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Author Topic:   Mounting Outboard When Using "Smart Tabs"

NLNewfie posted 07-07-2010 07:13 PM ET (US)
Hi folks, I have mounted a 90 ETEC on an 18 feet fiberglass sppedboat and have experimented with adjusting the height of the outboard and changing the pitch of the prop several times in an attempt to increase the RPMs to the optimum range of 5000 to 5200, as well as to prevent the boat from porpoising. No combination of height and prop pitch seemed to have worked. After discussing the issue with the builder of the boat, they suggested that I install a set of Smart Tabs from Nauticus and it should help correct both the RPMs and the porpoising. I have now installed the Smart Tabs and was wondering whether or not I should mount the outboard as suggested, ie., the cav plate 2 inches above the keel since the boat also has an external mounting bracket. Any suggestions??
Jeff posted 07-07-2010 07:40 PM ET (US)
I personally have looked at the smart tabs but, could not understand why I would want to install a set of tabs I could not control and actuate while underway from the helm. As sea conditions change you want to be able to correctly trim your boat for the desired ride. Since smart tabs allow no adjustment ability what-so-ever while running, leaving you at the mercy of what they want to do. Their position is dependent upon the speed of the boat and forces of the running water. These smart tabs also do not allow adjustment for off balance lateral loads. With real trim tabs if the boat is running on plane with a list to one side or the other, you can adjust that side up by bringing the bow down on the other side or, bring the bow up on the lower side. This is where controlled actuating trim tabs shine. The other shinning moment for actuating tabs is the ability to force the tabs down at low speeds allowing the vessel to plane off at speeds even below what smart tabs could do.
I bought and installed a set of Lenco's on my 22 Outrage and loved them. You can find a set of 9x9's or for about $400 with the switch. I have looked at a couple boats with smart tabs and they strike me as looking like a "fix" for a poorly rigged boat. A set of Bennett's or Lenco's look like someone invested the money to rig a boat right. Spend the extra money and get real tabs if you an going to do it. That is just my personal take.
tedious posted 07-11-2010 02:25 PM ET (US)
Not that you asked about whether you should get smart tabs (because he already has them, Jeff) but I always kinda liked the idea. Seems like a simple, low maintenance product - no personal experience though.
I would leave the motor where it was before you mounted the tabs and try it out. When experimenting like this, it's always best to change only one thing at a time. I'll be interested to hear your results.
Tim

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Author	Topic: Mounting Outboard When Using "Smart Tabs"
NLNewfie	posted 07-07-2010 07:13 PM ET (US) Hi folks, I have mounted a 90 ETEC on an 18 feet fiberglass sppedboat and have experimented with adjusting the height of the outboard and changing the pitch of the prop several times in an attempt to increase the RPMs to the optimum range of 5000 to 5200, as well as to prevent the boat from porpoising. No combination of height and prop pitch seemed to have worked. After discussing the issue with the builder of the boat, they suggested that I install a set of Smart Tabs from Nauticus and it should help correct both the RPMs and the porpoising. I have now installed the Smart Tabs and was wondering whether or not I should mount the outboard as suggested, ie., the cav plate 2 inches above the keel since the boat also has an external mounting bracket. Any suggestions??
Jeff	posted 07-07-2010 07:40 PM ET (US) I personally have looked at the smart tabs but, could not understand why I would want to install a set of tabs I could not control and actuate while underway from the helm. As sea conditions change you want to be able to correctly trim your boat for the desired ride. Since smart tabs allow no adjustment ability what-so-ever while running, leaving you at the mercy of what they want to do. Their position is dependent upon the speed of the boat and forces of the running water. These smart tabs also do not allow adjustment for off balance lateral loads. With real trim tabs if the boat is running on plane with a list to one side or the other, you can adjust that side up by bringing the bow down on the other side or, bring the bow up on the lower side. This is where controlled actuating trim tabs shine. The other shinning moment for actuating tabs is the ability to force the tabs down at low speeds allowing the vessel to plane off at speeds even below what smart tabs could do. I bought and installed a set of Lenco's on my 22 Outrage and loved them. You can find a set of 9x9's or for about $400 with the switch. I have looked at a couple boats with smart tabs and they strike me as looking like a "fix" for a poorly rigged boat. A set of Bennett's or Lenco's look like someone invested the money to rig a boat right. Spend the extra money and get real tabs if you an going to do it. That is just my personal take.
tedious	posted 07-11-2010 02:25 PM ET (US) Not that you asked about whether you should get smart tabs (because he already has them, Jeff) but I always kinda liked the idea. Seems like a simple, low maintenance product - no personal experience though. I would leave the motor where it was before you mounted the tabs and try it out. When experimenting like this, it's always best to change only one thing at a time. I'll be interested to hear your results. Tim