Nautilus SX Smart Tabs on a 2004 Utopia 205

[UKGlenn]

Hi,

I have been looking at the smart tabs as a solution to gaining better control at low speeds when pulling tubes. The problem I have is I am putting quite a lot of power in to get going once the boat gets up on plane it shoots forward to fast so less throttle = boat comes off plane and slows down too much. There seems no happy medium. Also I'd like to check the porpoising.

My question is this. Does anyone have any experience with these on the 205?
Using Nautilus's selector app it suggests the smaller SX version with 40lb actuators. Yet the blurb for these recommend that they are rated for boats upto 80hp?

I have sent Nautilus the question but as yet they happened replied.

Many thanks,
Glenn

 

[Dr Honda]

Very few guys here have put tabs on their boats. (sorry) There is a thread with a longer ride plate, and people seem happy with it. I know on a bunch of the ski's I've had... a longer plate does miracles.


With that said... with my Islandia... if I'm pulling a tube... I get a few people to sit up front, and the boat will come out of the water flat, and at a low speed. If I'm pulling a wake board... I put the people in the back, and I can make a heck of a wake. (and plow) Basically... depending on where the weight is... tabs may not be the cure.

 

[gioakjoe]

after doing research I went with these guys and they made my boat feel like a new boat. Love mine

 

[Premix]

The tabs are interesting, but would a variable trim nozzle be a better idea for a jet boat?

 

[Coastiejoe]

Tabs help with stabilizing and control ride. The variable jet can change the angle of the hull but not really control ride or correct an unbalanced boat like tabs do.

 

[UKGlenn]

View attachment 34061
View attachment 34062

after doing research I went with these guys and they made my boat feel like a new boat. Love mine

Thanks for posting the pictures. I was wondering if I would have the room for these as the shape of the rear is quite complicated. Where the transom steps back, where you have the actuators mounted do you find the actuators rub or touch the transom?

 

[Luv2Camp]

I put the smart tabs on my bayliner 185 and could not believe the difference. Gets on plane a lot faster.

 

[gioakjoe]

no they don't rub the way I have them installed. I just learned how to use them as surf tabs by putting one all the way down and the other all the way up and and wight the side of the boat and I can now surf behind my boat.

 

[UKGlenn]

Hi, smart tabs turned up today and wanted to know if you have any trouble moving between the adjustment holes. Did you find the position for the top actuator bracket with it in the top hole (number 5)!

 

[gioakjoe]

On normal days there on the lowest on really bad days I out them all the way down its ez to change them on the trailer before I go out