Ordered a set of stainless smart tabs a couple of weeks ago and finally got around to installing them this weekend. After reading all the positive posts about the smart tabs I decided to order a set of the stainless 80lbs tabs to replace my SE Sport 300 hydrofoil. Let me first state that I didn't have any issues with the hydrofoil and it worked as advertised (plus it was already installed on the boat when I bought it). I was looking for something that would give me a faster plane and more stable handling at cruising speeds. I removed the hydrofoil and installed the smart tabs at got a chance to try them out today at the lake.
Right out of the gate I noticed that bow rise was cut it half over the hydrofoil. Before I couldn't see over the bow while accelerating, now I can see where I'm going all the time. Planing speed was also cut down by a few mph. The main improvement I noticed was while at cruising speeds the boat was not bouncing around through the chop (which is horrible on the weekend). I was not constantly adjusting the trim as I was with the hydrofoil to keep the boat from porpoising, it seemed like the boat was riding on rails. It was more responsive while steering, handled better while doing tighter turns, and ran smoother at WOT. If anyone out there has been contemplating get a set, don't wait till next season, order them now and enjoy them, you wont regret it!
I took some pictures during installation. It was pretty straight forward, just take your time so you dont make mistakes. It took about 2 hours for my install (it was a hot 102* day so I took a lot of breaks inside to "read directions")
Right out of the gate I noticed that bow rise was cut it half over the hydrofoil. Before I couldn't see over the bow while accelerating, now I can see where I'm going all the time. Planing speed was also cut down by a few mph. The main improvement I noticed was while at cruising speeds the boat was not bouncing around through the chop (which is horrible on the weekend). I was not constantly adjusting the trim as I was with the hydrofoil to keep the boat from porpoising, it seemed like the boat was riding on rails. It was more responsive while steering, handled better while doing tighter turns, and ran smoother at WOT. If anyone out there has been contemplating get a set, don't wait till next season, order them now and enjoy them, you wont regret it!
I took some pictures during installation. It was pretty straight forward, just take your time so you dont make mistakes. It took about 2 hours for my install (it was a hot 102* day so I took a lot of breaks inside to "read directions")
