people and you get 1000 different answers. I haven't talked to another person that has the same boat I have. Most of what I will be doing is cruising, but we will do some skiing and I hope to one be coordinated enough to wakeboard. I would like to be able to run about 48-52 mph at WOT and the place I bought the boat claims it runs 52 mph at WOT.

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

Good luck at hitting 52mph. If you're using a 21"pitch prop you might come close to that but the 21" is lousy for waterskiing/wakeboarding/tubing etc. It's better at long cruises in the 40mph range.

I'm running a 4 blade - 20" SS Apollo prop on mine which gives me a top speed of 48-49mph at 4800rpm. The 3 blade - 19" should be very similar. The thing i like about my prop is that it gives a very good hole shot along with lots of acceleration in the mid range and bite in the turns. I have a 15 yr old who loves to wakeboard and this prop does a good job with him back there. I think there are a couple of other members here that run the High 5 prop and report excellent results from it also but at a much higher cost. Unfortunately even two people with the same boat/motor/outdrive/prop combos dont always get the same performance results due to variances in engine tune, extra weight in the boat etc.

The one thing about the Smart Tabs that i've heard a few people mention is that they tend to flatten out the wake which some skiiers/boarders dont like. I havent really noticed it with mine and haven't heard any complaints......not that he wants to complain when i'm draggin' him behind the boat!

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

Hey, Tom,

I beg to differ regarding the tab under the cavitation plate. That adjustable tab is to correct for steering torque. I had one on my outboard and it can be adjusted to reduce pull on the steering wheel, but should not have any affect on the list to port.

You don't have one because you have power steering and therefore it's not necessary.

My list to port is caused by the torque of my prop turning clockwise. If the prop turned counterclockwise, the list would be to starboard. For every action, there is an opposite reaction.

I found that trimming out my drive helps. The type of prop and diameter of the prop also make a difference.

I found out the hard way last summer when I bent by 14.25 x 19 Stilletto SS prop on a wing dam. I put back on my stock 14x 19 aluminum prop back on the boat. The list to port was greatly reduced. I think it's because of the smaller diameter, perhaps more flex to the aluminum or less cup on the blades.

That's my theory, anyway........

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

this may sound like a dumb question, but how exactly do these Smart tabs work? I am familiar with trim tabs on larger boats and how you can adjust them, but what makes the Smart Tabs different? And why are they so much better that the hydrafoil things that attach to the outdrive?

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

Well, ya got one on each side of the boat rather than just one in the middle so you have more surface area lifting the stern evenly. The Smart tabs actually move up & down slightly (thru the actuators) depending on the load presented to them so they can in effect 'self adjust' to the conditions such as low speed wandering, hauling tubers/boarders or simply high speed cruising. You can set the mid point of the movement by choosing one of the 5 pivot holes when you mount them, although most applications will be in the 2-3-4 position, which allows you to adjust them to your particular boat. I also recall someone mentioning that they set one tab in one position and the other in a different position to help correct a lean while under way. And last, when first setting out on a run you shouldn't need to trim your drive in as much as you likely already do because the tabs help lift the stern & get you onto plane much faster.

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

Hi Paul

That was what i always understood the adjustable anode fin affected but i did have an old prop guy tell me that if you dont adjust the anodes to correct for torque steer properly they can cause a slight lean. So i guess he was telling me in a round about way that having the fin adjusted correctly would help prevent that little lean. I guess i can see his theory but that said, i never seen it in real life and as you correctly pointed out, we shouldn't need them on our boats because of the power steering. Personally i think Tom's lean is more likely due to uneven weight distribution in the boat coupled with trimming the bow down too much due to the boating conditions on his lake but the change in anode is a reasonably cheap fix if it works.

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

Depman: Think of them as shock absorbers for you boat. The tabs are connected to the hull with a strut that moves to water pressure. They will also smooth out your ride in rough water. Unless you're wanting a large wake for wakeboarding, you will absolutely love the results. All for well under $200.00!

Mikey: I agree, if you have to move slowly in the drive tucked in, you'll need to move some weight to starboard. The great thing about smartabs is they will allow you to trim out more at slower speeds and still stay on plane.

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

Mikey, I do have a 13.75x21" 3 blade aluminum, I haven't ran it without that hydrafoil yet, but it almost seemed to cavitate once you got to a certain speed, I wondered if it would be enough to pull a skier or wakboarder. I had a bad feeling though. That 20" 4 blade sounded great, but I thought about a 14.5x21" ss 3 blade. I am just glad to hear from you since you have the same boat, eventhough they might run a little different due to tuning and etc... I still believe you will have a closer comparison than any other boat.:yes_grin:

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

Jeffro,
If it were me, I would add the smart tabs first, then make decisions about the prop.

Smart tabs are cheaper than props and the tabs will help tell you what your next step should be.

Paul

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

That is probably the best idea, I was going to ask advice on that. I actually work part time for Gander Mtn and come to find out we sell smart tabs and with the good old employee discount I can get the smart tabs for $104!! woohoo!:D

I think there is a place in Hot Springs that I can actually demo props, so I may go that route after the tabs, but I am now leaning toward a 4 blade instead of a 3 blade.

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

I agree with Paul at this point. The Smart tabs would be my first option & once installed and properly set, see what your performance is like before considering splurging on a prop. I also believe that the Smart Tabs combined with a 3 blade - 19" aluminum prop (less $$ than SS) will give you a much improved hole shot & mid speed cruising ability. Running the boat at top speed only wears parts out faster along with increasing your fuel bill anyway so i think you would be more satisfied with the improved start & mid-range performance. The 20" - 4 blade SS is a nice but not really necessary extra and if you can get the Smart Tabs for $104....damm, go for it!

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

I still haven't gotten a commission check from John at Nauticus. :mad:

I know we've sold a lot of tabs for him. :wink_thumbup:

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

You have to give him your Swiss bank account number like i did. :rolling_laugh:

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

Thanks for the explanation...not sure I will invest in them, but they sound like a useful tool!

Smart tabs and dry storage
 

Hi,


does somebody have experience with smart tabs an dry storage? Is the movement of the actuator enough to level the tabs parallel to the hull or will the forklift damage the flab? I saw the PR500 device at the webside but I will not be able to use it when the baot is in the water. I have a 182 shabah like Azboatman and the upper tab mounting point will be under the swim platform.

Here the link to Azboatman picture in the galery.

http://www.mariahownersclub.com/gall...php?n=1904&w=o

Here a picture from the dry storage

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

If i remember my install correctly the mounting plate comes right to the bottom edge of the hull so it wont be a problem and there should be enough movement in the actuators to prevent any damage. For safety sake though, you could pull the pin on each so that they are loose but it means you will have to get into the water to put the pins back in. And as long as they dont slide the boat off the forks you should be okay.

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

Thanks Mikey,

I think I wil order some smart tabs :yes_grin:

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

I have the Smart Tabs on my SX-18 that I am removing in favor of hydraulic tabs because i have my boat at a place that uses a forklift. The tabs are pushed up by the arms of the lift but it sure looks like it is only a matter of time before they snap under load. The forklift arms are not smooth, they are covered in carpet. Removing and reinstalling the pin at every launch wouldn't be a very good option for me. My thoughts......

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

I agree that if you have to use a forklift to launch the boat more than 1 or 2x per season the remove & reinstall the pins option would be a pain in the a$$ (and the water damm cold for those of us who wait for the ice to melt). My biggest worry would be that the forklift operator wouldn't be particularly careful in making sure that his forks completely clear the tabs as the boat floats off the forks. I think that as long as he (or she) is careful, it can be done safely.

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

You make a great point that I hadn't considered. I live in Florida and boat in brackish water rivers so the boat gets put away every evening or 20-30 times a year. If I only put it down to start and end of the season I would be inclined to stay with the Smart Tabs at less than 20% of the cost of what I am considering.

The part that scares me with the forklift is when it is being picked up, not down. The Smart Tabs are angled down from the lowest part of the transom. When the forklift picks it up the tab itself must ride down the forklift arms a couple of inches for it to rise up above the hull. If the tab catches the fabric you can just about guarantee that something on the Smart Tab is going to give. I paid around $100 for the Nauticus tabs and I am probably going to end up paying over $500 for the hydraulic tabls with labor which would buy a lot of Nauticus parts.

An interesting note - the marina that my boat is currently at had me sign a waiver when they noticed that I had installed the Smart Tabs. The marina that I am moving the boat to won't even pick the boat up once with them installed.

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

New owner. Boat leans to port when getting to plane.. any suggestions??

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

It's called prop torque and is a reaction from the prop turning clockwise which causes the boat to react counterclockwise, or list to port.

My boat does it as well. The larger the diameter prop the more noticeable it is. I noticed it more when I switched from the stock 14" dia aluminum prop to a 14.25 dia SS prop.

Just get on plane and trim out as soon as you can. I've been told Smart Tabs would help, but I didn't notice much difference on my 18 footer.

Re: MikeyT the smart tab expert - question
 

Thanks for the quick reply...so you dont recommend changing anything just trimming out at plane?..I do thank you...A new boater I am but I hope to learn much more..respectfully, James