Trim Tabs

[wrightex]

First - I have used the search engine -(and I know the 1st one is free. )

Gathering up the last pieces for my '70 22-2 Flatback (Port-a-Bracket ships 6/15)

I've read plenty of comments about the 2 main suppliers.

I've not had tabs on my other boats.

Do I need to put trim tabs on this hull? Will I be sorry later if I don't?

Thanks

[LilRichard]

Yes, you absolutely need tabs on a FB.  The bigger the better.

This hull takes chop well only when you can nose her into the seas.  If you're just relying on motor trim I think you'll be disappointed!

[seabob4]

Bennett gets my vote.  Of course, Fernando's vote goes to Lenco...

[Blue Agave]

You will not be disappointed if you get the tabs, they are a valuable asset.  You can always add them after but  as already mentioned above they make the boat's ride much better.  And as Bob said, I prefer Lencos.

[Capt Matt]

Tabs are a must on a flatback, Mine are 12X12 lennco's.
I would highly suggest Lennco's unless you like carrying a 3rd hydro pump around
Capt Matt

[seabob4]

Matt, you see my thread on THT in regards to one of my customers...and his Lencos?

[Capt Matt]

Seabob
Did not see the thread on THT but will check it out. I have ran lennco's for 13 plus years now and love them.
Capt Matt

[Capt Matt]

Read the thread, wow is that THT harsh guess thats why I stay away. You guys really beat each other up over there.
I do not and will not ever use the lennco brain box again, The only set of lennco's I had to replace after 8 yrs on my flatsboat I did so because I wanted more warranty after one ram had quit.  I mistakenly went with the brain box system simply because I did not know any better at the time. The brain box crapped out in less than 2 months making the tabs run while I was not touching the switch. CS was awesome with me, I went back to just the basic rocker switch system with no problems since. On my flatback I did not hesitate to buy another set of lennco's. Both upper and lower stations are hooked together with no brain box.

The lennco's to me are just easier to use,  install, cheaper,  have less parts to break and are quicker in response time than hydro tabs. I have ran plenty of boats with bennett tabs and I guess its all preference thing. If you intend to keep your boat in the water I think the bennett's might be the better way to go.

Why doesn't someone come up with one pump/ manifold that could do everything  ie jack plate, trim tabs, powerpole etc? Would be sweet to not have to carry three separate pumps around and its not like you are ever operating all three things at the same time.

Capt Matt

[seabob4]

I imagine it could be done using some sort of manifold and relay system whereas depending what switch was depressed, the manifold would direct the fluid to the proper device.  You know, not a bad idea...  

[dburr]

Eaton/Vickers makes stacked solenoid valves that would work well for that.  The pump and reservoir could be mounted under the console with a pressure and return running aft to the valve stack and from there the octopus would snake around as needed.. For jack plate, power poles and trim tabs that would be about ten hoses.. Very doable, Cap'n Matt why'd you just think of that now??   Just think about all the lost beer money..

Just add an oil cooler and an Eaton helm station for power steering and you'd be in tall cotton.. You go that far you could put in an autopilot as well.  Oh the toys we could add..

Sorry to enable the minor derail

[seabob4]

The concept would be actually very simple, as all one would need is the ability to direct the flow.  A single Bob's jack plate pump (basic Parker I/O trim and tilt pump) could easily handle jack plate, power pole, and tabs...of course, not all at the same time!

[Capt Matt]

I thought about the idea years ago but am no mechanical wizard. I think if done right the set up would make millions, think of the $ savings only having to purchase one pump to run everything, I know lots of anglers would buy the space saving set up. If marketed right its a winner.
Also a similar manifold that livewell pumps and washdown pump runs through so everything would be directed to any livewell with the turn of a dial would be a winner.
Someone come up with a prototype and I will test it daily.
Capt Matt

[wrightex]

Thanks guys - tabs it is.

(and good luck with the multi function hydraulic system...)