tunnel tab on 36'
 

i just bought a 36 with a tunnel tab ,can some explain how to use this,and is realy necessary,all comments would be great.

Re: tunnel tab on 36'
 

We have a tunnel tab on the race boat and it helps for rough water use and it doesnt scrub off any speed like regular tabs do because it can be used to level the boat without touching the water. It uses the air going through the tunnel.

Re: tunnel tab on 36'
 

Don't. A tunnel tab in a very dangerous piece of hardware.

Re: tunnel tab on 36'
 

from the other thread:
Re: I hope I'm not the only Spectre Owner out there!

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You need to take Tres Martin's class on the tunnel tab issue. Remember the founder of Bonefish grill, Chris Parker blew over a big power 36 Spectre in Tampa Bay and decapitated himself and nearly killed the two girls with him.

Great boat, just spend the $2500 to learn how to run it hard safely.

Re: tunnel tab on 36'
 

42mti, I'm looking at a 32 cat with a tunnel tab and tunnel extensions, so what makes them so dangerous? Is it only at wot or when running slow, tripping on the wave and stuffing, etc... just looking for some answers.

42mti, just did a search on tunnel tabs, and answered most of my questions, thanks anyway.

Re: tunnel tab on 36'
 

We race a boat with a tunnel tab and havent had any problems.

Re: tunnel tab on 36'
 

knowledge is key, use it TO ONLY ASSIST IN GETTING ON PLANE IF NEEDED until your school'd on how to use it properely or IT WILL BITE YOU...my advise TRIM IT ALL THE WAY UP AND FORGET IT THERE UNTIL SHOWN HOW TO OPERATE IT...

Re: tunnel tab on 36'
 

I only use mine to get on plane which makes it a lot easier, after getting onplane I always trim it up all the way.

Re: tunnel tab on 36'
 

I use a little tab to get on plane and I also use a touch to knock out the hop if I am crusing at 60 - 65. My boat is fast enough that I do not need to squeeze the last mph out of it with a tab.
It also makes a great porta potty for the girls when at anchor, just watch where you swim.
It isn't rocket science, take your time at each speed and learn your boat, you are not the first person to learn how to drive a cat, we have all had our first experience at driving one. Its a lot more fun than a vee, but take your time and learn your boat.

Enjoy
Shawn

Re: tunnel tab on 36'
 

Self taught on todays boats is a danger. Thats why it is hard to break bad habits. A hard lesson learned for some, with a claim on a cat???? Forget about getting insurance again. This is why rates are so high.

Re: tunnel tab on 36'
 

Tres, your absolutly right! The technology, and speeds today are growing at a faster rate than the drivers can, so how about some tips on driving a cat with and without a tunnel tab in the general section for all of us? I would love to take your class sometime, but in the mean time how about some pointers.
By the way, where did you get your start? My dad used to race hydros, then some vbottom stuff, and there were also a couple of cats around. I was pretty young at the time so I didn't get the realm of everything, but when its all around you its suprising how much you pick up on. Unfortunatly he passed away in a boating accident in 1992, nighttime and alcohol, he was not the driver, so I am well aware of the dangers of "pleasure" boating. Thanks Rob.

Re: tunnel tab on 36'
 

don't use the tab.....if you have to ask how to use it....don't
ever, ever use it....you probably won't ever need it for
pleasure boating anyway.

otto

Re: tunnel tab on 36'
 

Pointer.Tunnel tabs for cats can do several different things, one of course is to raise the compression in the tunnel by blocking air,. a tab with cut sides are made to plane off but sometimes many use them to get hop out or the tab can still create some blockage of air incresing lift once again. If the tab in either case is deployed, and you are carrying speed and somone pulls out in from of you and you have to turn quickly to avoid , the tab will cause the bow to plunge in the turn resulting in a spin out or being turned over. In a nut shell. Take the class! So much information you need to drive the correct way.

Re: tunnel tab on 36'
 

Tres, thank you for the response.