Prop Tuning With Regard To Smart Tabs

[tahoejag]

Just a thought here....for it seems like a catch 22 here that one would efffect the other...JMO.

What would the correct or best way be to test different props on boat that have smart tabs installed?

1) Disconnect arm from tabs so that tabs have no effect on performance of boat, then test props for best results, then re-install tab arms and adjust tabs accordingly to the boats performance with your new selected prop? OR

2) Test props for best results with smart tabs already installed?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Prop Tuning With Regard To Smart Tabs

Ayuh,.... #2,.... The boat, 'n prop should be tested, As they're set up to normally Run....

 

[steelespike]

Re: Prop Tuning With Regard To Smart Tabs

I think its best to try it with tabs released.Then gradually apply the tabs for best performance.
Some props apply stern lift others bow lift and so on.
Carelessly applied tabs can cause drag and odd handling.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Prop Tuning With Regard To Smart Tabs

Option #1

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Prop Tuning With Regard To Smart Tabs

Im with Bondo here. tabs extend or balance a boat and the boat should be propped to it's new balance. I can see a stern lifting prop be of value with no tab's and useless with them...maybe not useless but something like that. AKA why buy a stern lifter when the tabs go far beyond what any prop could ever do.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Prop Tuning With Regard To Smart Tabs

If you were talking about regular tabs that stay stiff unless manually adjusted, I would agree with the above, but with smart tabs, the tabs get tuned in after the boat is set-up the way you want it. Why are you replacing your prop?

 

[QC]

Re: Prop Tuning With Regard To Smart Tabs

Why would anyone consider testing props with a setup they aren't going to run? Think about it this way "good thing I tested my props without my smart (or helm adjustable) tabs. Now I know how my boat would run if I didn't buy tabs." Weird. Heck, the fact that tabs allow you to be more aggressive with trim alone should be an indicator.

Chris, you and I have argued about this, but you claim smart tabs will always make a boat faster. Fine. So why would you test for WOT RPM on a setup slower than you end up with? Not gettin' it.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Prop Tuning With Regard To Smart Tabs

He can test anyway he likes. I would want to know the performance I would be getting without the tabs to make sure the prop wasn't causing negative issues instead of improved issues The smart tabs can be adjusted for less or more based on your boats performance so why would I not want to test the prop and get it tuned in first? After you test for the right prop, you will then be able to tune the tabs in as needed. Which may be far less tab depending on the prop installed.

If he test the prop with the tabs installed and activated, the tabs may very well interfer with the test because they could be causing to much drag because they were set to a less aggresive prop to begin with.

Heck, maybe I'm completely wrong. But if it was my boat, I would be getting the best performance I could by testing props first , then adding/tuning the tabs as needed.

Do you think a owner with helm controlled tabs would test the new prop compared to the old with the trim tabs up or down? My thoughts are they would test the new prop with them up so they could tell the actual difference that just the prop would be making. If you installed a more aggressive prop on a helm controlled trim tabbed boat, the tabs when activated down to get up on plane faster would be adjusted probably less than they were with the previous old prop that didn't get it out of the water as fast.

I'm open to learning the best way of anything and am not here to argue, but when dealing with smart tabs, my belief is to get the boat performing as best it can, then add the performance gains of the smart tabs and tune them in as needed.

And yes, smart tabs will on most boats improve wot speed.This is reason enough to test each prop before trim tabs and after, so once your proped correctly and get your wot rpm speed, you can see how much more speed you gain at wot after the smart tabs are installed and show QC they work,lol :fencing:

 

[tazrig]

Re: Prop Tuning With Regard To Smart Tabs

Just a thought here....for it seems like a catch 22 here that one would efffect the other...JMO.

What would the correct or best way be to test different props on boat that have smart tabs installed?

1) Disconnect arm from tabs so that tabs have no effect on performance of boat, then test props for best results, then re-install tab arms and adjust tabs accordingly to the boats performance with your new selected prop? OR

2) Test props for best results with smart tabs already installed?

#2. You should always test a new prop the way you usually have your boat set up. Same weight, fuel etc. Otherwise you won't get a true, usable result.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Prop Tuning With Regard To Smart Tabs

Referring to smart tabs and the like::
I think if wanting to change props you need disable the tabs and get the present performance with old prop.
Then test new prop tabless and add and adjust tabs for best final performance.
Its impossible to test pure prop performance with the tabs active.
With power tabs obviously you can trim to the new props performance as you test.
Not so with smart tabs unless you can evaluate without the tabs active first.

 

[QC]

Re: Prop Tuning With Regard To Smart Tabs

Not so with smart tabs unless you can evaluate without the tabs active first.

I don't mean to be argumentative, but I am confused by this. If you plan to run with Smart Tabs going forward what value is testing without them? I know it's relatively easy, but I still don't understand why that data is valuable.

 

[jayhanig]

Re: Prop Tuning With Regard To Smart Tabs

I'm inclined to test in the configuration that the boat is going to be in normally. If I can't detect a difference in that configuration, I certainly don't need to change the prop. There had better be a discernable difference before I spend $300 or more on another prop.

I don't care what my boat does without Smart Tabs. It has them on it so the point is moot.

 

[tazrig]

Re: Prop Tuning With Regard To Smart Tabs

I'm inclined to test in the configuration that the boat is going to be in normally. If I can't detect a difference in that configuration, I certainly don't need to change the prop. There had better be a discernable difference before I spend $300 or more on another prop.

I don't care what my boat does without Smart Tabs. It has them on it so the point is moot.

^^^ +1

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Prop Tuning With Regard To Smart Tabs

I'm inclined to test in the configuration that the boat is going to be in normally. If I can't detect a difference in that configuration, I certainly don't need to change the prop. There had better be a discernable difference before I spend $300 or more on another prop.

I don't care what my boat does without Smart Tabs. It has them on it so the point is moot.

When you put your smart tabs on, did you tune them in for the best performance with the prop and the boat you have now? I'm guessing you did. If you were to replace your prop, you would more than likely have to re-tune the smart tabs for the best results.

If you had helm controlled tabs, you would more than likely have to apply less tab manually at the helm if you had a prop that provided more lift at the start compared to the old prop that provide less lift at the start.... You could test a new prop very easily with helm controlled tabs because they are not preset to the old prop. They are adjusted as needed for your set-up. I think with smart tabs you should get your prop results with the tabs deactivated so you can get a true read on what the difference is. Just my opinion though, to each there own.

 

[tahoejag]

Re: Prop Tuning With Regard To Smart Tabs

If you were talking about regular tabs that stay stiff unless manually adjusted, I would agree with the above, but with smart tabs, the tabs get tuned in after the boat is set-up the way you want it. Why are you replacing your prop?

Going to 4 blade for end result of mid range-cruising speed/fuel economy.