Smart Tabs

[dhof55]

2004 Stingray 190ls 4.3 v6
Finally, a break in the weather and was able to get the boat out and try out my new Smart Tabs. Installing was easy...though drilling in your transom is never easy.
The instructions said start in the 3rd position. I backed off at the last minute and moved to the 2nd position. Clear improvement from the beginning. Boat came up on a plane with virtually no bow rise. Once up I was able to trim up(something I've never been able to do). Flat water. Hit 53 on the GPS. Still have 1 or 2 more mph in her. Still a little porposing if I trim up too much...which is the case with a lot of boats.
Will test in the middle position next time.
All in all very successful.

 

['78 Crusader]

Re: Smart Tabs

Great to hear!!

IMO, smart tabs or trim tabs (I prefer Smart tabs) is ALWAYS a better alternative to using a Dole fin or some other crappy device.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Smart Tabs

If you still have a little porpoising when you trim out to vertical, then you need to adjust the tabs to hole 3, and maybe 4 if required.

 

[Jerryh3]

Re: Smart Tabs

I hope they're worth it. I just put mine on this Sunday. Hopefully have the boat in the water in a week or two.

 

[nlain]

Re: Smart Tabs

They are worth it, they will do everything advertised, at least they do for me. I have the stainless steel version and I would do it again. A few trial runs to make a few adjustments and never worry about them again.

 

[dannyual767]

Re: Smart Tabs

I've got the SS Smart Tabs on my 2004 Stingray 200LX. Smart Tabs are really pretty much the first modification that a new Stingray owner should do! They work great!!

 

[dhof55]

Re: Smart Tabs

Adjusted to the third position, had the boat pulled out in the sun in the driveway ready to go (It's a 3 minute drive to the launch...nice) and the family bailed. Urg!! Decided not to go on my own.
Will test out this weekend...hopefully Saturday. It's opening day Yachting season this Saturday here in Seattle....though I'm not a yacht.

 

[dhof55]

Re: Smart Tabs

Update.
OK...first off let me say the weather sucks up here in the PNW. Between work and the weather, haven't been able to get the boat out. Finally got out last Friday for a dinner cruise. Moved the adjustment to the 3rd hole. That's it. Perfect.
Comes out of hole even if I'm not trimmed all the way down. Once up, I'm able to trim properly with no porpoising and the boat drives through chop like never before. Makes the wife happy.