Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: 130 sport whaler bow rise
Posted by whaler130 on 07/06/09 - 11:24 AM
#1
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
Posted by flygallus on 07/06/09 - 12:50 PM
#2
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
Posted by Joe Kriz on 07/06/09 - 12:57 PM
#3
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
Posted by flygallus on 07/06/09 - 1:16 PM
#4
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
Posted by theo on 07/06/09 - 2:51 PM
#5
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.
Posted by whaler130 on 07/06/09 - 5:20 PM
#6
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?
Posted by whalersal on 07/07/09 - 5:29 AM
#7
I have a Doelfin Hydrofoil on my 130 Sport. I cant see the boat without it.
Posted by whaler130 on 07/07/09 - 10:16 AM
#8
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