Trim tab advice

[bondobill]

Hi, In need of advice on trim tabs. Want to install larger tabs on my 22FF. Have 12x9's Bennets now, they seem to be too small for my hull,constantly messing with switch while running trying to keep boat level. Because of lack room on transom I am thinking largest I could install would be 12 x 12. Would 12 x 12 make much differance . Current tabs were on the boat when I bought it 22 years ago, and as you can see from photos whoever installed them either had no room to place them right or didn't know what they were doing.

As you can see placement of drain holes for well may create a problem if I try to relocate tabs

This is a problem Iam quessing, do tabs need to be lifted up on transom on outer edge,also should tabs be moved away from chine?

Have even less room on starboard side to move location of tab because of bracket for kicker


Any ideas guys
Thanks

[pete]

I'm sure that tabman from bennet marine will chime in soon!!

[Capt. Bob]

Bondo,
In the event you haven't read this, it will answer many of your questions.

http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/pdf/inst ... ctions.pdf

This model of tab may allow the clearance you need.
http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/catalog. ... &catHome=1

I may be wrong but I believe Bennett also makes a shorter activator to aid in limited area installations.

[flounderpounder225]

I'm sure that tabman from bennet marine will chime in soon!!

I sent Tom (Tabman) a PM on THT with the link to this thread, sort of like the old "bat phone"  
Marc

[John Jones]

I will leave the recommendations to Tabman but years ago he recommended 18X12 for my 222 CCP and they worked great.

I can however  verify that whoever installed your tabs did not know what they were doing and did not bother to read the instructions.  When retracted NO part of the tab should be below the hull.  That is causing drag and performance loss like that.

The first picture in the first link that Capt. Bob posted shows how to mount a tab across a strake.

[gran398]

I can however  verify that whoever installed your tabs did not know what they were doing and did not bother to read the instructions.  When retracted NO part of the tab should be below the hull.  That is causing drag and performance loss like that.

JJ, you're spot-on. That underneath shot tells all. Will make the assumption the PO felt the kicker was more important, and somehow just put the tabs in the only place they'd stretch across.

It would be like trying to plane her off with a bucket dragging. I'd pull those off ASAP and check her out before spending money that may or may not be necessary. Or pull the kicker and install the current ones correctly.

JMHO.

[Tabman]

Bondobill,

Sorry for the delay in responding, I had some issues logging in, but got them resolved.

The way your Trim Tabs are mounted with the leading edge below the hull is about the worst installation I have ever seen! As gran398 said it must cause a lot of drag, and the water flow over the Trim Plane must be so disturbed that I would be surprised if they generate much lift at all.

As the others have said, first and foremost the Trim Tabs need to be taken off and relocated flush with the run of the bottom.

Capt. Bob is on target with suggesting replacing the 12" x 9" Trim Tabs on the boat with the 10" x 12" M120s.  The 10" side to side measurement may allow you to fit them right where the chine flat ends and run them inboard along the deadrise.  

He is also correct in that we do make 2" shorter actuators that may make it easier to reposition them.  I could also send you the parts to modify your existing actuators so that they are 1" shorter if that would help (no charge).

Let me know what you think.

Tom McGow
Bennett Marine

[jasons215]

Bondobill,

  He is also correct in that we do make 2" shorter actuators that may make it easier to reposition them.  I could also send you the parts to modify your existing actuators so that they are 1" shorter if that would help (no charge).

Let me know what you think.

Tom McGow
Bennett Marine

Bennet Customer service is exactly why I just installed M120's on my 215 explorer!

[bondobill]

Thanks to everyone for your comments and advice.

To Cap't Bob, Thanks for the reccomendation on the M120's, I had seen them on Bennetts website but had never checked in to them, they look like they just might be what I need for my application.

Also a big thanks to Tom from Bennett, the offer of sending parts ( free ) to shorten my existing actuators is going above and beyond considering my units are well over 20 years old, and I am not the orginial purchaser. My existing acuators need to be replaced though, the last year or so they have started to leak a little fluid after they sit in the hot sun ( which is not very often being in the Pacific N.W.)

Fishing in our area closes for 2 month the end of April, after that I should be able to find the time to figure this out. I think the trim tabs are about the last thing I have not replaced since I bought the boat. I thought about replacing with Lencos, but with the reliabilty and customer support you can get from Bennett why would I even consider anything but Bennetts.

Tom when I get ready to switch these out can I pm you if I have any questions.

 Also thoughts and prayers go out all those in NC.

Thanks again to everyone

Bill

[Tabman]

Bill,

There is no reason to replace your actuators, all you need to do is replace the O-rings, it's easy and I would be delighted to send you them along with instructions at no charge.  Just send me a PM with your address.

Of course you can PM me with any questions you have.

Tom
Bennett Marine

[Capt. Bob]

I thought about replacing with Lencos, but with the reliabilty and customer support you can get from Bennett why would I even consider anything but Bennetts.
Bill

One last thing.
We have members on this Forum that support Lenco's product just as strongly as Bennetts. One is a professional Captain who makes his living everyday using the Lenco system. For me, that adds considerable weight to his opinion of their product.

Again, I'm a pleasure user but a long time ago Bennett did what every successful business strives for, that is they made me a customer for life. Their continued support substantiates my choice but based on my research and opinions on both products posted here and within other forums, I think you will be pleased with either one. As stated, I'm a Bennett guy. Your mileage may vary.

Good luck.

[John Jones]

I'm a pleasure user but a long time ago Bennett did what every successful business strives for, that is they made me a customer for life. Their continued support substantiates my choice but based on my research and opinions on both products posted here and within other forums, I think you will be pleased with either one. As stated, I'm a Bennett guy. Your mileage may vary.

Good luck.

Same here!
 

[bondobill]

Hi all
May 31st I decided to try and relocate trim tabs. Talk about a small job going side ways. Anyway 1 month of working every night and 3 full weekends I have a rebuilt transom with trim tabs relocated.
I was kinda busy, but did manage to take photos along the way. I will start a topic in the rebuild forum when I get time if any of you are interested, I know the topic has been discussed many times.
Also would like to thank those of you that have posted your transom rebuilds on here, they were much help on my project.

[Capt. Bob]

Rebuilds are somewhat like  snowflakes, to a small degree anyways.
Like the humans that do them, no two are exactly alike (close maybe but....).

While there is some speculation on the snowflake thing, what I've seen posted on this Forum always seems to reflect, no matter how small, differences each owner makes.
So with that said, by all means post you transom rebuild.

[TheKid]

Bondo, with the tabs installed correctly how do they perform?

I'm guessing perfect.

I have the same boat and same tabs, although mine are in the right location. I find them more then adequate. Rarely, if ever, are either of the tabs past 25% down. At most a delta of 5-10% gets excellent response in trimming out on plane with varied loads in any location. With both fully deployed I can plow smoothly through the roughest seas.

One word for Bennett tabs: Awesome!

I's also like to know how much your fuel efficiency improves. You probably save at least a gallon an hour.