Quick Question About Trim Tabs
 

Quick question about trim tabs.

I'm planning on buying a set of Bennette trim tabs for my Hydrasport. I've read through the threads on the subject and noticed some guys talking about the auto retraction feature that you can get for them.

Here's my question. If the tabs automatically retract when the ignition is turned off is that really a good thing? If you boat rocks quite a bit while adrift or anchored, don't the tabs help keep it more steady? Just asking because I'm completely ignorant on the subject.

There should be no discernible difference at rest with the tabs operational or not.
It is the (better word) trim elevation at cruising speeds that perform stabilization.
A boat at rest improperly loaded will still list when at rest, regardless of trim tab installation.
What are the words??
They only work when the boat is at about cruising speeds, if the right side is heavily loaded and listing to that side, the right tab pushes down to increase stabilization to lift that side of the boat.

Tsubaki,

Yep, I understand what they're supposed to do while underway, I was just curious as to whether or not they helped any while at rest. Now I know they don't... ;-)

Thanks!

Steve

the auto retract is so you don't bend your tabs when loading on a trailer or when its picked up with a fork lift at a dry stack(they trash a bunch of tabs), its a nice feature, but not absolutly necesary unless the tabs interfear with your trailer or you stack.I understand now that on some models they include a switch to auto retract when going in reverse so you don't rip the tabs off when backing down too fast(seen that also)

Lenco's electric react faster. I like the bennet tabs, b/c they last a long time and are hydraulic . . . not electric . . . but If you are buying new you might also take a look at the volvo tabs.

http://www.foreandaftmarine.com/VO-QL3841717.htm

http://www.foreandaftmarine.com/TrimTabs.htm

Thanks BS. Wow!, if those Volvo tabs weren't so pricey, I think I'd be all over them. They look very interesting and are out to the way. They're about $200 more than the Bennettes...

I have the bennett on mine without the auto retract. I've had them on for 8 yrs now and have not bent them when I trailer mine and I have a bunk trailer.

I have bennet and they are fine with my trailer. I would not like the auto thing as I have a hard time figuring out were mmine are, I would hate to get adjusted right and lose it when I shut down!
They want way to much for indicator switches!

Big Shrimp, Specifically, the Lenco Tabs use one electric motor per tab and are outboard mounted directly to the tab.
Bennett tabs use a remote mounted electic pump that sends hydraulic fluid out to the corresponding tab. I agree the actuators are hydraulic on the Bennett but the motor that drives them is electric. I knew what you meant but a novice might be misled there.
I have had both. Both gave me problems. It is a boat, that is its job.
Lenco tabs seem to be more prone to corrosion and motor failure. Bennett tabs are tough to beat like you said. The trouble I am having with the Bennett is I have one that won't retract.
Having the space to mount the Bennett pump might be a deciding factor when it comes to trim tabs. Lenco tabs just have wires running from the tabs thru the transom up to the controls. My .02

usually when you have a bennet that won't retract, either teh line is crimped or the hose nipple is threaded in too far on teh cylinder. Loosen teh fitting on the hose niple for the tab that won't retract, if it comes up, its in the line or the pump, if it doesn't, trun the hose nipple about two turns out and see if it raises. If you install teh hose nipples too far in the bennert cylinders, it will cover the transfer hole to the cylinder, it will let fulid by under high pressure, but it won't let it out