trim tab vs smart tab

[sebas54]

If the prices for the smart tabs were the same as regular trim tabs, which would you buy, and why?

I hear all the time that the smart tabs are better because they are less expensive but how do they compare to regular trim tabs if price was around the same.

I would think that smart tabs are infact better because they are fully automatic but am not convinced yet.

Thanks

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: trim tab vs smart tab

smart tabs are the most bang for the buck, of any boat accessory. the bennets have their real place on larger boats. but for up to 25ft day boat, smart tabs. never a hydrofoil.

 

[crb478]

Re: trim tab vs smart tab

It depends on if you want to continually adjust the tabs for your boat. Smart tabs are pretty much automatic and do not have a lot that can go wrong with them after you get them set up. Bennetts are much more adjustable but require your imput to change if you do not have the automated leveling systems to do it for you. For the way I boat I prefer the smart tabs so I can put my energy into fishing and cruising.

 

[marine4003]

Re: trim tab vs smart tab

Trimtabs offer alot more adjustment than smart tabs..for instance cruising against the tide,at times the boat will lean port or starboard due to prop torque or anadode placement, tabs allow port / starboard adjustment,also load adjustment,when i'm cruising waterway in the Scarab,alot of stop and go,i use alot less gas using both the motor trim along with tabs to get the hull in the "sweet spot", offshore,running full-tilt-boogie,i can maximize hull speed with tabs,smart tabs are great for smaller boats with less than 100HP as there main purpose is to get her up on plane faster..and thats it.

 

[Boatist]

Re: trim tab vs smart tab

In my book Adjustable tabs are way better than smart tabs.
If your goal is only to get on plane faster than with out tabs and at a slower speed get the smart tabs as they will do that and are cheaper.

If your goal is to get the very best ride in any weather condition and save the most fuel then get adjustable tabs.
One day you will head out and the water glassy, not even a ripple and see no other boats. Why would you want smart tabs forcing the Bow down when you can get better gas mileage and a great ride with no trim at all. Comming back you find a 3 or 4 foot chop and you want to slow way down but keep the bow down to cut that chop. Smart tabs would adjust the same both ways. Adjustables you set for the best ride and fuel mileage.

With smart tabs you can use the motor trim to raise or lower the stern and of coruse that lower or raises the bow. What you are doing is directing the motor thrust down or up to adjust the trim. This will help your ride but that up or down thrust is power and fuel you do not need to loose.
With adjustables you use the trim tabs to adjust your ride then adjust the motor trim for the best speed and also the best fuel mileage because all the thrust is used to move the boat foward and not to raise or lower the stern.

With cross winds if your boat is like both of mine it will lean into the wind. With smart tabs all you can do in move your buddies around to try and lever the boat. With adjustable the buddy stay where there out of the wind and dry and you hit a switch and adjustable level.

In the ocean or anywhere where you have big following seas you want no trim at all but with smart tabs you will still have trim. With adjustables you hit two switches for 2 seconds and you have no trim and the best safe ride.

My main point is I do not adjust my trim the same way on any two days and on bad days I adjust every time I change directions. Why because I want the best safe ride I can get for my crew and boat. I adjust for saftey and ride first then fuel mileage.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: trim tab vs smart tab

Boatist;


I respect your preference for helm controlled tabs and based on your experience with them they are your best choice.

I think that some of your objections to Smart Tabs and your assumptions of how they perform in certain situations would be different if you had more experience (maybe you have had none) with our product.

This is not a debate as to what anyone should purchase, but simply my effort to suggest that you may not understand Smart Tabs completely. In short I feel that it is hard to be objective when you have less experience than required to make some of these judgments.

Your second paragraph suggests that Smart Tabs overcorrect in both calm and rough water conditions and thereby cause a loss of fuel economy. This is not the case and in fact there is independent test data which shows the opposite. I think you simply do not understand the system.

 

[QC]

Re: trim tab vs smart tab

I've ran both . . . and I agree with crb. If you want total adjustability (I do) helm adjustable are the only way to fly! Smart Tabs are not adjustable once they are set. Period. I don't care if you have ropes tied to them or any other Mickey Mouse way to get them out of the way, they are basically fixed as far as the operator is concerned. Sorry for the slam, but I don't like stuff over my transom, I don't like funky lookin' stuff no matter what.

On the other hand, if, like crb, you prefer to just point it and go, Smart Tabs all the way. I think they are a great product and are sold and described accurately by the manufacturer.

tashasdaddy and i have had a quiet, unrecognized, debate going on this as well. I will never understand why boat size changes this discussion Money? Yes. Boat size? No. I had Bennett's on a 20 footer and she was perfect. Smaller boats react more to weight shifts from side to side, so in that regard, helm adjustables are even more necessary on smaller boats. Smaller boats also need more help for safe operation in rough conditions. If I want the bow up to keep my passengers dry, then I can do that. Also, I don't know about the rest of you, but when I ask a guest to shift sides to balance weight I get the dirtiest look you can imagine from the Supreme Being Avoiding that alone is worth the price of admission

 

[Silvertip]

Re: trim tab vs smart tab

You are making an illogical comparison. The question is akin to asking if a VW beetle and a Mercedes were the same price which one would you pick. They both transport you. But at the same price it's a no brainer -- helm adjustable tabs in my book and I own Smart Tabs and highly recommend them. For the price you can't ask for more. If they were helm adjustable, all the better but that simply won't happen at that price point.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: trim tab vs smart tab

Quite frankly I do not like the comparison as if we compete with Bennett or any other Helm controlled tabs. We do not! The choice should be made based on personal preference, the use of the boat, and the experience of the pilot or the desire to gain experience.

 

[QC]

Re: trim tab vs smart tab

And I totally agree with both of the above comments. My ONLY problem with this discussion is when some claim that Smart Tabs are "superior" or "better" or "the only way to go". They are different, and IMHO helm adjustables are much more . . . uhhhh . . . errrr . . . uhhhhh . . . hmmmmmmmmm . . . adjustable.

You can look back to almost all of Boatist's and my rebuttals, and that is almost 100% the reason for our comments.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: trim tab vs smart tab

I would love to see the results of the independent tests as long as the tests are done by an organization that is not also accepting advertising money from Nauticus.

 

[Pierutrus]

Re: trim tab vs smart tab

Jdeagro,

I'm gonna give you ONE more chance!
Here's my experience.....With these people...
Got the smart tabs "SX" model about a month ago.
Installed them, finding out..(I have ridges on said transom).
Where it is not possible to put the top actuator in a perfect spot.
Called John numerous times....He's was always out of the office.
Got to big? To fast? Who knows....
All I know is this..........
When I did get John, he put me on hold....and I got Greg, who told me to email pic's to him and he will get back to me.....
Been a week now....sent him the pic's.....all documentary stuff and never heard a peep.
Well come Wednesday....I'm off!
I'll be flooding your phone system!
P.S. Don't make me come out there!

Love always, of course.....

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: trim tab vs smart tab

Pierutrus;

Last week I was out of the loop for a few days because of a family death and funeral. Greg had to hold up the fort in this very busy time as best he could. I will ask him in the AM if he has received the pictures. If so I will repsond immediately with a potential solution. The only reason I would have "pushed" you off to another person is that I had no other alternative.
Sorry for the poor service. Please note the time of this rsponse, I am still trying to get cought up.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: trim tab vs smart tab

Bruce;

Bruce;

As a matter of information regarding industry advertising:

Nearly all company's have advertising allowances available for their distributors and dealers to help offset the costs of things like cataloging, print and TV advertising, mailer, promotional brochures, etc. I would seriously doubt that you can find a retailer that is not being supported by a supplier with some allowance.

iboats is a customer, and as such they qualify for promotional allowances just like West Marine, Cabela's, Defender and others.

Independent tests should be "independent" third party events. I am not sure what you are referring to, but we would and do welcome any qualified group to test our product and publish the results as they see them.

Other than quantified performance comparison such as acceleration tests, bow angle measurements, fuel economy measurements, Time to Plane, most other testing would be subjective. In other words, an opinion.

I go back to what I have said in the past, the brand and type of trim tabs you choose should be a personal judgment based on your specific desires, comfort, and performance expectations. I have nothing against helm controlled trim tabs, and have not only used them but recommended them. It is simply not our market.

I will say that it is flattering to be compared to a product that sells for as much as four (4) times the price of ours. Can't be all bad!

 

[RetNav]

Re: trim tab vs smart tab

I've had both and personally prefer to have the ability to adjust the ride in my boat at any time I want.

 

[Boatist]

Re: trim tab vs smart tab

Jdeagro
I fully understand your product.

You say "My second Paragraph suggest that Smart Tabs Overcorrect in both Calm and Rough water condition".

My Second paragraph did not suggest that at all. It said that smart tabs adjust the same on a day with glassy water with out even a ripple as it does when you have 3 or 4 feet of chop.

Adjustable tabs and Glassy conditions I would adjust where the spray comes off the stern 1/4 of the boat, with very little wetted surface and drag and best speed and fuel Mileage.
In a 3 or 4 foot chop I would adjust the bow down on the water with the spray comming off the bow's sharp entry far ahead of the windsheild for the best ride. This is not the best for fuel mileage but is the best ride.

What my second Paragraph suggest that smart tabs adjust the same in both condition.

I think smart tabs are a great cheap product and far better than no tabs at all. For inland fair weather boaters is small lakes and rivers probably the best product for the price.

Sebas54 question is which product is better if they were the same price.

Adjustable are far better because they can be adjusted in seconds while underway for what ever ride you want.

I find it funny when I see commets like I want to spend my day fishing not adjusting tabs. Well it takes no fishing time at all. You will get to that fishing spot safer and with a crew ready to fish and not worn out from fighting the rough conditions.

After you make sure everone is seated and apply power to bring the boat up on plane one would normally set your speed for conditions then fine tune the ride with a 1 to 2 second adjustment.

With adjustable tabs I can stay on plane to 9 MPH and I run this way a lot with a head sea or bow 1/4 sea and Swell from 6 to 9 feet.

I make no money off any product so My commets are from my years of Boating, Fishing, Partying, hunting and Cruising.


Bodega Bay Weather May 5 2008
Winds NW 320 true 17.5 knots with gust to 21.4 knots, Water temperature 50.0 degrees F
Seas 9.2 foot Swells every 10 seconds, Chop 6.8 seconds Swell steepness = average.
http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=46013

 

[sebas54]

Re: trim tab vs smart tab

Thanks for all the information and opinions. I am still a bit confused. I wish that there was an actual test results that I could see.

So, regular tim tabs would most definantley be a better deal if price was the same; very understandable because I am the type who always likes to adjust, play, and fix(I like to be in controll).

But since cost is an issue and all I really need is to get on a plane and have the boat ride level, Samrt Tabs are probably going to be my choice. I wish I had the extra money to go with adjustables.

What size should I get. I have a 22.2 1980 aquasport boat with a 4.3l. It is pretty heavy.

Thanks.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: trim tab vs smart tab

Boatist;

I appreciate your comments. I would like to point out that when cruising in calm waters the Samrt Tabs are pretty much static or still, similar to the suspension system on your car when driving on a smooth road. When the water is choppy Smart Tabs move in concert with the boat movement in choppy water, again similar to the way your car's suspencsion sytem reacts on a bumpy road. The actuator provides the same reaction as a spring over shock system. The resistance is dampened. The only trick is to make sure the correct model is choosen for the boat so that you do not get too much or too little correction.

With helm controlled tabs the pilot is able to adjust the attitude of the boat at any time and according to his will and desire. The pilot can make attitude changes in any direction, front to back, side to side, corner to corner. He can make correct ajustments or wrong ajustment, to improve the ride or make it worse, it is all a matter of skill and choice. With Smart Tabs you can not adjust the tabs while under way, but neither can you over correct (assuming you have the correct set and have them adjusted to the boat).

Again, I respect your choice. You obviously have the skill and experience, but you would understand our product better if you spent more time on the water with them.

This is not a debate as to what system is better, that is a matter of personal choice, experience, and comfort level.

 

[Zero Balance]

Re: trim tab vs smart tab

I would like to point out that when cruising in calm waters the Samrt Tabs are pretty much static or still, similar to the suspension system on your car when driving on a smooth road. When the water is choppy Smart Tabs move in concert with the boat movement in choppy water, again similar to the way your car's suspencsion sytem reacts on a bumpy road. The actuator provides the same reaction as a spring over shock system. The resistance is dampened. The only trick is to make sure the correct model is choosen for the boat so that you do not get too much or too little correction.

I purchased a set of Smart Tabs about two years ago. After installation and following a few pointers from the manufacturer I was able to adjust my tabs to a setting that works well in most conditions that I fish under. Flat to 3 to 5's. (Lake Mi./Lake Erie) Granted if I run out in rougher weather I may adjust my tabs a bit for this condition but due to pre-marking my brackets to what works well in rougher conditions, this takes about two minutes prior to launch. I usually do this while getting the boat ready. The only reason I bought these tabs was to bring the bow down. I noticed during rough conditions a better ride and in fine tuning my adjustment (stiffer) for the conditions even a better ride. I like the tabs. People have asked what I thought of them and this is what I say. "They work well for my intended purpose" which is getting the bow down on my Fat Pig and getting on plane quicker.

Now going to the original question, which would be better if both were the same price. Probably in a general concensus adjustables, but get this. I have a stereo w/sirius capability but I prefer listening to my MP3. You could say that my stereo is a waste of technology. Which is better if they were the same price? I guess it depends on the user eh? By saying "If they were the same price" brings in a huge variable that could only be satisfied by the products end use and expectations so there will be debate as there are variables in different boaters needs and expectations.

 

[TriadSteeler]

Re: trim tab vs smart tab

This comparison is pointless because trim tabs and smart tabs are completely different animals. Trim tabs would be my ONLY choice If I were heading out into the ocean or one of the larger lakes that can get really rough. I would also be willing to drop 500-1500 for trim tabs if I had a large boat and had already spent in the thousands of dollars range.

I have a 15' tri-hull that will be used on inland lakes in North Carolina. Installing a pair of Bennett's would be like trying to kill an ant with an ICBM.

I think a more accurate comparison for folks like me is smart tabs vs. a hydrofoil. Smart Tabs are 2 - 2.5 X the price of a hydrofoil, but IMHO offer about 5 X the value.

I can't speak for the others, but when comments are made like "Smart tabs are the only way to go." I feel that is in reference to people like me who aren't even considering Adjustables and are making a decision between smart tabs and a hydrofoil.