Has anyone experience of "Smart Tabs"

[PCUK]

Thinking of a lower cost option instead of traditional tabs for the old Coronet and wondering if there is any hands-on experience of them?

 

[BruceK]

Yes. Smart tabs should not be confused with trim tabs. They help you get out of the hole quicker and stop porpoising by acting as shock dampers. They cannot laterally trim a boat and as they are on dampers rather than rams will fold up once on the plane (depending on damper rating, mine were 25 kilo each on a 20 foot speedboat)

 

[PCUK]

Thanks Bruce, I only need them to get the Coronet up on the plane so lateral trim isn't important. Would you say they did the job within the limits of their application? Cheers, Peter

 

[BruceK]

Actually they were superb at their application, just not to be confused with trim tabs in the conventional sense. I got on the plane much quicker, didnt slam as much in rough water, didn't porpoise and was able to maintain a much lower planing speed. Every boat is different though and I'd speak to the manufacturer though as it's really a small boat aid. Mine was under a ton and I think IIRC they only size up to about 2 ton?? Best to be sure before you do any drilling.

 

[PalmaTarga]

They look good, I bought some 'Smart Tabs' for my 23ft cuddy, unfortunately not taking into account where my bathing ladder was, so couldn't install them.

Id say it depends on the size of your Coronet. I doubt they would do much on anything much over 1 tonne.

 

[Jamie Dundee]

I put a pair on a previous boat, planed at lower speeds and stopped it porpoising. On that boat I thought they were great, not sure on a bigger boat though. I removed the boarding ladder to fit them.

 

[BartW]

we have them on the tender (Novurania 430)
they help to get on the plane,