Just bought new smart tabs

npd4432 · May 22, 2006

After doing some research on the subject I broke down and bought some new smart tabs for my boat, I have read the install instructions and it seems pretty simple. But what I wanted to know if there are any tips or pointers from anybody who has had experience with them. Any comments would be appriciated. My boat is a 16' open bow with a 75 HP Evinrude.

Boomyal · May 22, 2006

Re: Just bought new smart tabs

After you drill the mounting holes (per instruction) cut the opening with a tapered counter sink bit. Then when you drive the screws in, you do not cause the surrounding gelcoat to 'lift' outward. Even though they give you the sealing tape to use, I would stuff the holes with 3M 4200 before you run them in. (use their tape as well) Always remember, measure twice and drill once. If you have any questions about the tab placement, call nautijohn b4 you drill.

Dunaruna · May 23, 2006

Re: Just bought new smart tabs

Good tips boom.

Silvertip · May 24, 2006

Re: Just bought new smart tabs

You will be thrilled with them. I have them on an Alumacraft Navigator 165CS with a 75 Merc. Boat stays on plane at 12 MPH and literally jumps out of the hole. Best thing since sliced bread.

LubeDude · May 24, 2006

Re: Just bought new smart tabs

Originally posted by Upinsmoke: You will be thrilled with them. I have them on an Alumacraft Navigator 165CS with a 75 Merc. Boat stays on plane at 12 MPH and literally jumps out of the hole. Best thing since sliced bread.

This is an understatement! I have never in my life time ever seen a product that gives such a dramitic change right out of the box! The only thing I can compare it to is when you put sway bars on a car that didnt have them in the first place. Its a deffinate

OMG, the first time you take your boat out after installing them.

Jdeagro · May 25, 2006

Re: Just bought new smart tabs

Well Guys; What do I say but thanks for the "attaboys". We are very happy that you all are pleased with the results of our Smart Tabs and Mobster Tabs.

npd4432 · May 25, 2006

Re: Just bought new smart tabs

Just got them in the mail today!! Cant wait to get them on the boat. Where should I place them. I have a v-bottom boat with 75 HP evinrude. The transom is not totally flat, near the ends (outside) of the boat there is an aprox. 1 to 2" lip near the top where the actuator would attach with the 1 to 2 " difference from the plate itself. Where is it better to place them inside closer to the motor (with proper clearance of course) or toward the outside of the boat. I can get mine about half way between the outside of the boat and the motor without the one to two inch difference being a problem.

Boomyal · May 25, 2006

Re: Just bought new smart tabs

Pictures are worth a 1000 words npd. We can't begin to give you a suggestion without seeing your transom. They do, basically, want to be as far outboard as you can place them.

npd4432 · May 30, 2006

Re: Just bought new smart tabs

Just took the pics, here they are

npd4432 · May 30, 2006

Re: Just bought new smart tabs

Gary H NC · May 30, 2006

Re: Just bought new smart tabs

I would mount them as far outside as possible,just so the top of the actuator misses that lip on the transom..

Jdeagro · May 30, 2006

Re: Just bought new smart tabs

Come in from the outside edges of the transom about four to five inches. Attache the plates to the bottm ov the transom about 1/2" up from the bottom of the hull. Attach the actuator transom bracket to the shallow extended part of the transom. Don't worry about the step in the transom. you will have plenty of adjustment.

npd4432 · May 30, 2006

Re: Just bought new smart tabs

"the shallow extended part of the transom" what do you mean by this? The rest of what you said basically follows the included instructions. Should I just follow them and not worry about the 1" step in the transom, And come in the four to five inches you suggest and put the actuator bracket on the step of the transom and adjust accordingly?

npd4432 · May 30, 2006

Re: Just bought new smart tabs

Jdeagro · May 31, 2006

Re: Just bought new smart tabs

npd; The top part of the actuator can be mounted in either position.

Gary H NC · May 31, 2006

Re: Just bought new smart tabs

Position #1 on your pic will work fine.The farther to the outside of the transom the better. Yes 4 inches from the corner.. Here is a pic of how i mounted mine... http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j299/garyh38/boat7.jpg

npd4432 · May 31, 2006

Re: Just bought new smart tabs

Thanks for the help guys!! The tabs are this weekends project, I will be sure to let you know how it goes.

Gary H NC · May 31, 2006

Re: Just bought new smart tabs

You will really like what they do. Just remember,measure,measure and measure again before drilling holes.

npd4432 · Jun 5, 2006

Re: Just bought new smart tabs

WOW these things work AS ADVERTISED!! Thanks for all the help. Only took me about an hour.

Gary H NC · Jun 5, 2006

Re: Just bought new smart tabs

NICE!!!

Just bought new smart tabs

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