98 290DA tab upgrade

Strecker25

Well-Known Member
SILVER Sponsor
Nov 20, 2014
4,905
Rochester, NY
Boat Info
2002 410DA
Engines
Caterpillar 350HP 3126
Tabman, our 98 290 has twin 5.7EFIs with alphas. The stock tabs leave a lot to be desired in terms of low speed planing. With full tab I still need about 26mph to stay on step. Can you help ide tidy some options to upgrade? I'd like to keep the same actuators and just put a larger tab on if possible. I can take measurements if need be. Let me know. Thanks.
 
Ryan,

Measurements and pictures would be great! We can see what we might be able to do once I see them.

Tom
Bennett Marine
 
Ryan, there might be something else going on that is requiring you to have to go so fast to be on plane. Possibly the drives are trimmed too far up? I'm not saying don't put bigger tabs on - rarely, if ever, is this a bad idea. But the last time I ran a 290DA I don't recall having to run that fast. In fact, I don't recall running any Sea Ray that fast to be on plane. Just a thought. Now, I could be wrong - but maybe check with other 290DA owner's and see what their experience is. Has it always been this way (clean bottom)?
 
Thanks Dennis, now that you mention it I would actually say technically I'm on a plane around 24mph which is about 3100 rpm. The attitude of the boat at that speed is not the best though, and she really levels out once I get it closer to 32-3400. This is our second year with her, but it's the same from the day she is launched clean

other owners report very similar results in their 290, especially with 350's and the genset on board. I typically have the drives fully tucked
 
That is a custom Tab we made for SeaRay. Looks like you are really limited in adding span (side to side) as the deadrise angle changes right after the lifting strake.

The easiest thing to try is to add a set of DF12 Drop Fins.

The 3" fins capture water pressure that is normally lost out the side and channels it aft to increase lift.




The part number for the kit (will do two tabs) is DF12.

Tom
Bennett Marine
 
Excellent, I figured we were limited as to what we could do given the transom design. I'll give the DF12 a shot, I see defender has them listed. Unless there is another re seller you would recommend?
 
I really can't recommend dealers. But the Lance family who own defenders are old friends, so if they list it I would go there! :)

Tom
 
You know, now that I think of it, Ryan, the last 290DA (of your model era) had 5.0's (MPI's, though) and a genny, but it also had the Bravo 3 drives. That might be why I'm remembering being able to stay on plane a little slower. But probably not much more-so than the 24. It certainly wasn't under 20. The 26 just struck me as high.

Looks like Tom is taking care of you... like he always does! Good luck with the fins - I've never experienced them but I've heard from others who have and they've been pleased with the results. You might also think about experimenting with 4-blade props.
 
You know, now that I think of it, Ryan, the last 290DA (of your model era) had 5.0's (MPI's, though) and a genny, but it also had the Bravo 3 drives. That might be why I'm remembering being able to stay on plane a little slower. But probably not much more-so than the 24. It certainly wasn't under 20. The 26 just struck me as high.

Looks like Tom is taking care of you... like he always does! Good luck with the fins - I've never experienced them but I've heard from others who have and they've been pleased with the results. You might also think about experimenting with 4-blade props.

Others have reported great results with the 4 blades on these boats, specifically around the quicker planing and lower planing speeds. That might be next for us.
 
Hi Tom, I have our extensions ready to install and it looks like they'll fit nicely. What hardware would you recommend attaching them with? Initially I figured SS screws/lockwashers but saw the local WM has brass hardware as well. Probably doesn't matter much, just curious.
 
My 290 was a 2000, 5.0's BIII's generator - I never felt like I needed tabs to get on / stay on plane. I mainly used them to level out the ride.
 
My 290 was a 2000, 5.0's BIII's generator - I never felt like I needed tabs to get on / stay on plane. I mainly used them to level out the ride.

We don't necessarily have issues getting up on plane if I mat the throttles, but the speed at which I have to go to maintain a plane even with tabs full down is pretty high. Since the extensions are so cheap I figured I'll try them first and maybe try 4 blade props at some point this summer. We're alphas so not quite as much lift, either.
 
@Tabman resurrecting this thread for some input. Our tabs look twisted. I’m not sure if the haulout tweaked them a little or if I’m just noticing it but they’re definetly not flat. Being a custom tab, would the standard 12x12 not replace these? I’m thinking I can try and pull them off over the winter and bend them back, but I’d rather just replace em
 
Oops, I see they’re gone. I’ll grab new ones today so you can also see the bend
 
Hey tom, see below. It was pouring, so I hope this helps show what I’m talking about. The chord looks to be 11.5 and the tab is 12” wide. I’m wondering if this is a chance to go with a longer chord? I’d like to keep the actuators the same, not sure if longer without wider would help much. How do they actually come off? I see the two hex bolt heads that face forward on the bottom of the arm, does the tab just slide out once those are out? Looking forward to your response!

26CBDE22-A2DD-4FDB-8F52-7C7469985776.jpeg
7F7F8057-248A-49BC-811C-C166D34276A6.jpeg
893208AF-37C1-4F6C-9FF8-E2E241E7BA34.jpeg
C3EBCFB3-50A2-4D08-8A66-7F5CF4D385E6.jpeg
47ACE769-0D7A-473E-821E-6D696E0FEA76.jpeg
BD4CB26B-7789-445F-BEC1-7CF79121D986.jpeg
26CBDE22-A2DD-4FDB-8F52-7C7469985776.jpeg
7F7F8057-248A-49BC-811C-C166D34276A6.jpeg
 

Forum statistics

Threads
112,950
Messages
1,422,857
Members
60,932
Latest member
juliediane
Back
Top