Smart Tabs Adjustments-gctid378952

[Guest]

So I took my 175 BR out for the first time with my newly installed ST1290-60 Smart Tabs with 40 lb actuators, and I have to say they do make a difference. Bow rise was very modest, and the boat planed much, much earlier than before. Pretty amazing.

I've read posts about people adjusting which hole the actuators are in (I put them in the middle to start), and I've read that the consenus is 40 lb actuators are best for the 175 boats. So, my question is this -- how do you know when the Smart Tabs need adjusting, and how do you know when it's right or not?! In other words, how did people know that 60 lbs was too much for the 175 and that 40 lbs was better, and how do you know which hole is best for the actuator?

I'll do some trial-and-error, but I'd like to get some sense of what people are looking for to know they have it just right.

Thanks!

Kent

[Guest]

I set mine on the middle tab from day one, was pleased with the performance, and never touched them again.

The series of adjustable holes are oriented in an arc such that changing hole location will not change the static position of the tab, provided that the top bracket is mounted in the same plane as the tab hinge bracket. This is clearly not the case for a 175 installation, since it has the unique "bubble".

Actually, given where the top actuator bracket attaches to the 175's transom relative to the hinge bracket, I'm not certain it is advisable to move them from the hole you started with upon installation to any hole farther from the transom. This will move the static position of the tab downward, beyond where it can freely travel. If you move to a hole closer to the transom, it will lift the static position of the tab higher, decreasing their effect, if that is what you are looking to do.

[Guest]

Thanks, Jim. That does make sense given the angle of the actuator bracket on the 175. I have no reason to move them to another hole on the bottom because the results were great -- I just wondered if there was any tweaking that should be done and how to know when it was right. Sounds like just leaving it alone is the way to go.

Kent