Smart tabs…..

[charlie_the_tuna]

Not sure if we went over this. These were on the boat when we bought it. One popped off the first time we ran it. I pinned the remaining one into the neutral position. When we come out of the water I’m gonna put another pair on. I don’t figure they can hurt performance.

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/bennett-marine--self-leveling-trim-tab-system-10-x-10-for-boats-17-20--14206387

[charlie_the_tuna]

There are other companies and types but I’m gonna land on one or another and I figure they can only help with the performance.

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/nauticus--smart-tabs-sx-composite-trim-tabs--P006_189_001_507

[charlie_the_tuna]

The way I figure, with that little 115 on the back and because it takes dam near everything we got to get her up on plane…. These can only help.

[SkunkBoat]

I tried the Nauticus on my V20. Took them off. No benefit. Awful when reversing into a slip against a current.

[charlie_the_tuna]

I didn***8217;t think of that. Hmmm***8230;***8230;. I wonder***8230;.
Not a hell of a lot of current where we dock, but the wind can blow pretty good at times.

[charlie_the_tuna]

Are the nautilus adjustable at all? The Bennetts can be pinned up in the neutral position but it’s a real pain in the a$$.

[SkunkBoat]

Yes i had the nauticus with the clip to hold them up....so much for "automatic"

You gotta remember to clip them up when docking and unclip them when running. I left them up the last half of that season.


I know a lot of guys here swear by their tabs but I ran my cuddy 18 years (except one with the Nauticus) without tabs. I ran heavy and I had a hardtop that added weight. I had a zuke 4 stroke 140 and before that a Merc 150 2 stroke.

I ran that boat 60 miles to Chicken Canyon, even went 75 to Texas Tower once
I came home the last 30 miles in SW wind and swells that most guys have never run a 20fter in.

I never said "Gee I wish I had tabs". I only got the tabs because everyone here said how much "better" it rode with tabs.

I realize you want to compensate for being underpowered. To me tabs are like dragging your feet in the water. I don't see how they will help you.

[charlie_the_tuna]

Unfortunately I have no basis for comparison. The starboard tab came off first thing when we dropped her in. Maybe if I had the chance to run it for a day or two…. I’d have something to compare it to.