Do you have smart tabs on your Tahoe?

[geezlouise]

Re: Do you have smart tabs on your Tahoe?

Update: Tahoe Q6 with Smart Tabs
I took the boat out last night after changing out the 80lb struts for the lighter 60lb struts. Everything is perfect. Even though they recommend 80's for boats of this size, the 60's are the way to go.

Tahoe specific install: I have seen pictures on this forum of two different installs.

One shows the tabs installed inward toward the centerline of the boat. Using this location allows the top of the strut to be mounted to the flat vertical area of the transom. I have to believe this location would still provide good lift for quicker planing times, but not provide much side-to-side stability when crossing wakes etc.

The second way (and the way I did it) is to locate the tabs outboard, about 5 or 6 inches from the edge. This positions the mounting location for the top of the strut directly on the rounded part of the transom. The strut angle does effect adjustments. Specifically, pressure adjustments also change the the plate angle even though the instructions say it doesn't. So if you mount them outboard, you will have to correct plate angle back to 25 degrees anytime you adjust the down pressure.

Last thought:
I have never heard of anyone breaking the stainless steel smart tabs, but have read several posts by folks who have broken the plastic tabs.

 

[etransfer]

Re: Do you have smart tabs on your Tahoe?

Update: Tahoe Q6 with Smart Tabs
I took the boat out last night after changing out the 80lb struts for the lighter 60lb struts. Everything is perfect. Even though they recommend 80's for boats of this size, the 60's are the way to go.

Tahoe specific install: I have seen pictures on this forum of two different installs.

One shows the tabs installed inward toward the centerline of the boat. Using this location allows the top of the strut to be mounted to the flat vertical area of the transom. I have to believe this location would still provide good lift for quicker planing times, but not provide much side-to-side stability when crossing wakes etc.

The second way (and the way I did it) is to locate the tabs outboard, about 5 or 6 inches from the edge. This positions the mounting location for the top of the strut directly on the rounded part of the transom. The strut angle does effect adjustments. Specifically, pressure adjustments also change the the plate angle even though the instructions say it doesn't. So if you mount them outboard, you will have to correct plate angle back to 25 degrees anytime you adjust the down pressure.

Last thought:
I have never heard of anyone breaking the stainless steel smart tabs, but have read several posts by folks who have broken the plastic tabs.

I went with your option #2 because I called John and he said to mount them out as far as possible for the best result.

I broke my first set because of the angle and the strut hit the plate when in the full up position so that's why I cut the holes out and now I have about 45 hours on them and they're holding up perfectly.

You're correct though that the stainless won't have issues because
of the way the strut mounts - it won't hit !

 

[Ret USN CPO]

Re: Do you have smart tabs on your Tahoe?

I put them about 8 inches in from the outside right on the first chine.

I called the company and they said for the best performance they needed to be out as far as you can mount them but at least 6 inches in.

I had to cut out all the holes except one because I blew out two actuators
because they kept hitting.

I've used the 40 lb, 60 lb and 80 lb actuators and the 60 lb is best with the Q6. They're a little light if you have 6-7 people on the boat but I found the 80 lbs make the boat plow with just 2-3 people on board.

The improvement in control is 10 times better so it's worth the hassle to install them.

When you are talking about cutting out all the holes, what do you mean? I just got mine in yesterday, and have looked at the pictures of your install. I plan on going with the same location and would like to not go through blowing out actuators and breaking clips.

Thanks

 

[etransfer]

Re: Do you have smart tabs on your Tahoe?

Here's the holes cut out. To be honest they might work just fine by putting the actuator in the outside hole then measuring them to the 25 degree angle. With the swim platform the actuator won't be straight up and down at a 90 degree angle and I called the company and they said try to keep it close to 90 degrees.

Mine were already mounted at the right angle and I didn't want to drill new holes to mount the bracket again so cutting them out was easier.

 

[Ret USN CPO]

Re: Do you have smart tabs on your Tahoe?

Thanks ET.

Just to make sure I got this right (I'd hate to waste a hundred bucks), is this what you mean? (See picture below)

 

[etransfer]

Re: Do you have smart tabs on your Tahoe?

Thanks ET.

Just to make sure I got this right (I'd hate to waste a hundred bucks), is this what you mean? (See picture below)

Yes exactly !

 

[Ret USN CPO]

Re: Do you have smart tabs on your Tahoe?

Alrighty then. I finally had the time to put my new SX Smart Tabs on. I called Nauticus about another question I had and mentioned to John about the alteration you made and asked if that alteration would still be covered under their warranty.

He told me the alteration was "certainly ingenious", but that they now had a better fix for the Tahoes, and no that alteration wouldn't be covered. He sent me two new parts (free of charge) to be screwed on the bottom of the actuator in place the fitting that was shipped. I don't have any pictures right now, but will get some as soon as possible.

The new fitting attaches to the trim plate in one of the five holes (he said #3 shoudl work perfectly) on only one side of the plate with a stainless steel bolt and nut. When moving the tab through the range of motion, there is absolutely no binding. The only draw back was the extra 4-5 days to get those parts shipped to me.

John also said that the 60 lb actuators were perfect for the I/O Tahoes.

I am planning on having my in-water test tomorrow. I'll let you all know how it works out.

 

[Hashi]

Re: Do you have smart tabs on your Tahoe?

I am planning on having my in-water test tomorrow. I'll let you all know how it works out.

GREAT!...Were all interested in knowing and seeing the pics.

Thanks!

 

[Ret USN CPO]

Re: Do you have smart tabs on your Tahoe?



Here's the pics of my install. They work just like the ads say. No bow rise at all. Turns are nice and smooth. Didn't check top end or fuel mileage yet, but did have a blast towing my daughter and her friend around on the tube. Great hole shot on the knee board too.

 

[Hashi]

Re: Do you have smart tabs on your Tahoe?

Nice install...Glad they're working out for you. Now, it's my turn.

 

[brown_one]

Re: Do you have smart tabs on your Tahoe?

the regular smart tabs are stainless right?

 

[Hitech]

Re: Do you have smart tabs on your Tahoe?

yes

 

[macjake]

Re: Do you have smart tabs on your Tahoe?

I have a 2004 Tahoe 215 I/O and ordered the Smart Tabs SX. I called the company and they are sending me the new fitting Ret USN CPO was talking about which will allow me to mount the top of the actuator onto the transom bubble/ extension instead of the same flat surface as the hinge. This is my only option to keep the tabs wide enough to be effective.

I also ordered a 14" 21Pitch 4 blade aluminum prop. Can't wait to try out the combo!!!

I'm interrested in low speed plane for pulling my young children on a tube.

 

[brown_one]

Re: Do you have smart tabs on your Tahoe?

macjake have you installed yours yet? would like to see pics if you have. mine have arrived but would like to see more pics before i install them.

 

[macjake]

Re: Do you have smart tabs on your Tahoe?

Just installed the other day. Connectors came from company also...I will post pics within the next few days

macjake have you installed yours yet? would like to see pics if you have. mine have arrived but would like to see more pics before i install them.

 

[splicer]

Re: Do you have smart tabs on your Tahoe?

macjake, how's it handling now? I'm thinking about getting them in a few months.

 

[WTR4FUN]

Re: Do you have smart tabs on your Tahoe?

I dont have a Tahoe, but my transom is very similar. I bought the smart tabs from West marine, and as soon as I opened the package I found the insert showing my style of transom with a big line throught it, stating not to install them. I called Nauticus and was told I needed to by the stainless steel version. They are about sixty bucks more. I wonder why they did not offer to send me the revised brackets?

 

[brown_one]

Re: Do you have smart tabs on your Tahoe?

I dont have a Tahoe, but my transom is very similar. I bought the smart tabs from West marine, and as soon as I opened the package I found the insert showing my style of transom with a big line throught it, stating not to install them. I called Nauticus and was told I needed to by the stainless steel version. They are about sixty bucks more. I wonder why they did not offer to send me the revised brackets?

call and ask to speak to jon. will have to send pics probably.

 

[Biggs033]

Re: Do you have smart tabs on your Tahoe?

I installed the tabs yesterday on my 2008 Q6. Haven't had a chance to take it out yet, but noticed that the ladder folds down, close to the tabs, and just hopes know one steps through the ladder and steps on these tabs....! I just hope that I mounted them inward enough. Anyone have their tabs close to the ladder also?? Thanks!

 

[tahoejag]

Re: Do you have smart tabs on your Tahoe?

I installed the tabs yesterday on my 2008 Q6. Haven't had a chance to take it out yet, but noticed that the ladder folds down, close to the tabs, and just hopes know one steps through the ladder and steps on these tabs....! I just hope that I mounted them inward enough. Anyone have their tabs close to the ladder also?? Thanks!

I have 2006 Tahoe Q6 s/f. smart tabs are mounted very near ladder, yet no problem with interference using ladder. Very pleased with the tabs...I recommend people who have them experiment with the different hole adjustments. Even adjusting them has a effect of your ride.