Trim Tab size?

[Mike Answeeney]

Would the smaller dead rise of a '73 hull lend itself to smaller trim tabs?

[John Jones]

Mike,
The absolutely best advice you can get on tabs is Tom McGow at Bennett.  I went with his advice and I am totally satisfied with what they do.

He will be straight with you, even if you are sold on another brand.
Send him an email describing the boat and motor setup and get his recommendations.

tmcgow@bennetttrimtabs.com

[Undertow2]

Bennett or Lenco..    

[Miguel]

completely agree with JJ......Bennett is one of the best products out there and their customer service is second to none.

[Miguel]

oh, and you could also go to THT, where there is a complete forum on bennett tabs.  Look for the TABMAN forum.

[LilRichard]

My opinion is Bennett tabs, unless you need TNTs (trolling motor tabs).  I have seen too many electric tabs fail... hydraulic is superior IMO.  Plus their customer service is unparalleled.

[Capt. Bob]

My opinion is Bennett tabs, unless you need TNTs (trolling motor tabs).  I have seen too many electric tabs fail... hydraulic is superior IMO.  Plus their customer service is unparalleled.

I fully agree on just about everything but I have never used electrics so I can't comment on those. I've had my Bennett's since 1996. I have never had to add fluid to the pump and they have never failed. I have the auto retract feature and the "cruise control" option. Overkill? Probably but a nice touch on the long haul home. They have a lot of new (to me anyway) features to do the same thing that was done 10 years ago but you will find their customer service is as good today as back then (spoke with them two weeks ago).
Last note: Break out you wallet but then you will find that they are the best option (next to your power) that you can buy.
Good Luck

[John Jones]

As far as Bennett customer service goes, last year I had an "incident" where my Bennett pump was submerged with salt water.  It worked for another month until the corrosion got to it.  I emailed Tom and was honest about what happened.  He shipped me a new pump.  I received it in two days with the instructions to simply drain the old one and ship it back in the same box.

No one can touch them on customer service.

[Capt. Bob]

No one can touch them on customer service.

+1 on that!

They are a faith based group, living their lives by the "Golden Rule". It is reflected in their customer service. Whether you agree with their beliefs or not, you cannot dispute the transfer of them into their business. Hey, they have made a "customer for life" out of me and I'm the biggest heathen around.

[Mike Answeeney]

WOW!!!  

That's some testimony! Thanks for the input.

I emailed Tom at Bennett, a few questions.  Thanks John.

[John Jones]

12 X 18 is what he recommended for mine.

[Capt. Rick]

You really should look into the new Volvo Penta tabs.  They won a most innovative award at last years new product show.  I installed them on my boat and can say it was a breeze, all plug and play with a very nice package and booklet.  When using them they work in conjuction with each other, as one goes down the other side goes up, while only using one button.  No actuator, pump or large plate to deal with, leaving plenty of room on the back of the boat to mount other stuff.  I was able blance out and bury the nose on my 22 with no problem.  With the Volvo Penta backing I feel pretty good about the new product.  They could make the ones with the accuators obsolete on small and medium size boats. I noticed Beavertail skiffs have gone with them exclusively.   8)

[Captain]

Both Bennett and Lenco have great customer service and will replace most components at no charge w/o question.

I have Lencos b/c I wanted TNT. Have replaced at least 3 actuators in 2 years b/c of water intrusion and replaced both trolling motors b/c of corrosion. In 2 years I have never once been able to effectively use my trolling motors b/c either (1) the batteries were dead and my charging system was not installed correctly or (2) the motors were dead from corrosion or (3) the motors did not work properly b/c of a bad install.

Now granted, aside from the corrosion issue, not Lenco's fault. But, point being that the more gadgetry you put on a boat, the bigger the PITA. If I were to do it over it would be Bennett and no trolling motors.

[LilRichard]

I have heard exactly the same problems with the TNTs... motors dying, actuators dying... shame- because I really do want TNTs, but not worth it if they don't function properly.

[Capt. Bob]

You really should look into the new Volvo Penta tabs.  They won a most innovative award at last years new product show.  I installed them on my boat and can say it was a breeze, all plug and play with a very nice package and booklet.  When using them they work in conjuction with each other, as one goes down the other side goes up, while only using one button.  No actuator, pump or large plate to deal with, leaving plenty of room on the back of the boat to mount other stuff.  I was able blance out and bury the nose on my 22 with no problem.  With the Volvo Penta backing I feel pretty good about the new product.  They could make the ones with the accuators obsolete on small and medium size boats. I noticed Beavertail skiffs have gone with them exclusively.   8)

I just read an article on this system. Slick stuff. You learn something new everyday on this Forum.