1. Use the full 4 digit year for everything you are asking your question about. Example: 1962, 1988, 2000, 2011
2. Include the correct name of your Whaler model. Example: Montauk 17, Montauk 170, Outrage 26, Outrage 260
3. Include the length when necessary. Example: 16, 17, 18, 20, 22
4. Do not post your email address anywhere on this site as it is already in your user profile.

130 sport whaler bow rise
whaler130	#1  Posted on 07/06/09 - 11:24 AM
Member Posts: 3 Comments: 0 Joined: 07/05/09	I just purchased a 2002 130 sport powered with a Merc 40HP 2 cycle. Unless I put all my weight or passenger up front the bow will rise so high getting on plane is difficult and dangerous. It was suggested that I put a fin on my lower unit, but after reading the pro and cons I found the "Smart Tabs" from Nautalus. The reviews and demos look great. Has any one had any experiences good or bad? Edited by Joe Kriz on 07/06/09 - 11:33 AM
flygallus	#2  Posted on 07/06/09 - 12:50 PM
Member Posts: 2 Comments: 0 Joined: 07/29/08	I have put the smart tabs on my 12.5ft wahoo and they work great. Amazing the difference. Another guy I know put them opn his 130 sport and cant believe it. Well worth the money. I have also done a lot of testing with moving the motor up and using the hydro foil also. PM if you want more info on the results
Joe Kriz	#3  Posted on 07/06/09 - 12:57 PM
Site Owner Personal Page Personal Album Photo Albums Project Albums Posts: 11434 Comments: 452 Joined: 03/18/05	It would be nice to share all the info here in the forum area. This way everyone can read it and learn. If we kept all of the information private through private messages, we would have no need for this site so we might as well just close our doors. Thanks
flygallus	#4  Posted on 07/06/09 - 1:16 PM
Member Posts: 2 Comments: 0 Joined: 07/29/08	No problem, with the testing I did with my boat (12.5 ft wahoo, 40hp mercury). I first started with no trim tabs or hydro foil. By raising the motor up 2 holes or 1 1/2 inches it performed much better, faster out of the hole and better top end. Then I added a hydro foil, could plane out faster and stay on plane at slower speeds but lost a few mph's. I did try to lower the motor with the hydro foil on but made it even worse. So I removed them and tried the smart tabs, faster out of the hole, plane out slower, carry a heavier load, and gained a few mph. It had a small problem with a full tank of gas and three adults in the boat, would not plane out. So I ended up putting the hydro foil back on with the trim tabs I can now take 10 gallons of gas, 3 adults, and extra stuff and the boat will plane out and do about 27 mph fully loaded. When I alone in the boat it does about 37-38mph
theo	#5  Posted on 07/06/09 - 2:51 PM
Member Personal Page Posts: 252 Comments: 0 Joined: 08/26/08	I remember that bow rise so well in our old 13' w/40 Johnson. We always just goosed the throttle to get it up on plane. Ted 1985 15' CC, 1994 60 hp Merc (Wednesday built), 5" jack plate
whaler130	#6  Posted on 07/06/09 - 5:20 PM
Member Posts: 3 Comments: 0 Joined: 07/05/09	I ordered the smart tabs today. They wont be here until thursday. Does anybody have a picture of the tabs mounted on a late model (2002) whaler 130 sport?
whalersal	#7  Posted on 07/07/09 - 5:29 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 100 Comments: 3 Joined: 04/19/05	I have a Doelfin Hydrofoil on my 130 Sport. I cant see the boat without it.
whaler130	#8  Posted on 07/07/09 - 10:16 AM
Member Posts: 3 Comments: 0 Joined: 07/05/09	Can you seat 2 people (approx 400 total lbs) on the main bench seat and get on plane with minimal bow rise? How did it effect steering? Edited by whaler130 on 07/07/09 - 2:53 PM