Hydraulic trim tabs

[Mulv80]

Bennett has some of the best customer service in the boating industry. Tom, aka "Tabman" as he is know on many of the forums is extemely helpful with answering questions not only about choosing the right tabs for the right boat but also when it comes to the install.

I installed my Bennett 10x12 sport tabs in about 3 hours. The install was pretty straight forward. I watched the video a couple of times and took my time and everything came out great. I did alot of research before I chose Bennett. From what I read, Bennett seems to hold up better in saltwater. The Lencos are faster to respond, easier to install but dont hold up well in saltwater. I actually prefer the slower response time of the hydraulic tab, it gives a more gradual adjustment in the boats attitude.

[jasoncooperpcola]

I have done a little research on the tabs and one thing I noticed was the electric guys always point their finger at the hydraulic lines and say "what if they leak" Here is my opinion on that. How often do you hear of a hydraulic steering system leaking and causing a crash? I imagine if it leaks it will be a slow leak and then that comes to maintenance or installation error such as a chafed hose. Hydraulic does seem to be a better option simply because you do not have an electric motor submergred all the time.

[jasoncooperpcola]

This guy is saying they are electric over hydraulic trim tabs. I am lost now........

[RidgeRunner]

Electric over hydraulic describes the Bennett Tabs. The switch on the dash operates the electric motor which turns a pump that sends hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinder mounted at the transom.

Lenco's are pure electro mechanical. I have never seen any hydraulic Lenco's. They have a nylon threaded bolt and nut arrangement inside that gives the electric motor a mechanical advantage.

For $200, you can't buy either one new. It is your call. Either will work, both are well supported by the manufacturer. Bennett is prolly the best but harder to install due to the pump placement.

[jasoncooperpcola]

Waiting on an email about their age. That will determine my offer.

Thanks for the info Ridge. I had a feeling it meant something to do with the switches just was not sure.

[jasoncooperpcola]

They are four years old. The complete setup is there, switches to tabs. Might have to get new hoses due to his V being a center console. $200 may be a little high but the set retails over $500. I still need to find out the size of them. Already a tight area on the transom with the megabracket.

[reelapeelin]

Originally Posted by jasoncooperpcola

They are four years old. The complete setup is there, switches to tabs. Might have to get new hoses due to his V being a center console. $200 may be a little high but the set retails over $500. I still need to find out the size of them. Already a tight area on the transom with the megabracket.

Jason, several years back I got a set of Bennets from Spareparts used for $250...w/no instructions installed them and they worked great...then pulled em off that hull, put them on the 21 hull and again, worked great....A friend just replaced an actuator on his Lenco electrics been on since 2006...all freshwater use, plus stores on a lift...if you can get those for 200, do it...

[bgreene]

Originally Posted by RidgeRunner

Electric over hydraulic describes the Bennett Tabs. The switch on the dash operates the electric motor which turns a pump that sends hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinder mounted at the transom.

Lenco's are pure electro mechanical. I have never seen any hydraulic Lenco's. They have a nylon threaded bolt and nut arrangement inside that gives the electric motor a mechanical advantage.

For $200, you can't buy either one new. It is your call. Either will work, both are well supported by the manufacturer. Bennett is prolly the best but harder to install due to the pump placement.

If I can / did it............anyone can !

[jasoncooperpcola]

Got em. I hope I got enough measurements for the install. The only thing i could not get was the electrical harness. It was taped up with the rest of the electrical, console to stern. Boat owner said it was ok to cut the ends so that is what I did. Look like 8/10 x12 tabs. And they work good. They are parting the boat out due to what looks like delamination on the first step from the keel on the starboard side.

[jasoncooperpcola]

Measured and the tabs are 8x12. One of them is a little slower than the other, air in the lines? I wont be mounting them until after the bracket and painting. I was thinking about drilling oversize holes and then filling them with thickened epoxy. Then redrill the epoxy for the screw? Or should I just drill the hole fill it with epoxy then drive the screw into wet epoxy? Either way I will be going into a fresh transom and I want all my work to last as long as possible.

Also what is the distance from the top of the hinge to the bottom of the hull?