Old question, fresh advice.
 

Hey guys. Been awhile since Ive posted but now its summer and, of course, I am excited about getting my '94 Talari Z200 back out on the water! Did some quick searches and I know that the SmartTabs are very popular, but had a basic comparison question. Right now my 5.7 Mercruiser/Alpha One has a basic alum 3 blade 19P prop with a hydrofoil installed on the lower unit. I would really like better holeshot/get-up-and-go when pulling skiers/wakeboarders (have a tower also). Top speed is not so important, just want low speed power. IF I were to go to a 4-blade alum prop (trying to stay away from the spendy SS props as log strikes and fluctuating lake levels causing prop strikes are not uncommon here) what pitch should I try? Also, would it be worth dumping the hydrofoil fin and going for some SmartTabs? Better holeshot? Quicker planing than the foil? How about the exaggerated listing when turning? Thanks for any replies!

Re: Old question, fresh advice.
 

I've said this before & i will say it again. Hydrofoils are ugly and should never be installed on something as good looking as a Mariah.

If you want better holeshot, faster planing, lower planing speeds and better all round performance then install a set of Smart Tabs. They will likely also help somewhat with the 'severe listing while turning' you mention. Your boat will likely need the 80# actuator arms due to its size/weight.

I would change things one step at a time. You may find that the Smart Tabs will suffice. If you decide to replace the prop i would likely suggest staying with the 19" pitch in the 4 blade style. It may knock 1-2mph off your top end but will give better holeshot & low-mid range acceleration.

Re: Old question, fresh advice.
 

I was hoping to hear from you MikeyT. I tend to agree with you on the looks of the foil. I am thinking serious of picking up a pair of SmartTabs and installing them. Most are saying they are an easy installation. I have just read too many good things about them not to give them a try. The only negative I have stumbled across is that they "may" decrease the wake on your boat, which is the opposite of what wakeboarders want. However, I just dont see how this is possible with a heavy boat. Couldn't you just lower your speed until the wake is where you want it, regardless if the SmartTabs are installed or not?

Re: Old question, fresh advice.
 

My 16yr old is a wakeboarder & he has no problem with the wake i put up on my boat. Just adjust your speed & trim.

Re: Old question, fresh advice.
 

I ordered the SS Smart Tabs in 80#. I currently have a foil the previous owner had used on and off. I didn't have it on and since the holes where already there I installed it this spring and it has work well. After running it awhile, I just don't like the non-adjustible nature of it. Also, the pressure on the cavitation plate is not sitting well with me. I will be taking it off this weekend and setting up the trim tabs.

I will fill in the holes very soon!

Re: Old question, fresh advice.
 

Simpleaz I noticed you got the SS tabs. Your boat is a 20' with 5.7 as well as mine. I just ordered the SX series Smart Tabs online. The manufacturers chart for the SX line included boat lengths up to 20 feet, so I ordered them. Now wondering if I should have gotten the SS version or are we right on that bubble that we can go either way and get the same results?

Re: Old question, fresh advice.
 

Hi MtTalari

My thought was to go with the most likely setup first - hence the 80 lb. The durability should be somewhat greater with the stainless. I am sure the composite SX version will do fine. I just wanted a little more build to the product.

It also sounds like the company is top notch so if you are not satisfied, I bet they will swap for SS if you want.

Re: Old question, fresh advice.
 

I have the 21' cuddy with the 5.7 L and Bravo 3. I LOVE my Smarttabs. Hole shot with 3 adults on the aft swim pad is about 4.2 seconds and holds a plane in the low 20s. My wake still seems huge compared to before. And the tabs are less $$$ than a prop.

Re: Old question, fresh advice.
 

Well I got my Smart Tabs in today and will install them tomorrow. Then off to the lake over the weekend. I am downright excited to experience the improvement everyone else has!

Re: Old question, fresh advice.
 

I am headed out tomorrow also.... Going to look at a 30' Mariah for sale, may move up! It cant hurt to look especially if you go to look at it by boat! That is a win-win!

Re: Old question, fresh advice.
 

http://www.mariahownersclub.com/gall...le.php?n= 3647

Put my SmartTabs on tonight. Pretty easy install. I upload to the gallery some more photos but couldn't figure out how to keep them on an album. Kind of a mess right now but you can see some steps. Mounted farther inside than most would want but seem to be where most people end up placing them.

New time out I should see the improvements. New skeg repair and hydrofoil holes filled in. :)

Thanks to board for info.

Oh Yes........"the beakster" is named after my wife. nickname of beak

Re: Old question, fresh advice.
 

Mine are only a little further out than yours, simpleaz, but not much. Options are very limited on a 20' Talari, and I went out to the edges as far as I possibly could just to make them fit on the flat transom. I am bad about getting pics but will try......

OK so I junked the hydrofoil (wow boat already looks better and I feel a little better about taking that added stress off the lower unit) and headed to the lake. I might as well cut and paste what everyone else is saying about the tabs, but WOW! Like a different boat. IMMEDIATELY I noticed how smooth and quick it was up on plane at full throttle. It also gets up on plane at even half to three quarter throttle, and that is something that would not happen before. I can actually stay seated while being able to see over the bow also. Boat was much more stable while cruising, especially through rougher waters. I have always had "torque list" while underway, and that seems to still be there, but not as bad. I may play with the port side tab and maybe adjust it to a stiffer hole to see if that compensation does it. Otherwise, the tabs are probably THEE best 100 bucks ever spent on ANY boat I have had. Period.

This is how this boat was supposed to act. It is a shame the tabs are (were) not standard equipment from the factory. But then again, that is why we have aftermarket right?

Re: Old question, fresh advice.
 

Good to hear MtTalari. As I look at my photo, I guess I could have gone out a little more. I was trying to line up with the bottom and the spot I picked seem 'natural'. Oh well, time will tell. I can always MarineTex and try again if I don't feel the performance I expect. I am going to get a new prop as I have a 23 and it just isn't right. I am going to go with an Apollo 4 blade 20.

Looking forward to seeing your pics. I will head out this weekend to see how they do.

Re: Old question, fresh advice.
 

Just updating that I feel like I have a new boat. The Smart Tabs are great! They cured my rough ride issues and crossing others wakes are painless now. This was the only change I made right now. I still plan on a new prop to get into the right rpm range but for now handling is perfect.

The 80 lbs seem a good fit and they are set in the middle. I will adjust some to tweek and see how it changes the ride.

Re: Old question, fresh advice.
 

I also forgot to mention when I was launchimg my boat on the above trip, I got my first "how long is that boat?" followed by "wow--it is very nice" This guy was in one of the those fancy Yamaha 230 jet boats that had to be 50k. Good feeling as I feel I need to polish and redo the interior.

Re: Old question, fresh advice.
 

try a four blade 20 but see if you get it from a prop shop he can punch-pitch it which will bring the leading edges back to your 19 or even an 18. you might try and 18 but you'll lose top speed but the hole shot will be terriffic