Trim Tabs on a 20
 

I am going to install tabs on my 20. The new 20 ft SeaCrafts have Lencos installed, at least the ones I have seen at shows. I like the Lencos due to their easy instalation, lack of resivoir, and nice control panel.
On the other hand I have a Bennet system on the other boat and have never had a complaint or issue and am weary of the lencos with putting electronics in the water. Any suggestions, what do you 20ft owners have on your boat?

Re: Trim Tabs on a 20
 

To add to this I would like to know the same but for the 23 CC. I have heard lots of good and bad about both, and Trayder/Seafari I know we have had some limited discussion around this subject. I too like the thoughts of the ease of installation of the Lencos (no hydraulic tanks/lines) but have only had personal experience with Bennett tabs. Does anyone have any experience with the new tabs by Bennett M-120 ???

Re: Trim Tabs on a 20
 

HI JASON,
CHECK OUT THESE BENNETTS. I LIKE THAT THEY ARE
SMALL WITH THE "BAT WING" STYLE. THE COMPLETE
KIT W/ROCKER SWITCH IS ONLY $350 FROM BOAT FIX.
I'M GETTING THE M-80'S FOR MY 20'. THE GUY
TABMAN IS VERY HELPFUL FOR SERVICE ISSUES AND
WILL EVEN EXCHANGE PARTS FOR SOME APPLICATIONS.
http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/m80120.htm

CHRIS

Re: Trim Tabs on a 20
 

HI SCOTT,
I WOULD CHECK OUT THOSE M-120'S FOR THE 23'

CHRIS

Re: Trim Tabs on a 20
 

I agree chris-

Tabman makes it tough to buy anything other then Bennets. I think I am sold. Where are you putting the resivoir? It is in the Console on my other boat, very nice to have it out of the elements.

Re: Trim Tabs on a 20
 

Jason and Chris

I emailed Bennett about those tabs as I was very interested. I really like the compact nature (if they are big enough to function properly for my scenario) ....BUT ....given the nature of what they are going on (the heavier hull) they felt that I would benefit and be much happier with a larger tab to the tune of the 24 x 9. I need to get the person at Bennett more info so he can size appropriately. Was really hoping to get away with a smaller tab....but if they dont think it will work so be it [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img]

Re: Trim Tabs on a 20
 

Hello,

Cool website! I am a closet SeaCraft fan. I am looking to get a boat in the next year or so and an older SeaCraft is on my short list. So when I stumbled across this site I was pretty pleased! Well enough about me.

Scott, Let me know the space you have on the transom. Instead of a 24 x 9, we might want to look at an 18" x 12" Tab. Also if the 18 x 12 is a good fit on the transom I would like to arrange for the Tab to have1" upfins on the sides to stiffen it up a bit (that way you can run the boat really hard).

The M80 or even M120 would be a great choice for a 20, and the folds on the "batwing" make them really ridged.

I hope this helps. Let me know if I can answer any questions. This is a web site that I will be checking on fairly often.

Tom
Bennett Marine

[ March 01, 2002, 11:02 AM: Message edited by: Tabman ]

Re: Trim Tabs on a 20
 

TabMan-

We are lucky to have you visit. Having seen your replies on various boating sites on the web I want to thank you in advance for the great insite you give on Trim Tab applications.

Re: Trim Tabs on a 20
 

Wow
Tom thanks for the response!! I will get those dimensions as soon as I can. That makes me alot happier about the size of the tab that I might be able to use. I really liked the m-120 but it sound like its not right for my application.

Again thanks for your feedback!!! Talk about customer service..... and I dont even have the tabs yet!!!

Scott

Re: Trim Tabs on a 20
 

I decided on the M80's for my 20' project, ordered them from boatfix.com. I made my decision based on the great customer service from Bennett and the fact that the M80's width fits perfectly between the gunwale and the first lifting strake. The M80's come with the rocker switch which is a $50 piece purchased separately. I have not installed them yet since I just finished the transom rebuild. Looks simple enough...

Re: Trim Tabs on a 20
 

Seafari
(and all other putting tabs on a 23)

Just wanted to let you know that I have been talking with Tab Man about the sizing of the tabs for the 23. Sent him a picture of the space available on the transom to mount the tabs and he agrees that either a 12 x 12 or the M-120(10x12) would work well and would be the most appropriate tabs given the variable degree deadrise on these boats..... Looks like I will go with the M-120!!! (like you said along time ago when we talked [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] )

Thanks Tab Man for your help…..That makes me alot happier with the smaller tab [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Scott

Re: Trim Tabs on a 20
 

Hi Scott,
I just got the M-80's this week for the
20'! I saw the 120's for $373 at Boat Fix.

chris [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Re: Trim Tabs on a 20
 

Thanks Chris

That the lowest price I've seen for that tab,M-120. Thats lower than I've seen for the 12x12 tab (and those tabs dont include the rocker switch as standard equip.)

Thanks again for the info..
Scott

Re: Trim Tabs on a 20
 

Just to let you know I sell the M120 set for 365.00. I would upgrade to the rocker switche's. THe rocker style we sell for 56.00. I have been installing the Lenco's for 2 years now and we have not had a problem yet. And there so simple to install.

Re: Trim Tabs on a 20
 

The 20's don't have a lot of excess room in them. Considering the absense of many Lenco complaints, the electric tabs that don't require a reservoir would seem to be advantagious from a space standpoint.

Re: Trim Tabs on a 20
 

Mark, your right. It is a very simple design that works without any problems. THe motors are mounted inside the cylinder. THe cylinder is like a screw jack. Like I said I have not had a problem with about 40 installs. Very easy and fast installs with no mess.

Re: Trim Tabs on a 20
 

My installation definitely falls into the overkill
category. I installed (myself - not very difficult) a set of Kiekhafer (Mercury) model 280S
K-Planes. Dimensions are approx. 12-14" wide x
18-20" long. They fit perfectly on the outside
"step" of a 23' hull. Separate hydraulic pumps for each tab. Very strong, easily supports my weight. Also, change in ride and control I was
amazing - well worth the extra cost in my opinion.
If pictures of my installation would help anyone, let my know and I can e-mail.

Re: Trim Tabs on a 20
 

Jason,In my opinion Bennet is the way to go with the rocker switch. Dont get the racing switch its not as good. I personally would'nt install Lencos. I've seen then break within months of installation and the noise are horrible, just my opinion.RS.

Re: Trim Tabs on a 20
 

Chris Please E-mail them to me, I will post them on this thread.

Tx Jason

Re: Trim Tabs on a 20
 

Trayder:

Now that I offerred up pictures, of course I cannot find them, as yet anyway. I will forward
as soon as I find them or take new pics soon.

Thanks,
Chris

Re: Trim Tabs on a 20
 

Hi Gents-

I have had Lenco and Bennett trim tabs on both of my boats. The Bennetts were on my 1991 20 Mako and I occassionally had problems with the clear plastic switch/pump assembly mounted on the inner hull wall in the stern. Sometimes it would loosen up and you would need to futz around with it to get them working.

I now have Lencos on my 1991 Mako 231 and have an occassional problem with them too. I had to reconnect the wires to the trim tab button on the console because after 12 years of use they shook themselves free. I also need to replace the electric motor in the port tab because "it is on its way out" and operates at a much slower speed than the starboard tab.

The bottom line is that overtime you'll eventually need to do some work to either the Lenco's or the Bennett's.....because stuff breaks, especially on a boat. Tabman should be commended on his customer service....I wish I knew of him when my Bennett's were acting up.

However, for simplicity of design, less clutter in the boat and ease of which they can be repaired, I prefer the Lencos.

Re: Trim Tabs on a 20
 

Just a heads up on Joe's offer to upgrade to the Rocker Switch on the M120. A waterproof Rocker Switch is included as standard in the M120 kit so there is no need to purchase one separately.

Tom McGow
Bennett Marine

Re: Trim Tabs on a 20
 

If you are interested we have a page at our website illustrating M120s installed on a 20. Here is the address.

http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/seacraft20.htm

Here are a few pictures you might find helpful:

http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/seacraft/SC20-Stern.jpg

http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/seacraft/SC20-Stbd.jpg

http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/seacraft/SC20-HPU.jpg
HPU in transom area

Tom McGow
Bennett Marine

Re: Trim Tabs on a 20
 

I'm re-installing My Bennetts on the very outer edge.(Toes crossed)cutout the scuppers.They were inside the scuppers before, worked ok but had a lot of spray.Tom/bennett had Me switch from 10 x 12's to 12 x 12's for the stearn heavy SeaCraft.Much better & very very responsive/quick. 20'Ma '83. 2 Things for sure.
Tom/Bennett Will help,& I will never own a SeaCraft without THEM !!

Re: Trim Tabs on a 20
 

I had the Bennett 12x12 tabs on my 20''76 Cutty and never had a problem or ever had to fill reservoir in over 8 yrs that I had it. For my install on my i/o model, it was tricky to place the hose fittings because I had changed my transom layout after repower. Will probably install Bennetts again on my 23'3' Sceptre after my o/b repower. (Now having work done raising transom cutout, removing live well, etc.)