[sdewitt84]

I have a 2001 shabah with a 5.0. No hydro foil or tabs. Do you guys think I need to add something like smart tabs? I have a 19 for a prop too.

[mikeyt]

The Smart Tabs certainly wont hurt but you haven't said whether or not your boat has trouble getting onto plane. That's the main benefit of them but they also provide lower planing speeds, reduced or even eliminates low speed wander & adds stability at high speed. Some members even see an improvement in top speed ( i didn't but i didn't lose anything either). Rumour has it they will even cook your breakfast in the morning........sorry, just kidding.

There are lots of threads on this site regarding the installation/use/benefits etc of Smart Tabs. Simply doing a site search for "Smart Tabs" will gain you access to all of that information.

btw...dont even think of putting an ugly ol' hydrofoil on your Mariah.

[Zackattack]

Originally Posted by mikeyt

btw...dont even think of putting an ugly ol' hydrofoil on your Mariah.

I second that, mine had one when I bought it and the performance was terrible. Removed and I think my outdrive likes me better now too. I have no trouble planing so I have not had a desire for the tabs, although they get great reviews, so maybe I just do not know what I am missing...

[Paul F]

The biggest advantage for me is being able to stay on plane at around 12mph. If you have ever pulled a young child on a tube at a speed that they are comfortable with, you will know what I mean.
They also make teaching a new waterskier easier as you don't have to come out of a deep hole, fiddle with the throttle, causing their line to slack.
Ride is much smoother as well.

Only complaint is mine tend to over cook my eggs in the morning.

[Jgos929]

I had a foil and tabs on mine when I bought it. I had it at the lake maybe twice before I removed the foil and changed the prop. After that it definitely got up easier and stays on plane at a much lower speed. Being my first boat I honestly couldn't tell you what it ran like without them.

I've never read a negative review of them so I'm glad I have them.