Smart Tabs Installed

bigbuka1

I am working though that same exact issue.  Greg from smart tabs told me to get the pistons as close to the bump outs as possible and assures me that it will work.  I am installing them on Friday.  The issue I am working though now is the bunks extending past the transom.  Not sure if I should cut them off or put the protroller adapter on them to make them retractable.

anchor1

I just installed smart tabs on my 2002 gs201 I/O. They are great! I can not believe the difference they made in the boat's ability to get up on plane quickly. As prior owners have said, it is like having an entirely new boat.

Jhighers

@bigbuka.. Let me know how the tabs work on your SD 2000. I am thinking of installing on mine down the road. FYI, my trailer bunks do not stick out, but I am concerned about how far inboard the tabs will have to be installed due to the transom extensions.

avalanche

I have a new 2013 188 Merc I/O with a 3 blade 23" pitch prop and I was commenting on my planing issue on another thread . I am trying a High Five 5 19" pitch prop before I resort to SX Smart Tabs. We have extended swim platform. Does anyone have photos of installation on similar 188 with extended swim platform? I have only seen positive posts on Smart Tabs. I am thinking of having them installed before getting boat from Merc dealer. I have not had Hurricane dealer involved. Thanks

redngreedy

I just got my tabs in.  Would JB Weld WaterWeld work for the sealant?  (see link below)

  If not I can order some online.

http://www.jbweld.com/product/j-b-waterweld/

Ernest_T

I'm not familiar with that product, but probably would work.  Most of JBs stuff is good.  I think most guys use 3M 5200 for the sealant................I know that stuff works, cause that is what I used with mine.  Just be sure you don't use alcohol for the clean up, with 5200 since it prevents it from setting.

nquirk

I'll agree with Ernest T.  I've seen folks use both and believe they'll both accomplish the job however in my experience in both practice and on several forums I've been on, I'd say for every person who used the jbweld, 10 more used the 5200.  I also use 5200 for these purposes.

redngreedy

Just run across some 5200 from a guy a work.  Installing these this evening.  

One question.  When drilling the holes, do you drill them the full depth of the screws?  That part is not directly covered in the included instructions. 

nquirk

I took a quick look at the instructions.  In fiberglass, I'd use the size drill bit specified but I would suspect that you could come a little shorter than the length of the screw but the hold is on the fact that the pilot you drill is about 1/32 smaller than the actual screw.

Other suggestion if you've never drilled fiberglass on a boat before (perhaps the instructions cover it) but I cover the area I drill with masking tape as this will minimize the chipping of the outer gel coat when you first start drilling.  Once the holes are in, remove the tape and complete the installation.

redngreedy

Awesome.  Thanks for the info!

Ernest_T

If its like my transom, you will probably pop through the fiberglass before you get to the depth of the screw.  Seems like the screws were like maybe 5/8" long and the fiberglass was only about 3/8" thick..........I know its a little scary, but they hold fine.  Not heard of anyone having any problems with them coming out.

I do recommend that you put a dab of 5200 on the screw threads or into the hole to provide a little extra seal.  They provide a foam strip that goes under the hinge, but I don't trust that for the long term for stopping any potential leaks.

redngreedy

I delayed the install due to the 5200 calling for a full 24 hours of cure time.  I had plans to hit the lake Saturday morning .  I'll be installing these Tuesday evening. 

I did not get the foam strip in my kit, nor did I get the DVD that it claims to come with.  Should I contact them?  Not concerned about the DVD. 

nquirk

@redngreedy, I'd make a quick phone call to Nauticus and find out.  The foam tape is a sealant tape however if you apply the 5200 as Ernest T indicated, you may not need to apply the tape but I'd confirm with them if you can skip this step.

 

redngreedy

Already got the reply.

"The foam tape is only included in the stainless steel trim tabs and not the SX. The 5200 is fine and you don’t need the foam tape with it."

nquirk

@redngreedy, thanks for the follow up.  I'll be using the SX tabs next season so this is good to know.