Are you comparing various trim tabs now? That is another discussion.

Most, not all, are driver controlled and have infinite settings to allow for control for alt, load, speed, side to side balance, and the goals the helman wants at a given time. Of course, if too many choices are an issue, set them once and forget them for that run.

Some maybe just about a two position tab system and require adjustments and run after run to try out the adjustments to be perfected when first installed to get those two pretty much settings.

There are lots of choices out there. I like choices. Pick the one that suits you.

PS Ever check to see if your hull side cuts are out of the water on plane?

You could probably call S/R and ask them what size tabs they installed at the factory.

Maybe they could even supply you with the installation template for the exact mounting location? I've seen them do similar things in the past.

Also, you could check around to see if other owners of your model have them and where they are installed and what size.

Installing tabs is a nice DIY project.

DOOH!! I do need to do that! Dam you have a pretty good memory because I forgot to look last time out (tuesday).

After reading above, I've decided that the tabs would be the way to go. Looking for a new project for this winter to have ready for next season, but researching now. Also looking at down-sizing the pitch to get on plane a bit faster as I don't normally even run at WOT doing water sports and the like. The specifics of the engine / drive ratio / prop are above and any tuning suggestions from the experts here would be greatly appreciated.

I've never seen tabs on my model boat and don't think it was a factory option.

There a few lengthy old threads around re: Smart Tabs vs hydraulic/electric tabs. I've had my Smart Tabs on for a while now and have used Bennett tabs on other's larger boats. If the budget allows the $400 to $500 cost of adjutable, that cost is if you are comfortable installing them yourself, I would go for them, if not Smart Tabs did solve my specific issue for significantly less money and are a pretty easy install.

If cost is not an issue I would go w/ the adjustable. If cost is an issue it would then depend on what your specific issues are you are trying to solve and how you use your boat. Long cruises, uneven loads and wave action of ocean or large open lake use might still sway me towards adjustable. I use my boat for watersports almost all the time and really just wanted to be able to pull the kids slower and stay on plane.

Size is not that fussy, as you may not want over-kill like I tend to prefer, as that requires more of a sense of control for guest drivers.

Tabman is a great resource for your boat (tell him brand, model number, size, engine size, desires, wants, disatisfactions with how the boat performs, the two altitudes, etc). He should have some good ideas on Sea Ray 190 Sundeck needs and fits. He tends to hang out at the Bennett factory web site (he works there) and/or the Bayliner board web site. I have met him, do not really know him.

Watch the pricing - July maybe the date for many suppliers price increases from many boat parts makers.

Just to add a bit of color w/ my experience and size considerations. The Smart Tabs have 5 manual adjustments that pretty much need to be done out of the water. I have the SX9510 80lb tabs and set them to the middle adjustment. This was too much tab and it was a strange feeling taking off completely flat; I had a rooster tail as well behind the boat at low to mid speeds. I reset to the weakest setting and my take off is nice now and no rooster tail. I still have a bit more of a water hump back there at lower speeds though than I remember w/o the tabs. They offered to change my rams to the 60lb when I first called but I haven't taken them up on it b/c I like my all-around performance now after changing the manual adjustment. Bottom line though, as Seabuddy says, you have much more on-the-fly operator controlled adjustment ability w/ hydraulic/electric tabs.

I have Lenco's on my 22 ft'er and would buy them again. And they do auto-retract when you turn the key off. Easy installation, I did it in my driveway.

BTW, the benefits of the Doel fin and similar is sort of like one of those Ford vs Chevy topics. Some people swear by them, others see no benefit at all.

My theory is that if they worked as advertised, why don't mfg's install them?

troop, that was my thought exactly about the sting ray, but they didn't put tabs on my boat either? What size tabs? You've got a 5.7 DP, right?

^^^^^

Because boat MFG's would get tired of replacing lower units under warranty...

What specific issue did they solve for you?

I've got to go register over at tht, now? Guess it won't hurt nothin'. It is more than two altitudes... Mostly at 3500 feet. But a lot at S.L or just above (500feet) and every couple of years or so at 6000 feet.

I wanted to be able to pull the kids on tubes, skis, kneeboards, etc at lower speeds on plane. Previously it was a struggle to stay on plane at 20 mph and now I'm solidly in the teens and plow much less even when not fully on plane.

Here is a very long thread from last June: thread
Near the beginning are some photos of my install and later on some expanded comments on my initial impressions.

That's my goal as well as operating at a range of altitudes.