Trim Tabs

[Dozer]

Hi Guys,
Just put a set of SmartTabs SX trim tabs on my 4.5 drifter. What a difference it has made to the hole shot, reduction in bow rise and porpoising, and really smoothed out the ride in rough chop too today in the 20 min sea trial.

I put them on this morning - a fairly easy job. Anyway, if anyone was having problems with hole-shot or too much weight at the back (my console is side-rear), you might have a think about these. I can post photos if anyone is interested.

If anyone has them installed, I have had to tie the tabs up to the back of the boat so they are not flexing over the rear skids - has anyone else come up with a better solution.
Good boating - Dozer

[Dozer]

Here are the photo's from my installation today. So far they seem to be worth every cent - seems to have fixed the problem with the heavy rear end (side rear console, 4 stroke motor and everyone always wants to be down the back for some reason). Here are the photos - note how they sit on the skids when on the trailer when fitted as per manufacturers instructions - puts a twist in them that I am sure would distort them over time.
Dozer

[Dozer]

Hi Slippery,
Yea, I thought of that when I was installing them, the product information calls for the tabs to be installed 3-5 inches in from the edge. I took an average of 4'. To clear the skids would have moved them in well past the suggested range and I figured the closer they are to midline, the less effect they would have on list (which is a problem for me with fat mates and a side console) (sorry fat mates - its all about the personality).

I did not notice the list problem on the trial run - but I was not fully loaded either and my deck hand was not too fat (is there a new PC term for fat?)

Anyway - I know there is a device available from the manufacturers that uses a lever system to retract the ram and tab, but the OZ importer says you cant use the SX tabs and the lever system. Which is strange because I found out about them as I was researching the tabs found a lad on YouTube who installed the SX tabs with the lever system. But I think he was from Alabama - so who knows.

Anyway, the moral of the story is not to question my decisions!
Dozer

[Dozer]

I found the youtube video, but I dont know how to link it - try this and see what happens - the guy (i am told not from Alabama) shows the lever device he had installed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4-RF8OtKcw

I plan to contact the company direct and ask them myself.

[slippery]

I installed the Sx tabs for improved hole shot, slow speed planing and to minimise porpasing when trimmed out. Listing should not be an issue if weight distribution is considered. I do however love the rewards they have given me, but they do tend to stabalise the top end run in rough water which used to be funlaugh1. My fuel useage has definately inproved due to the quick hole shots. I could never trim the motor out at speed without the hull jumping for joy. Now I cam trim the motor out untill the prop looses traction. A 4st motor and 2 up down the rear really effects these boats.

[Dozer]

Hi Skip,
Dont know is the answer - ordered the BMT and before delivery, the dealer said the boat needed the permatrim as it was sluggish out of the hole. I never tried it without the permatrim, but it certainly needed more lift in the stern. I have tried redistributing the weight which works most of the time, but if I am loaded up for a good night trip, and have some of my bigger mates on board (140kg plus), the boat certainly got on the plane, but it took a while.

Noticing the difference between trim tabs and no trim tabs, if stern lift, hole shot or lower planing speed is your problem, I would consider the tabs - they made a massive difference to my boat, and they are cheap enough and you can install them with a ruler and a drill.

Dozer

[Dozer]

I got them from Marine direct, but I notice they are available on ebay as well.
Tabs about $142
postage from the US about $80

http://www.marinedirect.com.au/catalogue/c2389/c2731/p292513 for the 40 pound actuator or
http://www.marinedirect.com.au/catalogue/search_result?name=smart+tabs&intersection%3Aboolean=on&image.x=0&image.y=0 for all other actuator pressures.

despite the massive postage fees, still worth it.
Dozer

[Dozer]

Thank's dozer,

Might try ebay, only $132AU AND $53AU shipping. Would like to go with the 60 pound actuator as the brumby is a little bum heavy with the suzy. I dont think they should get in the way too much when fishing of the back of the boat with a 6ft rod unless your using a hand line. Did the mounting screws go all the way through the transom?

Yea, by about 1mm. I just filled the hole with some marine silicon and it did not leak on the trial.
You might think about getting the PR500 trim plate retractor kit. When I bought mine before christmas, they said you cant use the trim tabs and the PR500 together, but I notice today on the website, they are selling the retractor kit for it. It will cost me another $50 (can you believe it) for postage to get the PR500 kit.

Just make sure they are compatable because I have seen lots of conflicting info.
Dozer

[Dozer]

I just received advice from the makers of smart tabs the the retractor kit is compatable with the SX series, so I have ordered a pair to see how it goes. Will post some pics when I have installed them.
Dozer