Newbie: Smart Tabs / 4 fin prop / Hydrofoil on Reinell 190BR 4.3GL Volvo Penta SX I/O

[JimS123]

Re: Newbie: Smart Tabs / 4 fin prop / Hydrofoil on Reinell 190BR 4.3GL Volvo Penta SX

IMO the "Tuna tails" are a waste of money, not to mention the fact that they're hideous and require you to drill holes into your drive.

Why is it OK to drill a dozen holes into the wood in your transom, but its the end of the world if you drill 4 holes in an outdrive that won't cause any long term effects like rust or rot?

 

[dcolemanca]

Re: Newbie: Smart Tabs / 4 fin prop / Hydrofoil on Reinell 190BR 4.3GL Volvo Penta SX

Those look like a nice solution and easy to install. It seems installing 2 new eyes like link below would achieve the same thing and I can reuse my current tie downs. Either way I think there is enough clearance to install the smart tabs to the outside of where tie down is currently and move the tie down towards the drive to clear the tabs.

http://www.etrailer.com/Boat-Trailer-Parts/Erickson/EM53909.html

Only concern is whether they are substantial enough for a 2500lb boat. The existing eyes are welded to the bottom of the trailer beam which seems stronger than a 3/8 single bolt thru the frame - am I being too cautious?

Anyone know of more substantial eye solution? I presume its OK to mount them horizontally thru beam from a strength point of view.

 

[mularski2]

Re: Newbie: Smart Tabs / 4 fin prop / Hydrofoil on Reinell 190BR 4.3GL Volvo Penta SX

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum and couldn't figure out how to post a new message so hope you don't mind my posting in this way. I am a first time boat owner and bought the following boat: 1998 20' Reinell Cuddy. It came with a lot of extras on it like CB, Sony stereo, fish finder (but no manual so I can't figure out all the functions) Trim tabs (the controls are mounted on the dash) and a hydrofoil. Can someone tell me something about this boat. I heard that Reinell once made a really good boat but the quality has gone way down in recent years and they now are "splashing" boats, but I don't really know what that means. Can someone tell me about the quality of my boat? I have a 3 fin stainless steel prop and want to both cruise and tow. Is this the best choice of props? Not sure how to tell if I'm trimmed right or not. When and how should I trim? Thanks in advance for any observations and advise.

 

[spoilsofwar]

Re: Newbie: Smart Tabs / 4 fin prop / Hydrofoil on Reinell 190BR 4.3GL Volvo Penta SX

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum and couldn't figure out how to post a new message so hope you don't mind my posting in this way. I am a first time boat owner and bought the following boat: 1998 20' Reinell Cuddy. It came with a lot of extras on it like CB, Sony stereo, fish finder (but no manual so I can't figure out all the functions) Trim tabs (the controls are mounted on the dash) and a hydrofoil. Can someone tell me something about this boat. I heard that Reinell once made a really good boat but the quality has gone way down in recent years and they now are "splashing" boats, but I don't really know what that means. Can someone tell me about the quality of my boat? I have a 3 fin stainless steel prop and want to both cruise and tow. Is this the best choice of props? Not sure how to tell if I'm trimmed right or not. When and how should I trim? Thanks in advance for any observations and advise.

The prop question is best addressed in the prop section and only if you have the necessary information (WOT RPMs, pitch, size, engine/drive info)

 

[dcolemanca]

Re: Newbie: Smart Tabs / 4 fin prop / Hydrofoil on Reinell 190BR 4.3GL Volvo Penta SX

Just a quick report back in as finally installed the smart tabs this weekend.

I can confirm there is no voodoo and they perform exactly as advertised.

Night and day difference, bow lift is much reduced at low speed accelerating, easy to get up onto plane, stays on plane at slower speeds, didn't get any porpoising during test drive and it was quite choppy. Overall the boat is now a pleasure to drive instead of being a bit stressy. All in all a complete success and best modification I can remember making - should be standard!

We installed eriksson retractable tie downs at same time as part of moving the attach point on the trailer to accommodate smart tabs. The whole job did take close to 4 hours as we were being careful, first time making holes in our baby.

Next job is to replace the 3 fin prop for 4 fin as we need a new one anyway.

Those look like a nice solution and easy to install. It seems installing 2 new eyes like link below would achieve the same thing and I can reuse my current tie downs. Either way I think there is enough clearance to install the smart tabs to the outside of where tie down is currently and move the tie down towards the drive to clear the tabs.

http://www.etrailer.com/Boat-Trailer-Parts/Erickson/EM53909.html

Only concern is whether they are substantial enough for a 2500lb boat. The existing eyes are welded to the bottom of the trailer beam which seems stronger than a 3/8 single bolt thru the frame - am I being too cautious?

Anyone know of more substantial eye solution? I presume its OK to mount them horizontally thru beam from a strength point of view.