stabilizer

Michael709 · 06-17-2013, 12:53 AM

Does anyone know which doel-fin stabilizer would be best for my boat a 180, with a 403, I was looking at the Attwood Hydro stabilizer, Davis 440, and the sporttec SE sport, all of them say faster out-of-the hole performance and faster plane at lower speeds

***mikeyt*** · 06-17-2013, 03:42 AM

No one in their right mind would stick a 'fin' on their outdrive, particularly the outdrive of a Mariah. You will be disowned if you do so and forced to go join the Bayliner forum!

Find the search button up in the top right corner of the screen and enter "Smart Tabs", read up on them and buy a set. I do not want you to mention installing a 'fin' here again.

nglauer · 06-17-2013, 03:50 AM

None - buy a set of the Nauticus Smart Tabs - You will be extremely happy!

I put a set on my 2001 Diablo 180 and I could not believe the improvements...

Before Tabs:

It took forever to plane - had to move friends to the front constantly (not a good confidence booster for the ladies when asked to move)
Burnt more fuel - due to hard launches trying to get on plane
Back of boat washed around more during hard turns
Had a slight list to one side
Wandered like crazy when going through no wake zones at ultra speeds (It lliterally made me look like a drunk going back and forth on the wheel to try and stay straight)

After Tabs:

Instant planing - even when loaded or towing the tube
Saved fuel (literally a bunch) due to lower throttle during launch and while maintaining plane.
More stable turning at higher speeds
No more list - even with the wife and kids. I mean, you can still over load one side, but it is not as prevalent as before
No more wandering of sawing on the wheel through the very low speed wake areas (I have to travel 1/3 mile of this.. and it took much longer before. Now it's a straight shot lol)

Smart Tabs SX Trim Tabs

I hope this helps!

Nick

nglauer · 06-17-2013, 04:02 AM

Also forgot the mention - the Smart tabs do not place any strain on your lower unit. They really are a great product, and you'll find that just about everyone on here has purchased them. You can find some great deals on them online as well. I actually found mine new and unopened at a Cabela's in the bargain cave - ironically it was on the shelf with various "fins" that had been opened/used and returned.

I talked my cousin into switching - he's been running various "fin" style's on his boats for years. He drove my boat the day I bought it (as I had never owned a boat and needed some help on the maiden voyage). I let him drive it immediately after I installed them - he was so impressed that he pulled his fin (I believe it was the sport clip?) and replaced it with Smart Tabs.

Again, I can't express how much this single purchase transformed my boat. It has honestly been the single best investment I have made for my boat - and one of the cheapest.

Also - MikeyT might have an aneurism if you put a fin on - help keep his blood pressure down and make the right choice

Good luck!

Nick

Andy b · 06-17-2013, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeyt

No one in their right mind would stick a 'fin' on their outdrive, particularly the outdrive of a Mariah. You will be disowned if you do so and forced to go join the Bayliner forum!

Potty mouth!