Smart Tab Install Advice 2013 Tahoe Q5i

[bfd400]

I purchased the Smart Tab SX 60lb trim tabs to install on a brand new 2013 Tahoe Q5i.
Once I get the nerve to drill 16 holes in my new boat , I am going to install them.
I have spent the last two weeks researching the install but haven't found anything specifically regarding installing on a newer Q5i.

I would appreciate any tips, tricks or pitfalls you may have encountered during your install that would be relative to mine.

Thanks in advance.

 

[carey965]

Re: Smart Tab Install Advice 2013 Tahoe Q5i

Stop over thinking it. It's not that bad. I just did it on my 98 q5 (which is new to me) it's easy and mount them flush. It won't mess up your hull

And just take your time

 

[bfd400]

Re: Smart Tab Install Advice 2013 Tahoe Q5i

OK, Installed the Smart Tabs this morning. Installation is pretty straight forward as per the enclosed instructions.

The only deviation from the instructions I can offer is to ensure the tab mount is properly positioned, and while holding the mount in place, drill the lower left hole. Then place a screw in that hole snugly. Then press the mount against the transom in the bottom center and drill that hole, using the mount as the template. Insert a screw after each hole drilled. Next do the upper right hole. Finish drilling the remaining holes while continuing to use the mount as a template.

In essence, the idea is to form the tab mount to the curvature of the transom.

This will ensure the holes are in the correct place. The curvature of the transom will throw off the holes if you try to hold the mount to the transom, mark the drill holes and then remove the mount to drill the holes.

After all the holes are drilled, remove the screws and the mount and fill the holes with 3M 5200 sealant. Re-install the mount.

The curvature of the hull (and the mount) will NOT hinder the horizontal travel of the trim tab and the trim tabs will not interfere with the boarding ladder.

Now, if she doesn't sink, the installation will be a success! :faint2:

 

[BoatDrinksQ5]

Re: Smart Tab Install Advice 2013 Tahoe Q5i

good tip on the doing each hole and screw as you go! I wouldn't have thought of that potential issue.

one of these days i will finally pull the trigger on these! :-/

 

[PrinceValium]

Re: Smart Tab Install Advice 2013 Tahoe Q5i

good tip on the doing each hole and screw as you go! I wouldn't have thought of that potential issue.

one of these days i will finally pull the trigger on these! :-/

Just do it!!! You will NOT regret it trust me. You will tell yourself why didn't you do it sooner. It really does transform the ride and steering characteristics of your boat.

 

[bfd400]

Re: Smart Tab Install Advice 2013 Tahoe Q5i

good tip on the doing each hole and screw as you go! I wouldn't have thought of that potential issue.

one of these days i will finally pull the trigger on these! :-/

BoatDrinks,

I know what you mean. My boats is only three weeks old. I have had it out twice since I got it. It was a tough choice to drill the holes, but I wanted the benefits of the Smart Tabs.

It was either do it, or take them back to Bass Pro. I feel confident the install won't leak, but I know I will be checking for water the next time out!

I won't be able to try them out for a few more weeks, but when I do, I'll post my performance experience here.

 

[BoatDrinksQ5]

Re: Smart Tab Install Advice 2013 Tahoe Q5i

Main issue for me is location and cost (wife...)...

Appears (havn't measured) that my depth finder transducer is the way - and can't mount in the inside because of straps and tight fit (i think).

I guess i need to get the tape measure out.... and then hopefully then the CC...

The holes i'm not as worried about now that i have already put it under the knife (dremel) for my speaker install (although that was above water line...lol)

 

[JK Turtle]

Re: Smart Tab Install Advice 2013 Tahoe Q5i

Do you have any pictures of the install? I've been debating the smart tabs but I have heard you can't install them on the newer Q5's. Also, what does the smart tabs do to the wake? My girlfriend and I are are getting into wakeboarding a whole lot and don't want to loose the wake.

 

[BoatDrinksQ5]

Re: Smart Tab Install Advice 2013 Tahoe Q5i

They definitly sound like they reduce wake while in operation. But you can get the cheap accessory, PR500, that allows you to easily angle them up so they are not down into the water - but parallel, or even a little bit up, from the hull's surface.

Also you could just adjust the aggressiveness of the tabs by moving the pin to the least forceful position before riding. Personally i would kind of like it somewhat down while driving people wakeboarding - i bet it would help hold 18-20mph easier? But when it was my turn to ride...jump in water....secretly flip up the tabs with the PR500 lol


I can only mount them pretty close to outside edge of the hull.... think that will be ok? otherwise i will have to move my transducer .... not sure where it woiuld end up going...and i would have a few holes to patch. :-/

 

[PrinceValium]

Re: Smart Tab Install Advice 2013 Tahoe Q5i

They definitly sound like they reduce wake while in operation. But you can get the cheap accessory, PR500, that allows you to easily angle them up so they are not down into the water - but parallel, or even a little bit up, from the hull's surface.

Also you could just adjust the aggressiveness of the tabs by moving the pin to the least forceful position before riding. Personally i would kind of like it somewhat down while driving people wakeboarding - i bet it would help hold 18-20mph easier? But when it was my turn to ride...jump in water....secretly flip up the tabs with the PR500 lol


I can only mount them pretty close to outside edge of the hull.... think that will be ok? otherwise i will have to move my transducer .... not sure where it woiuld end up going...and i would have a few holes to patch. :-/

I would consult Nauticus and show them a few pictures...but I am sure they will say it would be fine.

 

[bfd400]

Re: Smart Tab Install Advice 2013 Tahoe Q5i

Sorry about the slow post. I will post some pics of my install tonight or tomorrow. I mounted mine 5" from the outside edge of the transom and flush with the bottom of the hull. Well, except on the port side where the mount slipped down a fraction that I didn't notice until it was too late. I don't think it will make a difference, but if it does, I will trim the mount down flush.

I haven't had the boat in the water since the install. Planning on going this weekend, so I will post the results. From what I have read, the wakeboarders do use the PR500 option which will allow the tabs to be moved up to a neutral position, thereby allowing the normal wake from the boat.

 

[PrinceValium]

Re: Smart Tab Install Advice 2013 Tahoe Q5i

Sorry about the slow post. I will post some pics of my install tonight or tomorrow. I mounted mine 5" from the outside edge of the transom and flush with the bottom of the hull. Well, except on the port side where the mount slipped down a fraction that I didn't notice until it was too late. I don't think it will make a difference, but if it does, I will trim the mount down flush.

I haven't had the boat in the water since the install. Planning on going this weekend, so I will post the results. From what I have read, the wakeboarders do use the PR500 option which will allow the tabs to be moved up to a neutral position, thereby allowing the normal wake from the boat.

yep that is exactly wwhy I havee the PR500 on my boat. you will LOVE the tabs...they really make the boat handle differently all around.