Trim Tabs

[mike165]

about to put TRIM TABS on my 19' Tri hull 165 Mercruiser L6 MC 1 drive, I carry 4-9 people who are always on the move around the boat, which would be the best Bennett or Lenco

 

[achris]

Re: Trim Tabs

... I carry 4-9 people who are always on the move around the boat, which would be the best Bennett or Lenco

You're gunna need a bigger boat!!!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Trim Tabs

Originally Posted by mike165
... I carry 4-9 people who are always on the move around the boat, which would be the best Bennett or Lenco

You're gunna need a bigger boat!!!

Ayuh,.... I'll say,....

9 people is 'bout 2 to many in my 21' tin barge....

 

[mike165]

Re: Trim Tabs

Hi guys,thanks for the replys,average no is 6,Achris I can'nt a ford a bigger boat I may have to lose a few friends,so which are the best tabs?
it would appear the electrics are easier to fit,however that is not an issue quick reponse and reliability are

 

[JoLin]

Re: Trim Tabs

No significant difference in operating speed between Lenco and Bennett. I can't speak personally for Lenco reliability, but Bennetts are very reliable and have great customer support. "Tabman", a Bennett rep, is a frequent poster on this board.

Nauticus Smart Tabs might also be worth looking at. Though I prefer helm-adjustable tabs, I installed ST's on a 21' boat I owned. They do work, and have the benefit of simplicity. No hydraulic or electrical components to install.

My .02

 

[series60]

Re: Trim Tabs

I have an old set of Bennetts which work great but always seem to have a little hyd leak in the system from time to time.

 

[Blue Crabber]

If you are looking for reliability, hands down Bennetts win. All electrical components are kept inside the boat away from water. Check out their website, lots of good info.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Trim Tabs

I installed Bennet sport tabs on my SeaRay, they offer a shortened cylinder which was required to fit the back of the SeaRay hull.

I also agree that you need a bigger boat. you boat may only be approved for 8 people max or a 1200# weight limit (which ever weights less). that is not a suggestion, that is based on the buoyancy calculation of the hull.

 

[Tabman]

Re: Trim Tabs

I have an old set of Bennetts which work great but always seem to have a little hyd leak in the system from time to time.

Series60,

Can you tell me how old your system is and where the leak might be? Often replacing an O-ring (we can send them at no charge) will cure a leak in the actuator (ram). We can also send you replacements for the hydraulic tubing connectors if you suspect the leak is there. No matter how old a Bennett system is it should not leak at all and I will be delighted to help you.

 

[achris]

Re: Trim Tabs

Hi guys,thanks for the replys,average no is 6,Achris I can'nt a ford a bigger boat I may have to lose a few friends,so which are the best tabs?
it would appear the electrics are easier to fit,however that is not an issue quick reponse and reliability are

My post was the line from the original 'Jaws' movie. I'm surprised nobody picked it....

I have a 20' boat and I'm also looking at trim tabs, but I have a few rules on my boat.. 6 people MAXIMUM... everybody remains seated while under way... and they all pitch in for fuel money (or they don't get a second trip)...

Chris......

 

[emilsr]

Re: Trim Tabs

I've had both.

Bennett hands down has the best service after the sale, parts availability, etc. They're a great company to deal with and stand behind their product as well or better than ANY other company out there.

On the other hand, I really liked the ease of installation and the fast reaction time of the Lenco tabs.

I don't think you'd go wrong either way.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Trim Tabs

I think I'd try to get some feedback from someone with a 19' boat that carries a big crowd. Not sure the tabs will solve anything, at least not for the cost. IOW do a cost-benefits analysis, compared to the free option of telling people where to sit. Worked for me for decades.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Trim Tabs

by big crowd, if you mean a few people in the 250-300# class sitting on one side, then yes, BTDT. The tabs were great for leveling the boat. i also used them for staying on plane down to about 11mph and a faster hole shot in and around the Gulf Coast ICW. also great when trying to pull one of the svelte beer swilling buddies up on a pair of skis

every boat I own from 18' and larger will have a set of trim tabs on them from now on, and from the customer service I received from Bennett, they will be Bennetts

If you mean overloading the boat, tabs wont help there.

 

[series60]

Re: Trim Tabs

Series60,

Can you tell me how old your system is and where the leak might be? Often replacing an O-ring (we can send them at no charge) will cure a leak in the actuator (ram). We can also send you replacements for the hydraulic tubing connectors if you suspect the leak is there. No matter how old a Bennett system is it should not leak at all and I will be delighted to help you.

Tabman: thanks for the offer. Can't really put a date on the Bennetts but given the amount of pitting on the tabs themselves, I would guess the Bennett system is approximately the same vintage as the boat which is a 1984. The boat was moored for several years in saltwater before returning to being trailered. I have replaced the reservoir with new and reconnected the hoses to the thru-transom hardware. The leaks are from the new reservoir at the point where the pump and reservoir meet. Do to the angle of the transom the pump is mounted such that when the fluid level is at the low mark on reservoir holding the pump level, when mounted is just above the point were the pump and reservoir connect. Apparently not a good seal at that point. The other leak is at the connection of plastic hose and thru-transom hardware. I have tightened these ferrules as tight as I dare but they will still leak some if I use them a lot. If I don't get off the ole' single lever toggle switch fast enough after full up or down is reached, it leaks much more.

Hope this isn't too confusing!

 

[Tabman]

Re: Trim Tabs

Tabman: thanks for the offer. Can't really put a date on the Bennetts but given the amount of pitting on the tabs themselves, I would guess the Bennett system is approximately the same vintage as the boat which is a 1984. The boat was moored for several years in saltwater before returning to being trailered. I have replaced the reservoir with new and reconnected the hoses to the thru-transom hardware. The leaks are from the new reservoir at the point where the pump and reservoir meet. Do to the angle of the transom the pump is mounted such that when the fluid level is at the low mark on reservoir holding the pump level, when mounted is just above the point were the pump and reservoir connect. Apparently not a good seal at that point. The other leak is at the connection of plastic hose and thru-transom hardware. I have tightened these ferrules as tight as I dare but they will still leak some if I use them a lot. If I don't get off the ole' single lever toggle switch fast enough after full up or down is reached, it leaks much more.

Hope this isn't too confusing!

Bill,

The pump should not be at angle like that where the fluid is above the top of the reservoir body. We have an angled shim that will let you mount it at a better angle and will fix the problem, plus I would like to send you some new nut and ferrules for the ones that are leaking. If you send me a private message with your name and address I will have them sent to you at no charge,

 

[series60]

Re: Trim Tabs

Bill,

The pump should not be at angle like that where the fluid is above the top of the reservoir body. We have an angled shim that will let you mount it at a better angle and will fix the problem, plus I would like to send you some new nut and ferrules for the ones that are leaking. If you send me a private message with your name and address I will have them sent to you at no charge,

I tried but I get this message: Tabman has exceeded their stored private messages quota and cannot accept further messages until they clear some space.

 

[Tabman]

Re: Trim Tabs

Try it now I cleared out some old messages!