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Smart Tabs XL on a 1992 16SL
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| jrjbooger3 |
Posted on 05/26/09 - 6:10 AM
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Just to key in, I have the 15 dauntless with a 70 rude on. i got a set of the smart tabs about a year ago. i love the way the boat handles with them installed. I did have to do some adjustments do get them set right (i have the on the first hole) but now i love the ride. it really made the boat feel and ride like a bigger boat.
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| iwantn2 |
Posted on 05/31/09 - 7:49 AM
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Hi All, I just want to add my two cents here since I did purchase the Smart Tabs SX80s with pr500. These were installed on a Boston Whaler Ventura 180 and I can say, after running with different setting, they can make a significant difference on how the boat handles. At first when I ordered these, I did not have my boat out of the waters but when I did, I was then scared to drill holes into the transom. After some courage from drilling a big hole for rod holders in the gunnels, I put my back into it and installed the tabs after getting much advice from Nauticus (Greg Schreiber). They were the most helpful and their service is top notch with fast delivery. I've dealt with other companies but this one tops. What I found useful for my purpose is that I don't have to fumble around with switches cause I tend to stop and go in this roundabout with family aboard. In addition, with the addition of a wakeboard tower added recently, I can see over the bow. It is true that it does cut through waves which makes the ride a lot smoother as we are located in the Atlantic Ocean, Bermuda. The composite material has the benefit of not worrying about corrosion or checking anodes from time to time. I made sure that the salt water does not intrude into the boot by sealing the top and bottom that's exposed ie gas actuator meets the boot and that it is air tight which hopefully will prolong the metal parts of the actuators. Only possible issue, the screws might be short so I went ahead and replaced the screws that attaches the SX to the transom a tad longer. With the pr500 installed, I have the personal option of either "not using" the Smart Tabs or putting them down. I usually put them up when on the swing mooring or close to the beach line and put them down when I go out riding on the waves. Thus far I am pleased overall given the environment I am in. I would, for sure, recommend SX to other boaters similar to my situation. I hope that Nauticus continues to provide their excellent service for a long, long time as their products does serve the smaller boat arena. I do think Boston Whaler should consider testing the SX for the smaller range boats..again, that would be my opinion. Regards, Paul
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| arthureld |
Posted on 04/24/10 - 12:10 AM
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It seems a lot of people swear by Smart Tabs.
I am tired of my 1984 Outrage 20 porpoising and have moved my batteries to the console and even put 200 lbs of lead in my anchor locker but still I have porpoising.
My engine (175 Etec) height has been adjusted many times and I think I have it just right now. I have an adjustable jack plate with about 5 inches of set back.
This seems like a cheap fix if it works. I think I paid $200 for the lead. 
I found this chart - http://www.nauticusinc.com/pdf/applic..._chart.pdf and assume I need ST1290-80 for my boat.
Edited by arthureld on 04/24/10 - 12:26 AM |
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| arthureld |
Posted on 04/24/10 - 9:49 AM
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I ended up getting the SX version but I'm going to wait until next weekend to install it because I need to talk to tech support during the week about the mounting location on my boat.
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| JohnnyCW |
Posted on 04/24/10 - 10:51 AM
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I'm curious to read your feedback about the product. I have no personal experience with the Smart Tabs but I've talked with at least a couple of boat owners at the ramp running them and all had good things to say as far as decreasing time to plane, being able to stay on plane at lower speeds, and yes, some claimed slightly higher top speeds just as advertised. None of them had mentioned though that they installed the product because of porpoising but I never thought to ask either.
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| Phil T |
Posted on 04/24/10 - 11:16 AM
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Arthur- Having a set-back bracket will induce/exacerbate porpoising. I suggest you ditch the set-back bracket and the lead ballast.
To discuss this more, please start a new thread.
(sorry for the hijack)
1992 Outrage 17 I
2019 E-TEC 90, Viper 17 2+
2018 Load Rite Elite 18280096VT |
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| arthureld |
Posted on 04/24/10 - 11:58 AM
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Thanks again for the input Phil. You are probably right about the jack plate increasing the problem.
But my 1984 Outrage 20 is known for porpoising even with out the jack plate.
For a $129 I'm going to give these a try.
This is one place I read about using smart tabs to stop porpoising - http://www.whalercentral.com/forum/vi...;pid=60505
That thread pointed me to this thread so I really thought it would be an ok hijack.
Thanks for the input guys. This really seems to be common. It's only at high speed which is a place I don't spend much time.
I'll let you know how it turns out.
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| Real Reel Gone |
Posted on 09/15/10 - 7:53 PM
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jimmyrinaldi-
Can you post a picture of the placement on your 16SL. I also have a 93 16 SL and would love to see what you've done.
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| chunteriii |
Posted on 10/05/10 - 6:12 AM
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Hi gents,
I have a new 2010 130SS with the 40hp Merc. I had a 14' Jet boat previously with 90hp and installed smart tabs- they made a huge difference getting on plane and overall performance including hole shot so I bought a set and installed them on the new Whaler. I immediately liked the improvements! I may have lost a little of the top speed, I'm not quite sure but it seems that I don't get much additional speed over 5000 rpm,(It may be because I bought the 60's, by accident, instead of the 40's and installed them before I realized my mistake,(they seem to be working well in the first position) or it could be that I did not run the boat at high speed enough to develop a "feel" before installing them). But with them I am certain that I get on a plane faster with less bow rise, have nearly eliminated porpoising in chop, and cruise beautifully at 3500 rpm with a flat stable ride where before it took 4000+. I do trim up a bit once the boat starts to plane but it does not take much to find the sweet spot. (I bought mine on e-bay for $119 delivered), I like the improvements they make and would recommend them. I may eventually order a set of the (40) shocks and try them to see if it makes a difference with my top speed but either way I'm keeping a set on the boat.
Cliff |
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| joespinella |
Posted on 07/18/12 - 1:46 PM
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how are they set? i just bought a 16sl with a pair and they were set at lowest setting and i just took the boat out for the 1st time and it rolled and pulled ever-which-way? i'm concerned that there is a real flaw with this style hull?
thx
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