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Author Topic:   SMART TABS

Jinfun posted 09-05-2009 12:01 AM ET (US)
Hello all. I have seen a good deal on some Smart Tabs (the non-hydraulic ones) at the local marine store. Would these be worth installing in 1974 I/O Outrage which I had converted to outboard configuration? I have no experience with trim tabs, so any input would be appreciated.
About two years ago I posted for help on performance on a 1974 I/O Outrage which I had converted to outboard configuration. The engine is a two-cycle 90 hp on a 12-inch setback. I've continued fixing her up and also changed from a 17 to 15 pitch propeller, and this has made a world of difference in performance--stopped the porpoising--and rpm is at WOT is good. Thanks forum.
The boat is still a bit slow to come on plane, I think because of the weight of two batteries in the old engine compartment and the 12" set back of the outboard.
jimh posted 09-05-2009 06:37 AM ET (US)
[Removed several duplicates. Please note that articles posted just after midnight may take a few minutes to appear in forum due to the host being very busy with housekeeping.]
Nauti Tauk posted 09-05-2009 03:50 PM ET (US)
Jinfun,
My impression/opinion of non powered/hydraulic Smart Tabs, and products that mount to the anti-ventilation plate on the lower unit of an outboard is mixed. Relatively inexpensive to be sure, however I still firmly believe that there is no substitue for the real deal...trim tabs. Although consideribly more expensive, they offer many advantages that the other products don't. Your boat can be trimmed not only bow to stern but laterally,port to starboard, as well. Lenco brand trim tabs are really easy to install and well proven. That being said, a friend and Whaler owner who had installed Smart Tabs has recently removed them and installed Bennett trim tabs. He's amazed at the difference in the way his Outrage handles. Hope this helps.
swist posted 09-06-2009 07:33 AM ET (US)
In some other forums, people sing the praises of SmartTabs. Obviously you lose direct console control over them, but not having to run control lines is a significant advantage, particularly on a Whaler. And there is the cost.
It would be good if there were a larger sample of Whaler owners who have tried them that could post their findings.
It seems they would be particularly attractive in smaller Whalers like the Montauk, where the price of full-blown tabs seems out of proportion, yet it would be nice to have a mechanism by which you could plane at substantially lower speeds.
Nauti Tauk posted 09-06-2009 05:29 PM ET (US)
swist,
I agree about the planing for smaller Whalers.My post was prompted by a couple of things. Number one, in Florida i fish offshore by myself a good bit. When its a good day to be out, there is usually a foot to a foot and ahalf chop on the big pond. Tabs will bring the bow down into the chop while allowing the engine to be trimmed to an efficient angle instead of being tucked all the way in. Secondly,
the ability to trim the boat port and starboard is really nice instead of having to move people and gear around when company is onboard....just push the button. One thing for sure, like fins on the lower unit they are certainly less expensive and may be just the thing for some applications.
Slick 50 posted 09-06-2009 07:15 PM ET (US)
The Smart tabs will help you get on plane quickly and with very little bow lift. They will also allow you to be on plane at a slower speed than without them. The down fall is turning corners. You are used to the boat leaning like on a bike during turns. I can not say all boats do this but on my 14.5 Wahoo with Smart Tabs will literally lift the inside turn gunnel during high speed turns. You can turn left or right, it does not matter. It reminds me of riding a 4 wheeler. If the turns are below 30 MPH, no problem.
I sure don't want to make them sound bad, they work great in all respects except turns for me.
Good luck,
Rick
Jinfun posted 09-08-2009 12:27 AM ET (US)
Thanks for the replies everyone, I just got back from up north. Seems the positives outweigh the negatives. With 4 people (and a dog) in the boat, definitely a long time to get on plane. I tried a set of Doel Fins but they didn't ssem to have much effect.
My junk yard find boat is a bit of an unusual one in that the motor is mounted pretty far back. Will post some updated pics of when I have time.

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Author	Topic: SMART TABS
Jinfun	posted 09-05-2009 12:01 AM ET (US) Hello all. I have seen a good deal on some Smart Tabs (the non-hydraulic ones) at the local marine store. Would these be worth installing in 1974 I/O Outrage which I had converted to outboard configuration? I have no experience with trim tabs, so any input would be appreciated. About two years ago I posted for help on performance on a 1974 I/O Outrage which I had converted to outboard configuration. The engine is a two-cycle 90 hp on a 12-inch setback. I've continued fixing her up and also changed from a 17 to 15 pitch propeller, and this has made a world of difference in performance--stopped the porpoising--and rpm is at WOT is good. Thanks forum. The boat is still a bit slow to come on plane, I think because of the weight of two batteries in the old engine compartment and the 12" set back of the outboard.
jimh	posted 09-05-2009 06:37 AM ET (US) [Removed several duplicates. Please note that articles posted just after midnight may take a few minutes to appear in forum due to the host being very busy with housekeeping.]
Nauti Tauk	posted 09-05-2009 03:50 PM ET (US) Jinfun, My impression/opinion of non powered/hydraulic Smart Tabs, and products that mount to the anti-ventilation plate on the lower unit of an outboard is mixed. Relatively inexpensive to be sure, however I still firmly believe that there is no substitue for the real deal...trim tabs. Although consideribly more expensive, they offer many advantages that the other products don't. Your boat can be trimmed not only bow to stern but laterally,port to starboard, as well. Lenco brand trim tabs are really easy to install and well proven. That being said, a friend and Whaler owner who had installed Smart Tabs has recently removed them and installed Bennett trim tabs. He's amazed at the difference in the way his Outrage handles. Hope this helps.
swist	posted 09-06-2009 07:33 AM ET (US) In some other forums, people sing the praises of SmartTabs. Obviously you lose direct console control over them, but not having to run control lines is a significant advantage, particularly on a Whaler. And there is the cost. It would be good if there were a larger sample of Whaler owners who have tried them that could post their findings. It seems they would be particularly attractive in smaller Whalers like the Montauk, where the price of full-blown tabs seems out of proportion, yet it would be nice to have a mechanism by which you could plane at substantially lower speeds.
Nauti Tauk	posted 09-06-2009 05:29 PM ET (US) swist, I agree about the planing for smaller Whalers.My post was prompted by a couple of things. Number one, in Florida i fish offshore by myself a good bit. When its a good day to be out, there is usually a foot to a foot and ahalf chop on the big pond. Tabs will bring the bow down into the chop while allowing the engine to be trimmed to an efficient angle instead of being tucked all the way in. Secondly, the ability to trim the boat port and starboard is really nice instead of having to move people and gear around when company is onboard....just push the button. One thing for sure, like fins on the lower unit they are certainly less expensive and may be just the thing for some applications.
Slick 50	posted 09-06-2009 07:15 PM ET (US) The Smart tabs will help you get on plane quickly and with very little bow lift. They will also allow you to be on plane at a slower speed than without them. The down fall is turning corners. You are used to the boat leaning like on a bike during turns. I can not say all boats do this but on my 14.5 Wahoo with Smart Tabs will literally lift the inside turn gunnel during high speed turns. You can turn left or right, it does not matter. It reminds me of riding a 4 wheeler. If the turns are below 30 MPH, no problem. I sure don't want to make them sound bad, they work great in all respects except turns for me. Good luck, Rick
Jinfun	posted 09-08-2009 12:27 AM ET (US) Thanks for the replies everyone, I just got back from up north. Seems the positives outweigh the negatives. With 4 people (and a dog) in the boat, definitely a long time to get on plane. I tried a set of Doel Fins but they didn't ssem to have much effect. My junk yard find boat is a bit of an unusual one in that the motor is mounted pretty far back. Will post some updated pics of when I have time.