Smart Tabs - honestly ?

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart Tabs - honestly ?

dea749;

You should be able to trim the motor out once on plane and raise the bow a bit. This is with or without the trim tabs (assuming you correctly adjust them). However, I am wondering why you can not bring the bow up now without the tabs? Do you have a hydrofoil on the antiventilation plate above the prop? If so, take it off as they drive the bow down at cruising speeds.

 

[dea749]

Re: Smart Tabs - honestly ?

dea749;

However, I am wondering why you can not bring the bow up now without the tabs? Do you have a hydrofoil on the antiventilation plate above the prop? If so, take it off as they drive the bow down at cruising speeds.

No hydrofoil. I have played around with props and motor position and found some improvement but I am becoming more convinced that it is simply the design of the boat. I think the shape of the keel creates a small front wake/spray. In rougher water it's not so much of an issue and this boat handles that kind of water quite well. I have a few more combinations to try but the earlier post comparing trim tabs to airplane flaps makes sense so I won't waste my money. Thanks

 

[BayBoy1750]

Re: Smart Tabs - honestly ?

What about slow speed wandering? My dad bought a 18' ft rinker with a whale tail and it helps push the back end of the boat out of the water, but the boat wanders so bad at slow speed my wife gets "car" sick. Yes she gets sick easily in a car, but not roller coasters. I would like to suggest these to the old man, but I need to fix the slow speed problem first.

Thanks, I'm new here!

Absolutely helps the low speed bow wander. I bought them for planning ability on a 3.0 Bayliner (it worked!) and was pleasantly surprised how easily I could drive into the slip, drive on trailer, and pickup downed skiers without scaring them! During 4th of July we pack 100's boat on a river to watch the fireworks and getting between all the anchored boats used to be tricky with the bow wander, don't even sweat it now.

 

[SwivelHips]

Re: Smart Tabs - honestly ?

First post, long time boater/skier/barefooter/wakeboarder. My brother-in-law's boat, which we all use, is a Reinell 204 LSE 5.0. Off the trailer, it had serious bow rise/trim issues which were helped with a High-5 prop and trimming all the way in on takeoff. It will still porpoise if you trim it out too far and definitely wanders at idle.

I think these tabs may be just the ticket, but I have a specific question about wake shape: this hull creates a 'hollow' just outboard of the wake, which is really awful for slalom skiing since it acts as a bit of a ramp. In fact, since the water level falls away a little as you approach the wake, I tend to lose my edge and crash -- once resulting in broken ribs. Don't want to do that again since I'm an old fart and slow to heal.

Do the tabs change the wake shape at all? Smaller wake is great for me, but I want to get rid of the 'deadly hollows'! :redface:

 

[Hitech]

Re: Smart Tabs - honestly ?

My understanding is that it smooths out and lessens the wake behind the boat. It's good for skiers, bad for wake boarders. For wake boarding get the pro-trollers and install them upside down so they become retractors. Retract when you want the big wake. But, since you ski they should give you a better wake. I haven't skied behind them so I can't say for sure, but that is what I have read here...

 

[QC]

Re: Smart Tabs - honestly ?

Get Bennett helm adjustable (or similar) and you get the most flexibility. Full tabs only when you want them, no tabs only when you want them, every infinite combination in between, only when you want them.

I am a SmartTab fan, but if you want complete control and adjustability you must have control. It's kinda hard as you have to push the little buttons . . . If you would rather point and go, SmartTabs, if you like to fiddle with stuff, then helm adjustable. Cost being the other factor.

 

[makbat]

Re: Smart Tabs - honestly ?

Hi, uhhh this a realy old post...

I have instaled them on my Regal 2150 lsc with Volvo 4.3 GL. THEY RUN GREAT......for 7 days
, and then i was flying over some waves and BROKE THEM on the second wave.....they are great but they are to FRAGILE ((((((((((

 

[QC]

Re: Smart Tabs - honestly ?

You're right makbat, old thread and not sure why you didn't start a new one However, I would suggest you contact Nauticus and see if they can help you. There are an awful lot of Nautical Miles under those tabs, my guess is that there was either a bad part or a bad install, but either way I think they can help you.