Smart tabs, Is it a smart Idea?

[macojoe]

What do you guys think of these??

I was thinking that I could buy another hydrofoil for what ever motor I get next? But I have been also thinking of trim tabs??

But as you all know, there is a money flow problem.

I have heard different things over time about none adjusting tabs, and found these.

What you guys think??

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SmarTrim-Trim-Tabs-4-Boats-21-25-hydroplane-hydrofoil_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ26451QQihZ014 QQitemZ330017119918QQrdZ1

[Crusher]

???Macojoe, have read a lot of post www.iboats.com do a search even the Smart Tabs Co. co.answers questions on that site much like tabman (bennet tabs) does on the www,thehulltruth.com. Seems to be a lot of happy users on smaller boats. My concerns are what about backing down or more important in a following sea? You also don't seem to be able to balance the load. Crusher

[macojoe]

all good questions!

But the same goes for regular Tabs as far as backing down and following seas?

As far as leveling the load, I have gotten real good at that and its not a real issue for me at this point.

[sfprovyn]

I put a set on a little Mako 17 and was very impressed with them. If I had a 20 or above I would probably go with Bennett ...Frank

[Crusher]

Interesting thread hope we hear more, like I said there are a lot of satisfied customers. Hyd or electric can be retracted to the up position. smarttabs are fixed (adj) rod. Crusher

[msbhammer]

Seen them on E-bay as well. They seem to fit my budget. ;D

[WiseGuy]

Are there really a lot of planing out problems on v20's cause I haven't noticed it, or maybe I just don't know what I'm missing. Fill me in

[shicks007]

I have no problems jumpinig up on plane. The only thing I seem to feel with the new motor that I didn't with the old is this:
When I have the boat trimmed way up in a good sea, the boat seems to porpoise and not recover from the wave motion as fast. I had one of those Stingray fins on my old 140hp. Think there's anything there?

[reelapeelin]

Hey Shicks...that's what most boats will do when trimmed way up... touch that trimm down just a chicken-hair and she'll level right out ;) ...

[ranger]

I put a set of smart tabs on my 79 V20. Best thing I ever did to the boat. Bow stayed down, no loss of speed and they made it very stable even while sitting still. No problems backing up or anything. They also have a kit for them to lock them in the up position for trailering or beaching. Took about 1 hour to install and adjust and you don't have to worry about them again.

[macojoe]

The Hydrofoil gets me right up on plane!!

I am trying to even out a bit when driving. Be nice to get the bow down when thwe ruff stuff starts!! Keep the banging down!

I was reading on THT that a lot of guys use both the hydrofoil and tabs.

They say that the tabs help while running and at rest, and the hydro helps in the turns.

[LESTERUS]

CHECK: WWW.NAUTICUSINC.COM

I SAW THEM IN: SHIPSHAPE AND THEY WORK FINE