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 Post subject: Smart Tabs
PostPosted: Mon Jun 03, 2013 1:35 pm 
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Joined: Thu Jul 30, 2009 9:59 pm
Posts: 226
Location: Lake Minnetonka, MN
I've been debating the question of installing Smart Tabs for at least three seasons. I have an F224, which is on the big side of what the recommend for Smart Tabs. Well, I see they now have a SmartTab SX for larger boats (with 90# shocks), even though this one is still on the big side of their recommendations.

They are not that expensive (under $200), so I decided to take a risk on them. I did the installation in about an hour and a half. Gathering all the tools and getting set up was a big part of the job, but otherwise it's fairly straight forward. I put them just inside the chines, as close to the outside edge of the boat as possible. Sorry, I didn't take any pics. I have set them up with the shock in the middle (#3) setting, and have not yet adjusted it.

This weekend, I had the first trip with the tabs. Well, I'm totally shocked. This is definitely the best mod I've done to the boat. From launch, the bow stays down and the boat just basically lifts onto the plane. It's amazing! I didn't measure time, but it feels much more stable to plane, and seems much faster to get on plane... with much less drama. Even under full throttle, I was easily able to see the horizon without even standing!

Top speed seems to be the same, roughly, and there is much less porpoising. The effect on porpoising is much improved. I did still notice some as I went over waves, but overall it's more controlled, and even as I raised the trim to go higher on the plane, porpoising was minimal.

Last was low speed on plane. Because the bow stays down at virtually any speed, it's hard to tell when it's on plane and when it's not. But, I was able to stay high in the water down to 16mph (GPS speed), and it took less of my attention on the throttle to keep it up there.

To say the least, I'm very impressed. I strongly recommend it! Especially with the 5.0, which doesn't have as much grunt... this is exactly what it needed to improve performance.

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2008 Four Winns F224
5.0 Volvo Penta
Towing with Audi Q7 4.2 V8
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 Post subject: Re: Smart Tabs
PostPosted: Tue Jun 04, 2013 8:53 am 
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Joined: Sat Aug 08, 2009 10:17 am
Posts: 202
Location: Monticello, AR
I've considered putting them on my F204... would love to see some pictures of your install!

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2008 FW F204 - 5.0 VP "Stand On It"
Former Boat: Larson 186 LXI - 4.3 VP
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 Post subject: Re: Smart Tabs
PostPosted: Tue Jun 04, 2013 9:47 am 
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Joined: Sun Nov 21, 2010 8:03 am
Posts: 2238
Location: Winthrop, Ma.
They do work.


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 Post subject: Re: Smart Tabs
PostPosted: Tue Jun 04, 2013 10:54 am 
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Joined: Wed Jun 01, 2011 10:21 am
Posts: 5667
Location: Austin, TX
I had them on my last boat. They're amazing. Sooner or later I'll install them on my new boat.

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1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold

Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread


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 Post subject: Re: Smart Tabs
PostPosted: Tue Jun 04, 2013 5:31 pm 
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Joined: Thu Jul 30, 2009 9:59 pm
Posts: 226
Location: Lake Minnetonka, MN
I wasn't thinking when I did it and did not take any pics. The boat is in the water for the season, so next time it's on the trailer I'll take a few.

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2008 Four Winns F224
5.0 Volvo Penta
Towing with Audi Q7 4.2 V8
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 Post subject: Re: Smart Tabs
PostPosted: Tue Jun 04, 2013 6:05 pm 
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Joined: Wed Jun 01, 2011 10:21 am
Posts: 5667
Location: Austin, TX
They're simple to install, pics really not needed. A tube of 5200, a drill, and a screw driver. Done.

_________________
1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold

Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread


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 Post subject: Re: Smart Tabs
PostPosted: Mon Jul 01, 2013 6:55 pm 
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Minnow

Joined: Mon Jul 01, 2013 6:47 pm
Posts: 10
Location: Freeland, MI
Hey thats the first I have heard of those. That sounds like a great idea. I love my F224 but the porpoising can get a little irritating at times. I think I will order a set.


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 Post subject: Re: Smart Tabs
PostPosted: Sat Jul 06, 2013 9:58 pm 
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Minnow

Joined: Mon Jul 01, 2013 6:47 pm
Posts: 10
Location: Freeland, MI
Tabs have been ordered and I will install this week. I will take a few pics and post them if I can ever figure out how to do that. Just got home from running the boat for the past 2 days and we are heading back up to the lake this next friday. I will have feedback as soon as I try them.


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 Post subject: Re: Smart Tabs
PostPosted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 12:56 pm 
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Minnow

Joined: Wed May 23, 2012 2:57 pm
Posts: 14
Location: Michigan, USA
Hi everyone! Are there any pros/cons between the SmartTab SX (composite) and the standard stainless models? Does anyone have experience with anything other than the SX?
Thank you!

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2011 H190 4.3VP


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