Lookin' like the Bennett M120 with EIC control

[bgreene]

Sure, why not. Looks like next week.

Got to get those tabs because I had on the previous boat and found very useful to adjust ride to the sea conditions.

[bgreene]

Went with the plain rocker switches. Didn't pick it up from Westmarine yet.

Cost approx. $ 450 after coupons. Plan to install this winter.

[Mulv80]

I just picked up a set of Bennett M120's with the Euro Rocker from Wholesale Marine for $410 shipped. I'm going to be installing them on my Aquasport 215 DC in the Spring.

http://i325.photobucket.com/albums/k394/Mulv80/189.jpg

[Mulv80]

I just checked their website, I don't think they are offering the code anymore. It was 10% off $150 or more and free shipping.

[RidgeRunner]

A nice addition to any v-hull IMO. I love the Bennetts on my V and the Whaler. Lenco's are nice but I have yet to have an issue with Bennett's, they just work. Post up pics of the install when you get there... Bgreene, sounds like you are loving the V-21. Congrats:clap: I like the dual console Aquasport too Mulv80.

[RidgeRunner]

The Aquasport looks like a great all around boat too Mulv80.

[ssiredfish]

You're killin me bgreene...........

After all that?!?!?!?!? Man I would have bet the house that you were gettin Lenco's.......My fingers hate you now.......wait, the middle one has something to say.......just kiddin, Im glad you got em on your ride. You will love the difference in the ride and it will be the best money you've put into the boat.

[bgreene]

Yeh well, went back and forth but final was all the positives on the Bennett's .

Thanks

[spareparts]

I've replaced more Lenco cylinders in the few years they've been out than Bennet pumps(their cylinders don't give problems) in the 27 years I've been working on boats

[Cam]

Plus, you just can't beat Bennett's customer service... Hands down, the best!:sun:

[bgreene]

Thanks guys, makes me feel good about the decision to go with the Bennett's....

That plus my name is ............... Bennett.

Anyway, will pick it up from Westmarine tomorrow but won't start until I'm done fishing.

[BuilderFL]

I've had the M120 for over a year and I am very satisfied with their performance. They have them at River Marine for $449.95. Keep in mind that even if you don't get them from River Marine, you can use their advertised price to get West Marine to match the price. That's what I did.

[reelapeelin]

I've had the M120 for over a year and I am very satisfied with their performance. They have them at River Marine for $449.95. Keep in mind that even if you don't get them from River Marine, you can use their advertised price to get West Marine to match the price. That's what I did.


:clap:Ya know...I keep FORGETTIN' about that...:clap:

[bgreene]

Tonight I got started on the tab installation. Backer plates, hinge, and tabs installed.

Nice night under the boat tarp set up on bungie's so I can work rain or shine.

Next is the actuator and hoses. Long winter.....plenty of time.

[bradford]

Something else I plan to do very soon.

[bgreene]

Something else I plan to do very soon.

Go for it ! If I can install........ most anyone else can.

[phatdaddy]

i would love to add them, but i'm scared to drill so many holes in my transom.

[bgreene]

i would love to add them, but i'm scared to drill so many holes in my transom.

Yup - it seems odd to drill holes into a perfectly good transom !
Now the " but " ........... if you do it right, it's a permanent job and the tab performance is worth it.

I press the sealent into the holes, then also dip the crews into sealant before screwing into position. Wipe excess and it's done.

[phatdaddy]

i am not worried about sealing up the hole, it's what i'll find when i drill, the dreaded worm dirt or a steady drip drip drip...

[bgreene]

i am not worried about sealing up the hole, it's what i'll find when i drill, the dreaded worm dirt or a steady drip drip drip...

I get it.....well..........unless your transoms a wreck........you could always send a long bolt all the way through, and then tighten with a nut on the inside !!! ( or maybe not )
Good luck...

[twhrider2]

Can't wait to hear how your Bennets work out as I plan on doing the same by spring. My V came with a set of Smart Tabs that I recently removed while doing a transom clean up and bottom stripping. Good luck with your installhttp://www.wellcraftv20.com/community/images/icons/icon14.gif

[bgreene]

Can't wait to hear how your Bennets work out as I plan on doing the same by spring. My V came with a set of Smart Tabs that I recently removed while doing a transom clean up and bottom stripping. Good luck with your installhttp://www.wellcraftv20.com/community/images/icons/icon14.gif

Thanks, it's really not a " normal thing " to drill 3/4" holes in the transom, but .........it's just a transom !!! ha

[reelapeelin]

i am not worried about sealing up the hole, it's what i'll find when i drill, the dreaded worm dirt or a steady drip drip drip...

Go ahead, Phat...there's plenty of BITE in the outter layer of glass to hold it all in place...and believe me it'll all be worth it once yer 'TABBIN'...:clap:

[bgreene]

Go ahead, Phat...there's plenty of BITE in the outter layer of glass to hold it all in place...and believe me it'll all be worth it once yer 'TABBIN'...:clap:

Reels provided me with a few pointers - appreciated......

Once I get the tabs in....I'll be starting on the next bunch of projects:
New vhf and Digital Antenna
New Tachometer
Maybe........ a dual battery set up

[bgreene]

Now the tabs are installed, pump mounted, and the tubes connected.
Next the switch and wiring, then done. Slow installation.......like turtle

[reelapeelin]

Now the tabs are installed, pump mounted, and the tubes connected.
Next the switch and wiring, then done. Slow installation.......like turtle


Nope...sorry...after switch and wiring comes filling w/fluid and priming the system up...then done...:hi:

[bgreene]

Nope...sorry...after switch and wiring comes filling w/fluid and priming the system up...then done...:hi:

Yeh, yeh, I'm getting there.........

[Airslot]

I had M120's on my V, probably the best mod you can do. Congrats.

[bgreene]

I had M120's on my V, probably the best mod you can do. Congrats.

Airslot - You have a PM from me.

[bgreene]

Nope...sorry...after switch and wiring comes filling w/fluid and priming the system up...then done...:hi:

1. Tabs: All checks out so I've moved on to the rest of my projects.
2. GPS: New power cord for the standard horizon GPS / Plotter fixed that problem.
3. Digital antenna: installed
4. Gunnel rod holders - port and starboard - fixed where the plastic had cracked at the corner.
5. Replaced raw water wash down fitting
More to follow.........

[macojoe]

It was a pain to get my tabs bled! they ended up bleeding out by use so make sure you keep eye on the tank for a bit to keep filling up when low, after they are set i have not used a drop of fluid in 3 years!

[bgreene]

It was a pain to get my tabs bled! they ended up bleeding out by use so make sure you keep eye on the tank for a bit to keep filling up when low, after they are set i have not used a drop of fluid in 3 years!

Good tip, thanks

[Bygracealone]

Good post BGreene. Congrats on the tabs.

I'm about to buy and install M120's on my Hydra. For me, it's a pricey modification, but I've heard so many good things about them, I feel compelled to go for it.

Any pics of your install?

[bgreene]

Good post BGreene. Congrats on the tabs.

I'm about to buy and install M120's on my Hydra. For me, it's a pricey modification, but I've heard so many good things about them, I feel compelled to go for it.

Any pics of your install?

I can take a few pics - I'm not quick at these sort of installations and I took my time doing it...... to try to do it right the 1st time. Now I can say it's quite straight forward, nothing particularly tricky. Follow the written directions and also refer the installation video Bennett Tabs has on the internet. Finally - there's a guy named Tom from Bennett that lurks the Hull Truth web site, extremely helpful.

[Bygracealone]

Yep, I saw the video online and found it to be helpful and I'm also aware of Tom over at THT.

That said, it's sometimes even more helpful to see it done by regular folks like you and me :-)

[macojoe]

Bygracealone
That said, it's sometimes even more helpful to see it done by regular folks like you and me :-)

I would show you mine, but there is nothing regular about me, lol!!

I have no pics of mine any way, and they are on the Sea Ox.

[bgreene]

I would show you mine, but there is nothing regular about me, lol!!

I have no pics of mine any way, and they are on the Sea Ox.

If it was a complex installation I would have likely got stuck. I'm just not experienced with more involved marine engineering projects.

I'd say the key challenge is to be sure you have clear space and access behind where you plan to drill the holes in the outside of the transom. Measure, and re measure to be confident that when you drill for the three upper tab cylinder support crews, you aren't drilling into hoses, wiring, oil tank, battery etc. Take your time, don't rush and it's straightforward.

[macojoe]

Yes to all above!! Also you may need to move a little depending what is in the way on transom?? My scuppers were real close!

http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/albums/MJ-hide/001_G.sized.jpg

[bgreene]

Finished installation of the following this weekend:

1. Gunnel rod holders - re installed
2. New vhf radio, bracket, mic holder, and tested. All good
3. helm station cup holder ( v important )

Next, assorted including possible purchase soon of new roller trailer. Hate to do it but
probably need to .....

[bgreene]

To do list on my 96' V21 down to these ..........

1. DONE Finish installing transom well rod holders
2. DONE Re locate the trim tab hydraulic pump inside the transom well - since the rod holder
bolt now intrudes where I had the hydraulic pump. Oops.
3. DONE Replace and install the new transducer for the Garmin 160C. ( never mind that story)
4. Clean boat, then load with essential gear.
( clean boat means inside and out with the full regalia of products, lots of man hours)

Then........... take the rig to the water to photograph so I can show you all, and keep the photo's for reference.
Of course, also test drive performance check with the new trim tabs.

Then.............. re cover boat and wait for the right time to kick off New Jersey salt water fishing season.

[bgreene]

I've been talkin' way too much about my boat prep.......... but now I'm at 99% done and maybe ..... Sunday, I'll go for a ride on the Del River to test it all out.

And take some pics.

[RidgeRunner]

Easter on the water, sounds like fun. Play with the tabs some to get used to them. For instance, my 20 doesn't react well to much tab at cruising speed. If overzealous it is easy to plow the nose and wet the passengers. Also test with the tabs down for planning faster. Partial tab seems to help there but full tab down is a crazy looking mess of water being thrown up everywhere. LOL... Enjoy and don't forget the pics.

[bgreene]

Easter on the water, sounds like fun. Play with the tabs some to get used to them. For instance, my 20 doesn't react well to much tab at cruising speed. If overzealous it is easy to plow the nose and wet the passengers. Also test with the tabs down for planning faster. Partial tab seems to help there but full tab down is a crazy looking mess of water being thrown up everywhere. LOL... Enjoy and don't forget the pics.

Purpose of installing the tabs as you'd expect is to reduce the pounding when running in a 2-3' chop. Tabs worked well on my previous Mako CC so I'm hopeful to experience the same with the V. Got me wondering regarding comment about plowing and wet ride.

I know these boats have the reputation for plowing when running with the seas, so tabs up in that situation. We'll see. I'm mostly an ocean fisherman so lots of different sea conditions experienced. If I ultimately don't like the ride...... I'll get boat # 5..... maybe a 23 SeaCraft Septre....

[RidgeRunner]

I am sure it will be just fine. Just use them sparingly until you get accustomed to the difference in ride is all I was suggesting. I like your choice for boat #5. Hope the V rides out to your expectations cause it is really a nice find.

[reelapeelin]

For instance, my 20 doesn't react well to much tab at cruising speed. If overzealous it is easy to plow the nose and wet the passengers.


Yeah Bennett...you gotta remember, Vic's "cruising speed" is what many of the rest of us is approaching light speed...and he's inna CC instead of your Cuddy...it'll pin yer EARS back...:sun:

[bgreene]

After the water pump replacement, next day - today testing before fishing, electronics and trim tabs not getting power.

Battery seemed possibly low, so put in a new, 660CCA, still nothing.

Flashlight panel wiring check in the cuddy finally saw the issues and corrected.
Now all working and ready to go. Never surprised.

[bgreene]

Tabs worked out fine - definitely more impactful on the ride characteristic than my previous Mako.......

Good to have overall, better off with than without.

[RidgeRunner]

Tabs are incredible on the V IMO. Very glad you got it all sorted out and got to the water with her.

[bgreene]

Tabs are incredible on the V IMO. Very glad you got it all sorted out and got to the water with her.

Thanks - I look forward to using more as I fish - tabs full down turns it into a " water plow", funny.