I haven't been following this thread, but you can add SmartTabs for below
$200.00 ..maybe even below $150.00 depending on size ( buy the "scratch and
dent" specials directly from the manufacturer, Nauticus ).

I have them on two smaller boats. They DO keep you on plane longer and at
lower speeds and they DO get you up on plane faster. I surely didn't buy
them for cost (fuel) savings but rather to get up and out from the shallows.
The over-all effects of Trim Tabs ( any brand of trim tabs ) is so very
positive that I think every boatowner/manufacturer ought to consider adding
them. --
RichG manager, Carolina Skiff Owners Group on MSN
http://groups.msn.com/CarolinaSkiffOwners
..