[MtTalari]

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!

[mikeyt]

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.

[MtTalari]

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?

[mikeyt]

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

[simpleaz]

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!

[MtTalari]

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?

[simpleaz]

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.

[wplaine]

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.

[MtTalari]

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!

[wplaine]

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!