[yblockmike]

Hi everyone, new here, and my 95 Barchetta 182 is new to me as well. Had it in twice, someone tell it to stop rainning on my days off please! I've read several posts about the smart tabs. I'm curious if anyone has put them on my specific boat, 182 barchetta. I'm running the 4.3 merc V6, and alpha 1 outdrive. Seems to do a good job. Boat planes out ok, but my little one's would like to tube a little slower, I have to run about 3000 rpm to keep the bow down where I can see. I'm thinking from what I've read, the smart tabs might help me pull the "tubers" a little slower? I'm really trying to decide where I would place them on the transom. I know I need to get the out to the sides as far as possible, but, the contour of the hull, might force me to place them inward a bit for the "gas shocks" to be at the correct angle. Anyhow, great site, love reading through all the posts, and if anyone has put the tabs on a barchetta, I'd love to hear about it. Happy boating!

[wplaine]

I dont have the same boat but the tabs have made staying on plane easier at lower RPMs and took out almost all bow rise. Mine use to point up to the point where I couldnt see even standing up. Even if you cant get them out but so far they still help.

[wplaine]

I just posted some photos in the gallery, 1996, under wplaine Z215 Talari towards the end.

[mikeyt]

If you do a site search for Smart Tabs and read the numerous threads/posts on the subject, i think you will find that the vast majority of boaters are very happy with the results.

[Zenon]

Just noticed you have the exact same boat as me. I do not have SmartTabs, but just FYI, I changed to a 4-blade stainless prop (Mercury Vensura - I can get the pitch and size info if you want).

Holy shmoley, does that prop ever make a huge difference! It will plane (drive fully down) at 2,500rpm, or even a bit less. My favourite speed is about 2,700-2,800 rpm, and the mph says about 22. Drives are up a bit at this point, but not really that much.

Top speed went up a bit as well.

The hole shot and every RPM/trim/speed combination is waaaayyyy better than with the aluminum. It always had a great hole shot, but now it's even better.

Got the prop off ebay (from a dealer) for around $500.

I know nothing about smarttabs, but this was a very, very solid performance improvement for me.

my 2 cents.
Z

[Jamie]

Brand new to the site (today) but thought I would chime in since I have a little smart tab knowledge. Just put a set on my little Donzi 15' jet. It was certainly what it needed with only a 90HP in it and even though I agree with most that is stated here, I personally wouldn't consider them for anything over about 18. My main boat is a Mariah Z302 with bennett trim tabs so I'm using my experience with both to gauge. I just think the smart tabs do work but I would not give up the aditional advantages of a good set of manual hydrolic tabs (particularly ride stabilization) once over a certain size boat. With that being said the installation (very easy) and the price may better fit your boating needs and budget so maybe that should be your guide. Hope that helps.

[mikeyt]

The Smart Tabs have been shown here in the past to work well on boats up to about 21'. I agree that anything over that you might be better off considering Bennetts or Lencos if your budget allows.