smart tabs

chrishowden · 24 October 2013, 07:34

Was thinking of buying smart tabs! Has anyone used these before? Where is the cheapest place to buy them?

Cheers
Chris

longjohn · 24 October 2013, 08:25

If you think you need tabs.... A hydrofoil is much quicker, cheaper and easier to fit and you'll probably get better results.
They're action is essentially automatic - working with the trim of the engine - fit & forget!

chrishowden · 24 October 2013, 09:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by longjohn

If you think you need tabs.... A hydrofoil is much quicker, cheaper and easier to fit and you'll probably get better results.
They're action is essentially automatic - working with the trim of the engine - fit & forget!

Have tried the hydrofoil before and didn't see much of a difference having it fitted that's why I was looking at the smart tabs.

longjohn · 24 October 2013, 12:35

Probably not much of a difference with tabs then either. What are you trying to correct?

chrishowden · 24 October 2013, 13:03

Quicker time to get on the plane! Was going to get a prop as well which might help!

9D280 · 24 October 2013, 13:10

Gut feel form someone who used to have an "underpowered" boat (SR4/ 25HP) I also found the tabs did nothing.

Lower pitched prop will definiely help, BUT what about your top speed & max RPM?

Bottom line is - what do you use it for? - Cruising you are likely better sticking with "forever to plane" - as once on the plane you will be so much more appreciative of the speed / lower RPM.

If, however ytou are using it as a rescue boat, yes, reducing the time to plane will likely be more beneficial, as you only spend relatively short times flat out.

And if you do both? - Have 2 props & change to suit!

Wot Prop you got now? depending if you have a Yam or Merc respray I might have one you could borrow to test with....

chrishowden · 24 October 2013, 13:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9D280

Gut feel form someone who used to have an "underpowered" boat (SR4/ 25HP) I also found the tabs did nothing. Lower pitched prop will definiely help, BUT what about your top speed & max RPM? Bottom line is - what do you use it for? - Cruising you are likely better sticking with "forever to plane" - as once on the plane you will be so much more appreciative of the speed / lower RPM. If, however ytou are using it as a rescue boat, yes, reducing the time to plane will likely be more beneficial, as you only spend relatively short times flat out. And if you do both? - Have 2 props & change to suit! Wot Prop you got now? depending if you have a Yam or Merc respray I might have one you could borrow to test with....

Thanks for the reply.

Use the boat for rescue and cruising. There are no markings on the prop to say what pitch it is. It is a mercury 2012 4 stroke not sure if there is a standard prop that comes with it when new! Going out to test the boat on the forth on saturday so will let you know results!

Chris

longjohn · 24 October 2013, 16:12

Yes - sounds like you may be suffering from lack of power - I would have thought that a 60hp would be more suitable if you were wanting any kind of spirited performance. Very surprised that hydrofoils didn't help your on the plane performance. You certainly shouldn't be suffering from a stern heavy boat with that engine - so a lower pitched prop would seem to be the way to go.

paintman · 24 October 2013, 20:54

Another hydrofoil - basically a big chunk of alloy. Got one & it does what it says on the box.
Permatrim Foil Stabilizers. The highest quality outboard foil available!

Nos4r2 · 24 October 2013, 21:26

Ollyit had some fitted to his SR4 a few years ago. It might be worth dropping him a PM.

Locozodiac · 24 October 2013, 21:49

A 40 HP on a 490 rib is a poor performer, worst being a 4 strokes which is kind of slow on hole shot. Install an induction tach, go for a wot spin with you alone on flat glassy waters and check max achieved RPM with current prop.

Check manufacturers working wot parameters to compare, will know how much under propped you could be. Can optimize engine performance by raising RPM to near max wot RPM playing with prop pitches. Withoiut a tach you're blindless playing with pitches.

Happy Boating