Smart Tabs SX

[Bigplumbs]

For those of you who have smaller boats I was wondering what your experiences might be of smart tabs. At the moment and because the winter is here so no boating for me and the wind is so strong I cant fly my RC planes I am surfing around getting the urge to spend money on things. Not wanting to totally waste all my cash I was thinking about putting smart tabs on my Fletcher 19 GTS with the 3 ltr mercruiser. Most of the reports I read say that they improve many things on a boat but several say it reduces top end speed by as much as 3 mph. Looking at a video of my actual boat it looks to get on the plane well and performs quite well so I don't know if I would gain any advantage from smart tabs.

Here is the video. Go to 8 mins 45 seconds to see it on the water and I would be interested in what you think re the smart tabs. Cost is only £110 so no big deal price wise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHVs3jMuR_Y&feature=youtu.be

Thanks

Dennis

 

[Danfarry]

Watching that video, I wouldn't bother. It gets on the plain quickly and level.

Does it do the same full of fuel and people?

 

[rbcoomer]

Hi Dennis,

The boat looks very well balanced to me and I don't think I'd add tabs.

Having fitted to my Fletcher 150GTO, I like the Smart Tabs as they transformed handling. However, mine is outboard with a stern tank (metal 60L) and was very stern heavy - to the point that she dug an ever bigger hole until getting just past 20kts. At this point she accelerated like a scalded cat and hit 30kts+ in an instant! The downside in this is that she wouldn't plane below 20kts, dropping off entirely at around 17kts. With the addition of the tabs, we can still plane down to 12kts and the boat is much more stable at speed. I reckon I've lost a couple of knots, but in the process of fitting a new tank to the bow, so will need to start balancing all over again.

I think you might find that if you have any issues at all, they may perhaps be more from crosswinds and heeling as the 19 is quite a tall profile for size? If that's the case then full-on trim tabs would likely be a better bet (but much more expensive).

I think I'd see how she handles for a season or two and tackle only if you have to...

Regards,

Robin

 

[Bigplumbs]

Watching that video, I wouldn't bother. It gets on the plain quickly and level.

Does it do the same full of fuel and people?

That was sort of my thoughts. I personally have not had her on the water yet so not sure about the answer loaded a bit more. That was my concern. Because she will be on a swinging mooring I was thinking perhaps fit them but If I don't like them I could beech her and just unscrew them or tie them up. Cost is not an issue but I don't rearly want to drill the boat if not necessary. Either way thanks for your reply

Dennis

 

[Bigplumbs]

Hi Dennis,

The boat looks very well balanced to me and I don't think I'd add tabs.

Having fitted to my Fletcher 150GTO, I like the Smart Tabs as they transformed handling. However, mine is outboard with a stern tank (metal 60L) and was very stern heavy - to the point that she dug an ever bigger hole until getting just past 20kts. At this point she accelerated like a scalded cat and hit 30kts+ in an instant! The downside in this is that she wouldn't plane below 20kts, dropping off entirely at around 17kts. With the addition of the tabs, we can still plane down to 12kts and the boat is much more stable at speed. I reckon I've lost a couple of knots, but in the process of fitting a new tank to the bow, so will need to start balancing all over again.

I think you might find that if you have any issues at all, they may perhaps be more from crosswinds and heeling as the 19 is quite a tall profile for size? If that's the case then full-on trim tabs would likely be a better bet (but much more expensive).

I think I'd see how she handles for a season or two and tackle only if you have to...

Regards,

Robin

Robin

Interesting what you say about the slower planning speed. My other boat the 17 foot fletcher GTO Arrowstreak bow rider(I love Fletchers !) does a similar thing getting out of the hole but will plane reasonably slow. Now you got me thinking about them on that boat. Lots to think about

Thanks

Dennis

 

[rbcoomer]

Robin

Interesting what you say about the slower planning speed. My other boat the 17 foot fletcher GTO Arrowstreak bow rider(I love Fletchers !) does a similar thing getting out of the hole but will plane reasonably slow. Now you got me thinking about them on that boat. Lots to think about

Thanks

Dennis

The vertical poise getting out of the hole used to scare my son rigid - part of the reason for the tabs! I think they tend to work much better on smaller boats (I used on our 14' too) and lower HP (the 15' is 90hp and the 14' was 50hp). Once you get past 20', the effect is less as the balance tends to improve anyway - especially inboard where cog is a little further forward. With more horsepower, you can usually power out of the hole anyway.

The advantage of full trim tabs is that you can adjust separately to counteract wind shear, lateral balance of the hull due to load etc. I think the Smart Tabs do help here, but not as much.

 

[Spi D]

No need for tabs regarding time to plane. If however you look for at solution to list when in side wind, tabs will help. Must be invidually adjustable for this so Smart tabs will not be right.

If you must burn money while awaiting the season I'd suggest you look for gadgets. Or set your desire on a new stainless prop - that will part you from a good pile of money.

 

[dingdongs]

When i fitted my smart tabs there were a number of advantages which are annoying when you dont have them.boat swaying side to side at tickover speeds which no amount of steering adjustments would correct.now gone.more stable across wakes at angles give a lot less boat roll and being able to stay on the plane at lower speeds whilst pulling skiers without having to throttle when dropping back in the hole is a bonus too. I have not noticed a reduction in top speed but contol is a lot better with them.Just my pennys worth.