Newbie considering 260 Sundancer

[Lazy Daze]

Tabs up = retracted = not in use

Tabs down = deployed = in use

Typically we reference where the actual tabs are in conversations. However, when using the tabs, it's easiest to think in reference to what you want the bow to do. Now, just to make it more confusing... In actuality, the buttons control the opposite side tab.

The only reason I mentioned "start with the tabs up" was to help in getting used to them. Once you are, you can decide to use them, or not, to get on plane. There's many factors that play into whether or not you're going to use the tabs... hull design, load, wave/wind condition, etc.

I usually start with the tabs part way down, most of the time. But, it really just depends on all of the variables and experience.

There are "tab indicator" gauges available, but I don't know if it can be simply added on the current rams, or if they have to be replaced. Either way, I would recommend saving your money and just getting used to them... seat of the pants style.

 

[emlevins]

So just to be sure - tabs up = bow down = press the top part of the button, correct?

It is confusing to me and the Searay lit and other sources I looked at did not help - but the little diagram on the buttons themselves (bow up/down) did - once I finally paid attention to them :smt001

 

[Lazy Daze]

No, but close. You had 2 out of 3! If you press the top of the button, the tabs go down and the bow goes down. This is assuming the prior owner didn't switch the connections on the back side of the switch :smt101

 

[emlevins]

OK - so I want to start with the tabs and bow down, correct?

 

[sappington]

HI, I have just upgraded also from a searay 200 overnighter to a 250 weekender,BIG DIFFERENCE. the 200 was 21'6 overall, the 250 is 29'6 overall with pulpit anchor and swim step.Much heavier so slower to react to turns,I would not want to dock by myself,I think you can try it but any wind or tide,you would not like it and probably not do it again,You cant count on people being on the dock to help.I was in one situation the person would not grab the pole to help pull me to the side,untill he could touch to boat,No help at all

 

[Lazy Daze]

OK - so I want to start with the tabs and bow down, correct?

Yes, for the quickest time-to-plane (uses less fuel and less wear-n-tear on the engine/driveline), you will want the drive down fully and the tabs down fully. However, you probably find that with a light to medium load you won't necessarily have to do that. It's still best to do it, but with a light load it's not really that much different. The more you play with it, the more that things will start to "click".