smart tabs or different prop

dcgragg · 07-23-2012, 05:30 PM

Thanks to all beforehand.... i have a 96 shabah 20' with a 350 powerplant. this boat will run in the low 50s while taching 4800 to 5000 rpms. not a problem. 19deg 3 blade ss prop. the problem is pulling a heavy tuber or slolam skiier. it struggles getting up on plane and has difficulty staying there while running in the low 20 mph range. i have been researching the smart tabs and just curious if anyone with a similair setup as mine has any before and after results? i have found these tabs, are they worth my time or should i be looking in a different direction

SX9510-80 Smart Tabs SX Trim Tabs

***mikeyt*** · 07-23-2012, 06:11 PM

There are numerous threads on this site discussing the benefits of Smart Tabs. Do a site search for Smart Tabs if you want to read up on what various members think of them.

The tabs you mentioned will fit your boat. I wouldn't change the prop as you are achieving exactly what the boat's performance capabilities are. The Smart Tabs will get you onto plane faster, keep you there longer and provide a bit of extra stability at speed. The cost is usually less than $150 and its about a 30-60 min DIY job if can operate a drill & a tape measure.

dcgragg · 07-23-2012, 06:17 PM

thanks for the info mikey! i was leaning more towards the tabs, just really not for sure if anyone had a preference or not on brand or material used... i really like the brushed aluminum look

dcgragg · 07-23-2012, 07:35 PM

i am sold on the smart tabs. just have to wait for payday to click the buy now button.... by the way the link i attached earlier has them for $119 a pair

wplaine · 07-25-2012, 01:36 AM

I love mine. I have a '96 21' Talari with the 350 plant and the bravo 3 drive. One got caught on a boat lift. pulled loose and when getting on a plane definately noticed it. Good thing was with a leatherman, bathing suit, and 3 minutes I had it back together.

dcgragg · 08-04-2012, 07:33 AM

i ordered mine, got them in and installed then i havent got to try them out yet. working this weekend so maybe one morniing this next week before it gets too hot... is this about the same placement that everyone else has been putting them...thanks for the input

dcgragg · 08-10-2012, 12:02 PM

finally got a chance to take the boat out for a test run with the new smart tabs installed.... the results are night and day difference between the way it used to perform and the way it performs now. trimmed half way up and half throttle you never lose sight of the water getting up on plane. no more low speed wandering, the list just goes on for how much better overall it performs. only issue is while full throttle if i trim up too far it will cavitate a little. thinking i will back the tension of the shock off 1 or possibly 2 holes on the plate... other than that i am another satisfied smart tab user....

mihatran · 05-08-2013, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcgragg

finally got a chance to take the boat out for a test run with the new smart tabs installed.... the results are night and day difference between the way it used to perform and the way it performs now. trimmed half way up and half throttle you never lose sight of the water getting up on plane. no more low speed wandering, the list just goes on for how much better overall it performs. only issue is while full throttle if i trim up too far it will cavitate a little. thinking i will back the tension of the shock off 1 or possibly 2 holes on the plate... other than that i am another satisfied smart tab user....

Did you relocate the speed "wheel" / sensor? I have the sensor just where I should install the tab...