Trim tabs

fisabel · #1 11-28-2002, 06:21 PM

Guys,

Need you advice again.
Never have installed in any of my boats, but after my last trip offshore decide in install a set in my 20 MA. My questions are:

1- Trim tabs really help to smooth the ride ?
2- Bennett or Lenco
3- Ideal size. 12x12 ?
4- Easy to install for myself ?

your imput will be highly appreciated..

Happy Thanksgivens, safe boating !!!!!

Machetero

JohnB · #2 11-28-2002, 09:26 PM

Machetero,
1- Trim tabs really help to smooth the ride ?
Yes, sets the angle of attack and height of the ride to best match the seas. You lose a little speed and gas, but its worth it when it gets choppy. Keeps the bow down and the stern up.
2- Bennett or Lenco
Bennett, After the sale support is second to none in the industry and it's just a good product. Lenco dosen't make a bad product, but I perfer Bennett because of the after the sale support.
3- Ideal size. 12x12 ?
Check with Bennett for the boat/application.
4- Easy to install for myself ?
Yes, but check with them on the placement. That determines alot of how well they perform. Bennett can give you some pretty good and specific advice.
(NO, I don't work for or sell Bennett, just use them a couple of times a week)

Reel Smoker · #3 11-29-2002, 11:30 PM

I like Mike, like Bennet over Lenco, being hydraulic I found they work better. I've seen Lencos fail on brand new boats and they are noisy.The Rocker switch in my opinion is the switch to get.RS.

Miles Offshore · #4 11-30-2002, 08:16 AM

Im not certain about the smaller boats but 12x12's or 12x8's are the only size that will work. I got the 12x12's for my inboard and they work OK, but I wouldnt mind another additional set for better performance. Tabman who reads this site is the man, offers to help anyone Ive seen on this and several other boards when they have problems. (He has offered advice to help me tie in another set of tabs one chine up when I get ready. For this type of customer service (on a message board ar that!) Bennets rule. I have heard that some Lenco's are having some corrosion problems also, but I understand that they do perform well. Craig

fisabel · #5 12-01-2002, 12:04 AM

Thanks guys for your suggestions.
Bought Bennett 12x9 and and I am in middle of installing now.
Let you know later how everithing went.

Machetero

Tabman · #6 12-06-2002, 05:44 PM

Thanks guys for your kind words regarding our Trim Tabs and service.

I somehow overlooked this thread since I do visit here often.

Machetero,

I reall want a Seacraft on my project boat page of the Bennett web site. If youtake any pictures I could post of the installation I would would send you an Auto Tab Retactor in payment (same offer goes for any other Seacraft owners). I have a soft spot for these boats!

Let me know if you have any qusetions doing the installation.

Tom McGow
Bennett Marine

fisabel · #7 12-06-2002, 09:55 PM

Tabman,

I will send pictures of the installation on Sunday. Easy an fun to do the install. I thing I choose the right vendor after seing posts in this site and others.

Machetero

JohnB · #8 12-06-2002, 10:41 PM

TabMan,
You helped me out with my switch and pump problems a few months ago. If you want any pictures of your tabs on a 23 SeaCraft, or any recomendations, let me know. Bennet tabs take a great hull, and make it even better. I can tell you when the tabs were not working, there was a big difference in the ride of the boat when running seas. I now regularly run 3-4 foot seas at 24 mph when alot of other boats can't even make it out. I don't need anything in return, just would be more than glad to return the favor. Keep up the good work.

[ December 06, 2002, 09:43 PM: Message edited by: JohnB ]

Finster · #9 12-06-2002, 11:33 PM

Tabman, how do you think tabs would work for me? I have a 20' Aquasport 200(looking for a 23 Sceptre).
It's got a 12 degree deadrise and the boat is pretty bone jarring in a 2 to 3 close chop. Would tabs help or am I just fighting the lack of depth of the boat?
Other that that it's a nice skinny water boat.

Don't say buy a SC 20. I just got the OK from the boss for the 23. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Tabman · #10 12-06-2002, 11:50 PM

Finster,

Actually Tabs are more important on a shallow v hull then on a deep v. Look at all the flats boats, they almost all run Tabs. The big reason is that on a shallow v keeping the bow down and in the water at lower speeds makes all the difference in the ride. I would venture to say that you would benefit even more then the guys mentioning them above.

Machetero,

Thanks! I really appreciate the pictures and the kind words. Make sure to include a return address so I may send you the retractor.

Tom McGow
Bennett Marine