180 Sportsman Trim Tabs

[DennisG01]

Ah, OK. Now I see what you're getting at. Bennett's SLT's are very similar to Smart Tabs, by Nauticus. Pretty much the same idea. I have zero experience with the SLT's, but I have LOT'S of experience with Smart Tabs on many different boats. The short of it... YES, you would be VERY happy with them (SLT or ST). Easy install and great bang for the buck.

I haven't looked into this - but if the tab, itself, would accept the hydraulic mounting, then yes, the same tab could be used. But, to be honest, if it didn't work... the removal of the SLT tab and installation of the "hydraulic" tab would be super easy. That would represent a fraction of the time it takes to install the entire hydraulic system. So... even if you couldn't re-use the SLT tab, it's no big deal.

The only caveat about installing the tab over the bottom paint is if the paint wasn't compatable with the metal tab. But, if it was me, I would probably end up sanding away the bottom paint in that area, anyways. But even that is only a few minutes of time. The important part is countersinking the screw holes to allow for a larger area for sealant and to avoid spider cracking.

 

[seasick]

I really missed your point, sorry.
Personally I just don't feel comfortable with the concept of automatic trim tabs. There have been good revues on this forum though, but it doesn't feel right to me.
Also, I would take the manufacturers comments with a grain of salt regarding how well they work. I assume their comments would be biased.
It's best to ask on this forum specifically about members experiences with the auto tabs.
On you other questions: If you want to know about upgrading to hydraulic, think about whether it makes sense to just go that route. Granted, costs are much higher and installation is a pain but make the decision based on research.
If folks report good experiences with the auto tabs, I guess that might be worth a shot and I would be interesting in your feedback.
For mounting and the question of paint or bare fiberglass; If you hull is painted, I wouldn't try to remove the paint before mounting. You are going to bed the tabs with something like 5200 anyway and if screwed correctly, the hinge mounts should be quite secure to the transom.

 

[Recoil Rob]

Thanks guys. I'm min the process of bottom painting now, hull de-waxed, etc. They it occurred to me about the tab mounting.
To be honest, concerning the 180 and use of tabs, some say great, others say not so much.

They are an option from GW and for reference they sent me pics of factory installed tabs.

 

[seasick]

I think the picture shows hydraulic tabs by Bennett. The operation is not the same as smart tabs which have no user control other than the initial adjustment. The smart tabs sense the forces on them and adjust accordingly.

 

[Recoil Rob]

Circling back to this, I went with Lectrotabs. Installing the tabs was straightforward, wiring was a breeze. Operation is easy with the touchpad and they make a substantial difference with a Honda 150 hanging off the transom....