InstaTrim trim tabs

[ae708]

Has anyone used InstaTrim trim tabs? They are about $100 less than either Bennett or Lenco tabs. Seems like a good price if the product is good.

 

[Mettaree]

Re: InstaTrim trim tabs

Are you referring to Smart Tabs - click at top of page for info if so. They are great - have them on my 20' CC.<br /><br />

 

[ae708]

Re: InstaTrim trim tabs

No, not SmartTabs. The InstaTrim tabs are hydraulic and adjustable just like the Bennett tabs. The Lenco's are electrically adjustable and the SmartTabs are fixed. The InstaTabs are about 100 bucks cheaper than the Bennetts and include the controls, which Bennett stopped doing I think.I was thinking about SmartTabs but then I saw these advertised.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: InstaTrim trim tabs

To :ae708<br /><br />As a matter of information Smart Tabs are not fixed they are automatic. If you have a boat 22 feet or less the application is good.<br /><br />When looking at Electric or Hydralic Tab pricing make sure it includes the switches for the helm station as some of the distributors sell various styles separately.

 

[ae708]

Re: InstaTrim trim tabs

Nautijohn..... I used the wrong word when I said 'fixed'. What I should have said was that the driver has no control of them.. they self adjust. The ones I was asking about do come with the control switches.. the Bennetts do not as I seem to recall. I am still thinking about the Smart Tabs also.. haven't decided yet on which to get.

 

[Tabman]

Re: InstaTrim trim tabs

ae708,<br /><br />Currently the two most popular Trim Tab kits we offer the M80 and the M120 come with Rocker Switch Controls as standard, no matter where you buy them. The M80 is for boats 16'-20' and the M120 for 20'-24'. Our standard kits do have a choice of controls, but just about all dealers sell them with the Single Lever Control. <br /><br />If you shop around for priceing on the M80 and M120 Tabs you will find some very good pricing out there these days!<br /><br />Tom McGow<br />Bennett Marine

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: InstaTrim trim tabs

Bennett are good tabs, If you think they are a bit expensive, then take a look at Trimmaster they are also decent quality and are well priced and they come complete with control switch and bio-degradeble fluid.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: InstaTrim trim tabs

As always be carefull of bargains. Also remember that service after the purchase is as important as the purchase itself. Bennett has an excellent reputation for customer service. I simply do not know much about the other manufacturers, they may be good also. Choose the product based on your requirements and how you intend to use the boat.

 

[Boatist]

Re: InstaTrim trim tabs

ae708<br />I know very little about the other tabs but Bennett has been great on my boat. I installed them in 1981 and they totaly changed the ride of my boat. With them I can adjust my boat for a good safe ride in any condition. If you been around this board then I am sure you have seen how many things they have fixed for free. With what I have seen here I would think Bennett has a lifetime warranty. They do not but I can not remember a post where they did not help troubleshoot and then send a free part.<br /><br />If you want full control of you boat attitude at all speeds and condition then I would recomend Bennett all the way. Worth every extra $ for their customer service.<br /><br />If all you want is to lower bow on the hole shot and be able to plane at a slower speed then the smart tabs will do that.

 

[reefrunner]

Re: InstaTrim trim tabs

I have InstaTrim installed on my Baja 25 Sportfish. They were on the boat when I bought it new last year. I had Bennets on my previous boat, a 20' Formula. They both prform well BUT the Bennets appear to be better made. My Bennet tabs were 20 yrs old and stll worked well and looked good. In less than a year the powder coating on the Insta-Trim tabs is coming off. The LED indicators for the Insta-Trim tabs have not worked properly since I took delivery of the boat. I had the dealer work on them with no help. I contacted Insta-Trim and they sent me all new wires, junction modules and senders. The LED worked for a few days befor it malfunctioned again. Insta-Trim use telephone wire for connection from the junction box to the LED indicator on the dash. The junction box is mounted in the bilge area of a salt water vessel. You can imagin how long the fine copper wire will last. The long and short of it is go for the Bennet. The quality will be remembered long after the price is forgotten. <br />As a foot note to anyone buying a boat in Florida. I bought my newest boat at Thunder Marine. My experience with Thunder Marine service has been horific with everything from hull to engine.

 

[tprice]

Re: InstaTrim trim tabs

I have the Insta Trim on my boat, they came on it, and they work fine.<br /><br />However I had to replace the pump and switch last year due to corrosion. <br /><br />The pump is not sealed from the bottom and when water gets in the bilge moisture gets up in the pump area and corrodes it. I have learned to check it a couple of times per year.<br /><br />I have always gotten good support from Don, the owner , when I call. You actually get him on the phone and his is very helpful.<br /><br />I have not ever used the other brands so i can not compare them but mine work fine for my use.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: InstaTrim trim tabs

Art,<br /><br />I know nothing of the brand you are discussing but i will state that the bennett tabs that are on my boat are outstanding and knowing that Tabmann is monitoring this forum and has been a wealth of information just reaffirms that purchase. The service after the sale is as or more important that the purchase itself.<br /><br />Same goes for NautiJohn. I am trying to talk my brother into a set of smart tabs for his 20 foot Regal.