Dangers of Tunnel Tab on 36 Spectre Cat?
03-29-2006, 07:42 PM
#31
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Re: Dangers of Tunnel Tab on 36 Spectre Cat?
The Tunnel tab is like a flap on a airplane, it is only used in low speeds.
03-29-2006, 09:09 PM
#32
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Re: Dangers of Tunnel Tab on 36 Spectre Cat?
I don't even have a cat but I still find this interesting as this is info that you just don't normally come across. OSO school is great! 
03-29-2006, 11:29 PM
#34
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Re: Dangers of Tunnel Tab on 36 Spectre Cat?
30' Shadow Cat 2000+ hp 155+ Tunnel Tab no problem!!
5 Boats in 25yrs all running triple digits may have giving me
a little experience.Take it easy and always life tab when approaching large rollers. Tunnel tabs are for correction not a
solution. Always were your PFDs.
5 Boats in 25yrs all running triple digits may have giving me
a little experience.Take it easy and always life tab when approaching large rollers. Tunnel tabs are for correction not a
solution. Always were your PFDs.
03-30-2006, 12:21 AM
#35
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Re: Dangers of Tunnel Tab on 36 Spectre Cat?
kilokat Its very interesting to hear the opinion of a multi time kilo record holder. thanks for giving us your point of view. we run a 28 skater it porposes as well when its calm water. no tab. we just power threw it then back it down just above the porpose, thats are cruise speed. used two run 2.5s now 300x 
03-30-2006, 05:45 AM
#36
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Re: Dangers of Tunnel Tab on 36 Spectre Cat?
Something that hasn't been mentioned is that you must also keep the tab up during turns, high or low speed. If you keep it down, it can catch the water as rear "slides" sideways. This leads to an outward roll. The tabs that are tapered and rounded at the rear corners will do this less. I know of a Spectre that rolled from just this problem. Not at speed and not in turning.
03-30-2006, 07:14 AM
#37
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Re: Dangers of Tunnel Tab on 36 Spectre Cat?
A tunnel tab set level moves the center of lift aft, the longitudenal center of balance stays put, about 30% of overall length forward of the transom, and the boat is a lot less likely to do something stupid. I wouldn't have a fast cat that didn't have a tunnel tab. For an inexperienced operator, I can see how you might get in trouble pushing buttons. Let's get John T. in on this one.
03-30-2006, 07:33 AM
#38
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Re: Dangers of Tunnel Tab on 36 Spectre Cat?
Some tunnel tabs or for planing off, and some are for keep the air stalled in the tunnel to add lift. If either is used incorrectly you mays cause injury or death to occupants and damage the vessel. You will see soon that certain tunnel tabs used to pack air may void your insurance policy here in the near future.
03-30-2006, 09:11 AM
#39
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Re: Dangers of Tunnel Tab on 36 Spectre Cat?
After some of these posts, I would be running to the boat with a hammer, chisel or a Sawzall and taking the tab off the boat. 
03-30-2006, 10:39 AM
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Re: Dangers of Tunnel Tab on 36 Spectre Cat?
I agree with Brownie....and Kilo Kat.
If you know what you are doing, they can be quite useful. If you don't........ either get training...or get rid of the tab.
These things are also very subtle at speed... you don't need a heavy hand.... a light touch is best..... and a good "seat of the pants".
T2x
If you know what you are doing, they can be quite useful. If you don't........ either get training...or get rid of the tab.
These things are also very subtle at speed... you don't need a heavy hand.... a light touch is best..... and a good "seat of the pants".
T2x
