Any experience with SMART TABS on sv1900?

[grassman]

I know the smart tab debate has been done but just wondering if anyone has any experience with them on a sv1900 specifically. I'm almost ready to order a set for my 2006, with the brackets to raise and lower.

[grassman]

No one?

[nlaudy]

Sorry no idea. I run Bennett Trim Tabs on my sv2100.

[freezerfiller]

With all the glowing reviews on slightly larger boats, I can't imagine you wouldn't be happy.

[grassman]

Thanks for the reply. I guess I'll be the first then. About to purchase some so I'll post a review after I try them out.

[acdaddy0]

Save your money, get Bennett's and have full control with a switch instead of moving pins! More expensive but worth it!

[acdaddy0]

[Juan]

Sept 19, 2014 15:39:57 GMT -6 acdaddy0 said:

Save your money, get Bennett's and have full control with a switch instead of moving pins! More expensive but worth it!

I second acdaddyO's post.. you'll want the full control.... but I prefer the Lenco electric tabs over Bennett hydraulics... Pro's: ease of installation, quicker response time and no hydraulic fluid reservoir or fluids. Con's: Lencos have a 3 year warranty where Bennetts have a 5 year warranty.

[nlaudy]

Bennett's stand by their product. The seals on mine went bad as they are over 10years old. I contacted Bennett's told them the issue and they sent me new seals free of charge with directions.

[T-Topless]

Just get the Smart Tabs - great value and NO electrical or hydraulic issues to deal with. Upgrade to the Stainless gas cylinders if they offer it (it used to be an option).

Bennets are great for bigger boats (have them on my 26, and Boat Levelers on the 32).

[Juan]

Stirring the pot:

Pros and Cons
Hydraulic Trim Tabs:
Pros:

Some individual components are inexpensive to replace
Five year warranty
Established technology
The inner components rarely see sea corrosion
Cons:

More difficult and time consuming to install
The system is installed on one side of the boat, with a long tube to one trim tab and a short one to the other, causing tabs that are not synchronized.
Older technology
Older boats with hydraulic trim tabs have more documented maintenance problems.
While replacement parts are cheap, labor is not.
Not as quick and responsive as electric tabs.
Are not exempt from sea corrosion
Leaks oil easily
Electric Trim Tabs:
Pros:

Constantly developing technology
Implements newer technology
Synchronized tab system
Quicker and more responsive than hydraulic tabs
Easy to update from hydraulic system with a retrofit kit
Easier installation, less expensive labor costs
Electronic components are tightly sealed
Cons:

Expensive to replace
Three year warranty
Electric system in a water environment
Are not exempt from sea corrosion

If you're just looking for an all round better ride at the best price, get the smart tabs. but if you want the best ride in any seas, pay the extra and get the full control of either electric or hydraulic.

[grassman]

Thanks for the info guys but set on smart tabs or nothing for this boat. Rarely goes out into gulf and ease of operation is more important currently than being able to adjust. Wife drives the boat a lot too and she doesn't need anymore switches to hit. Just want it to plane easier with 4 or 5 guys on board and take wakes better. However, next boat (21-22ft bay boat) will have lenco's on it. I was just curious if anyone had any first hand experience with smart tabs on a sv1900 and how much it helped. I know every boat is different.

[acdaddy0]

I want to add this , I was out on the lake today and wanted to drain the water out of my 92 quart cooler in front of the console. While underway I unscrewed the plug and pushed a button leaning the boat far port till it was drained then screwed it back on and leveled boat back. Task accomplished, and I didn't have to lift cooler. CONTROL!!! Love em!

[T-Topless]

Sept 22, 2014 21:43:42 GMT -6 acdaddy0 said:

I want to add this , I was out on the lake today and wanted to drain the water out of my 92 quart cooler in front of the console. While underway I unscrewed the plug and pushed a button leaning the boat far port till it was drained then screwed it back on and leveled boat back. Task accomplished, and I didn't have to lift cooler. CONTROL!!! Love em!

Ha! Bennett Hydraulic Cooler Draining System ... nice!

[acdaddy0]

Grassman, I'm not bashing the smart tabs, they will do the job of lifting the boat on takeoff and are cheaper and easier to install than Bennets or Lencos. I decided against it after I watched youtube video on installation. The smart tabs hang down drastically at rest or on trailer. Didn't like the look and worried I might drag them on beach when backing up in shallows or moving boat around in shallow water by hand. Also didn't want to have to refill holes and add more holes if I decided to go to trim tabs later. They are warranted but they look like they would break easily.

[T-Topless]

FYI -

The Smart Tabs are adjustable to how much you want them down. They are also sold with different Gas Spring pressures, so you can get it right.

Very sturdy 316 Stainless - had them for 7 or 8 years, over 65 mph, and I fish 2-3 time per week and run the boat pretty hard.

Make sure you get the stainless steel gas cylinders. The non-stainless (not sure f they're even offered any more) will rust ... and throw away the cheesy rubber bellows that simply hold salt water on your cylinder and fittings.

[Deleted]

Grassman, did you ever get the smart tabs? Thinking about putting them on my sv1900.

[captchuck]

I know this is an older post, but I was curious if you ever installed them and if you did what are your results? Can you post some pics? I just ordered some that should get here this week!

[freezerfiller]

I think it has been posted here many times. The best that my memory can tell is that the smart tabs are great for 19' or less boats. They are ok for 19-21 and full trim tabs are needed for larger boats. I might be wrong, but that's what I remember.