Smart Tabs

[Steve762us]

J, did you use the SX 9510-40 model? Could you post a pic of the starboard tab...I'm wondering if the OEM swim platform will conflict with the actuator mounting.

[gunnarts]

We have been very unhappy with our boats performance from the first time we put her in the water untill I recently installed these wonderful trim tabs. With the original purchase of the CC150 we decided not to go with the 40HP two stroke outboard as the dealer wanted to deliver to us, instead we elected to upsize to the 50 HP four stroke Suzuki outboad for a lot of reasons. Even though the hull is rated for up to 60 HP, we compromised with the motor size hoping to make the boat get on plane faster and due to our desire to carry three passengers. As well we had a desire to have a four stoke vs. a two stroke motor. Looking for a cure for the problem and with lots of other boaters advice I installed the Smart Tabs Model # SX 9510-40 on our 2007 CC150. With further research I discovered that the boat as designed, has a very high weight bias to the rear. With the fuel tank (large for a boat this size) and the battery both located to the rear, along with the driver seat location and an Ice chest seat (especiall if full) all these factors add to and exacerbate the weight bias to the rear. Worse yet upon acceleration the fuel will shift to the rear making things even more unmanageable. All this adds to a great degree of difficulty in getting the boat up on plane at a reasonably low speed and further, trying to maintain plane requires a much higher operating engine rpm and boat speed than I desired. With the cost of fuel these days I certainly feel that the investment in these Smart Tabs will quickly pay for it self. After installation our boat virtually "Jumped Up" on plane in short order and stayed on plane at a much lower rpm. Both resulting in lower operating costs. It was like owning a completely different boat than as delivered. I also was very pleased to notice that at idle speeds the boat did very little drifing off the steered course, unless there was a wind that had an affect on the hull freeboard. I paid a total $122.99 at www.ebuyersworld.com with a $5.00 discount and free shipping, what a deal! The install was very easy, although I did have to take the swim platform apart to access the installation of the top of the starboard hydraulic cylinder. Not really a big deal, as I had wanted to do so before so I could use an anti-seize and anti-corrosion compound on the hardware anyway. Someone in this thread had indicated a starboard list to their boat, this may possibly be caused by the battery placement. But I assure you the tabs will cure this on plane. Further I noted that the tabs make the boat much better handling in turns with a tighter turning radius. Each boat depending on the occupants weight and seating position will have an affect on the boats handling especially on a hull as short as this one. Because of the manufacturer's desire to install such a large fuel tank and with a designed rear battery location, my opinion is that the boat should come standard with these tabs. With the trim tabs installed this little baby is a joy to own and operate, much different than as originally delivered. I am still experimenting with the adjustment of the tabs to see the affect on the boat's handling. I have noticed that at full throttle the boat has a very twitchy helm. She will at the slightest wheel movement move a little too quickly than I would like. But I really don't need to run at that high a speed for safety sake. I'm what you would consider a pretty cautious skipper, but one who now really enjoys being on the water again!

[Steve762us]

Originally Posted by gunnarts

The install was very easy, although I did have to take the swim platform apart to access the installation of the top of the starboard hydraulic cylinder. Not really a big deal, as I had wanted to do so before so I could use an anti-seize and anti-corrosion compound on the hardware anyway.

Kewl...that was one of my concerns (fitting starboard actuator with OEM swim platform). The SXs sound better and better!

[NCangler]

FYI from the factory:

Smart tabs are an option that we offer for the 150, they are required as
of the 2008 model year if the boat is ordered with a 40hp motor. They
are available through any Triumph Boats dealer if a customer would like
to upgrade.

[jfine]

Yes, I went with the SX9510-40's. My swim platform is on the port side and is mounted in such a way that it does not interfere with the tabs. Although due to the position of the platform I can not put the cover on the boat when it is attached so I very rarely have the platform on the boat anyway. I will take some pics when I get a chance. Like gunnarts mentioned, having the tabs makes the boat perform like a completely different boat. I really appreciate the lower planing speed and faster hole shot but one added surprise was how well it now handles in the chop, the tabs almost work like a suspension, it's an odd sensation, but I love it.

[Steve762us]

Just finished installing a set of the 9510-40 SXs on my 150. I had to scrounge around on nauticus's site to get the details on the "down angle"...wondering if I have `em angled down *too* far. Do these look about like yours, Jfine and Gunnarts?

[Steve762us]

I callled Nauticus about my concerns, and they reviewed my pics and said the installation was "perfect, they could be pics for the (Nauticus) website." Since I dropped top MPH from 35 to 31, they're sending out 30# actuators, at no charge.

[rscott]

Please let us know how the 30 pound accuators affect you top end.