Smart Tabs SX

S

Stan Major

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Joined
Feb 20, 2013
Messages
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C Dory Year
2013
C Dory Model
16 Cruiser
Hull Identification Number
NWM16C01E313
Vessel Name
The Pegstan
Anyone have experience with this product from Nauticus? I would like to install them on my 16 Cruiser which already has permatrim installed on the Honda 40.
 
Morning all,

I have installed the smart tabs on my 19' Angler. I also have the permatrims installed.

The permatrims helped keep the nose down pretty well, but adding the smart tabs completed the deal. I am very happy with them.

I also installed a system (taken from pg.13 on this installation manual - http://www.fishing-boats.info/Tabsmanual.pdf ) to retract the tabs while going downwind in waves and/or maneuvering at slow speed.

They definitely add drag to the boat and impact top speed a few knots, but we now have a smooth ride through the steep chop of the Chesapeake and I can see over the bow without having to sit on a cushion.
 
My personal feeling, is although smart tabs help some boats to get on a plane, and give stern lift, the manually activated tabs (Bennet, Boat Leveler, Lenco) are far more versatile and give you lots more utility. You can balance the boat from side to side, you can trim for the best fuel economy and ride. The "smart tabs"--which are not really "smart" at all, just cannot do this. Spend a few more bucks and get the system which will give you the most.
 
No particular experience with "Smart Tab" but a long time ago, seems like a few lifetimes, when I was in college, we had a ski boat that somebody had put fixed tabs on. The boat did not handle well and always put up huge amounts of spray out to the sides. (Now I know about driving the bow down, and the results.) Eventually we pulled the tabs off, and added what I remember to be like a dolphin fin on the OB. Changed the boat completely.

I have a pair of Lenco tabs on SleepyC and love them, particularly for the versatility. I would second what Bob says. It is worth the investment in a better ride.

Harvey
SleepyC:moon

JC_Lately_SleepyC_Flat_Blue_070.thumb.jpg
 
I honestly would chose not having anything rather than having smart tabs. Sure, they push the bow down when going slow and help get you no step, but as your speed increases the leverage from water pressure forces them back in the neutral position. That's just how they work and there are a lot of time that is not what you want at all. They also don't adjust (at least easy) for left to right adjustments. I would spend a bit more and get adjustable trim tabs with gauges at the helm station.
 
We had these Nauticus smart tabs on a 19' Arima a few years ago. It really did help the boat to ride more smoothly through the waters. There is a manual adjustment you can make to account for weight on the boat. This can only be done when you are not on the water.

We had a port side mounted kicker so that side was more heavy. We adjusted that side one notch further from neutral and it balanced the boats weight.

While they are not as versatile as adjustable trim tabs, many on the Arima forums liked them. Our experience with them was very favorable. If I were to do it again, I might opt for electronically adjustable trim tabs.
 
Very interesting opinions. I appreciate all of the input. My usual style is hear about an idea, buy it, have it installed and "live with it". In my old age I'm finding the patience to seek out some advice, do some research and make a decision that will work for me. There always seems to be pros and cons. Thanks again for your advice.
 
Smart Tabs worked extremely well on our 17' Arima and the company offers great support. On a boat over 20', Hydraulic or electric would be a better choice. For use on a 16' C-Dory, the Smart Tabs would perform well and are easy to install (watch torque on the mounting screws).
 
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