Brian Posted March 4, 2009 Report Posted March 4, 2009 (edited) My previous boat really benefitted from Bennett hydraulic tabs. I see from the Warrior site, that they offer Smart Tabs as an optional extra on the 165. Would these be a worthwhile investment on a 165 fitted with a 75hp E-Tec? Edited March 4, 2009 by Brian Quote
conger king Posted March 4, 2009 Report Posted March 4, 2009 my brother has tim tabs on his this stops the corkscrew affect when going throu a big weak he would not be with out them Quote
Coddy Posted March 4, 2009 Report Posted March 4, 2009 Hi Brian Did not have any on my Warrior 165 however I only had a 60hp Mariner 4-stroke which went well enough for me. Felt I did not need them but those with bigger/more powerful engines seem to benefit from them to help stop the porposing that can occur when going at high speed. Many have damaged the Auto tabs when launching in sallow water! I suppose it all depends on how good your back is when travelling fast, me I like comfort ................. with a bit of speed and felt 22kts+ was fine for me. I have a report of those tabs on my web site if you want to take a look. Many club members have them fitted. Coddy Quote
Brian Posted March 4, 2009 Author Report Posted March 4, 2009 Thanks Dave, maybe I'll give them a miss at this stage, can always fit them later if I feel they are necessary. It'll reduce the cost a bit, which has got to help with getting financial approval!!! Quote
Adam F Posted March 4, 2009 Report Posted March 4, 2009 Brian, Get them - simple as. Cheap and hugely effective - IMO, all 165's should leave the factory with them. Contrary to what Dave says, although they do help stop porposing at top speed, the main benefit is a smoother ride - they force the bow down to a better wave cutting position and allow greater use of the engine trim. I did a report on here when I fitted mine. Adam Quote
Brian Posted March 4, 2009 Author Report Posted March 4, 2009 Thanks Adam Just read your report, If I go for a new boat I'll see what Warrior charge to fit them. Quote
Paul D Posted March 4, 2009 Report Posted March 4, 2009 Have them on Neo, but definitely need to be careful launching in shallow water. I managed to bend one by 90 degrees and to break the plastic connector on one of the actuators. ( metal tabs ). I think composite tabs might be even less forgiving ! Quote
gaffa Posted March 4, 2009 Report Posted March 4, 2009 Brian, I've got the Bennett Hydraulic tabs on mine and wouldn't be without them. You can virtually play tunes with the boats handling and ride just by pressing a couple of switches. If you want a demonstration anytime contact me and we can sort something out. Peteg. Quote
bacon100 Posted March 5, 2009 Report Posted March 5, 2009 I just bought some smart tabs for my boat as i thought Quote
Seamouse Posted March 5, 2009 Report Posted March 5, 2009 I have them on SeaMouse (165 with 75hp e-tec). They allow a greater range of trim control from the engine tilt, as without them the engine is pretty well fully trimmed in at all times just to keep the bow under control. I'm on 40lb units with settings for thrust and angle at 50%. This is quite mild, I'd probably get an even smoother hole shot with a harder setting but I'm happy. No change at all in top speed or in fuel economy, just instant transition onto the plane and a far more civilised ride. Downside, as said, they're vulnerable on a shallow launch and clutter up the stern rather. An easy retrofit - I had Warrior supply but not fit so that I could get a feel for the hull before I added them. Steve p.s I've also run a Warrior with 80lb SmartTabs for a while. It was a nightmare. If you get recommended the 60lb units, start out on very light settings at first! Quote
Brian Posted March 5, 2009 Author Report Posted March 5, 2009 (edited) Brian, I've got the Bennett Hydraulic tabs on mine and wouldn't be without them. You can virtually play tunes with the boats handling and ride just by pressing a couple of switches. If you want a demonstration anytime contact me and we can sort something out. Peteg. Pete Thanks for the offer, but I'm conversant with Bennett Hydraulic tabs as I had them on my previous boat. Steve Thanks for the info, looks like it's the way to go. Edited March 5, 2009 by Brian Quote
Gazza Posted March 5, 2009 Report Posted March 5, 2009 need to be careful launching in shallow water Paul I'm sure they do new trim tabs now that allow you to lift up the flaps for shallow water launching and trolling etc. Brian I have a warrior 165 with a 65hp and trim tabs and can say there is no way i would be without them Gary Quote
Seamouse Posted March 5, 2009 Report Posted March 5, 2009 I'm sure they do new trim tabs now that allow you to lift up the flaps for shallow water launching and trolling etc. You could easily rig a retaining clip on a length of rope, to just hold the tabs up out of the way while you launch. Steve Quote
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