Bennett Sport Tab Installation: SUCCESS

[T Race]

For your enjoyment, I present: What I did over Summer break...

May I rant? And foremost, Tabman, non of this is directed at you - I have read your comments here and you have been very helpful and forthright. Pretty un-happy with the Bennett company so far.  VERY user-unfriendly installation instructions.  I don't feel the instructions were up to snuff...especially when everyone says great things about the performance of the Bennett tabs. I hope THAT will make me into a fan.  It happens way too often - a company has a great product, they spend gallons of sweat perfecting their engineering, but they can't take the time or interest into writing a f*%ckng assembly or installation document that doesn't leave the customer guessing at what the next move is.  And I don't like guessing when it comes to poking holes in my boat.  Now that I have that off of my chest, here is a bunch of photos.  I will be testing the tabs in two days on a fishing trip (but I would rather be down in Katy, Texas, fishing with "J"... my 215 cousin.
Enjoy the photos !


Project start


Swim platform off


holes drilled with backplate as template


back plate and hinge plate assembled with trim tab


actuator attached negative angle determined(uh, with strait edge UNDER the boat, here the edge is merely a stand...


negative angle double checked(once again, merely a prop holding up for reality check  :)


template in place reflecting negative angle


hydraulic port taped to deny fouling by drilling dust


one big scary hole !


hydraulic line and actuator sensor wire run forward into hull


screws embedded in marine tec and actuator pads waterproofed


followed Seabobs advice and filled outside


emplaced pump bracket, Seabob says "top two a little looser" works like advertized !


EIS rockers fit nicely in a previously covered square hole


relay module in, wires up, all systems nominal: Houston, we are GREEN across the board !!
TIME TO KICK THE TIRES AND LIGHT THE FIRES !! LET'S GO FISHIN', HOUSTON !!

Best wished to all, cheers, T  

[Capt. Bob]

VERY user-unfriendly installation instructions.  I don't feel the instructions were up to snuff

As an opinion I'll support that but after re-reading the instructions on their website I am curious as to why.
From your photos, it appears you did a first class install.

they can't take the time or interest into writing a f*%ckng assembly or installation document that doesn't leave the customer guessing at what the next move is.  And I don't like guessing when it comes to poking holes in my boat.  

Again, I couldn't agree more, especially on the hole drilling but.....

 I've found that they (Bennett) are most helpful when you speak to the tech guys direct (as stated in the install instructions). They also have a somewhat generic (but stated for the sport tab) install video (and it even shows Bob's "fill it first" method).
IMHO they do make a good effort on several fronts to aid the customer if one takes advantage of it. As you stated, many don't.

[jasons215]

T,
Looks very nice! I did the install myself but it took me and my Old Man to complete the job. I went online watched the video, read the instuctions about 10 times just to make sure I was doing it right! Your going to love the trim tabs, makes the boat feel so much better, you can put the "V" into the choppy water and cut thru it. Level the boat out, you will be happy with your tans I promise! Man, I love that inboard! How does she run as far as numbers? I ready to take you fishing anytime!!!! Let me know if your ever in the Houston area, we can make it happen!

[Tabman]

T Race,

It looks like an excellent installation!  And I look forward to hearing what you think after you run the boat with them.

I am forwarding your comments about the instructions to several people at the factory.  

If you have the time and feel so inclined I would like to know what you think the problems with the instructions are.  I suspect that since you had the Indicator Control that the confusion is the two separate instructions and how it relates to drilling the holes in the transom.  I also think the two separate wiring instructions (standard Trim Tabs and EIC) are likley not clear.

Tom McGow

[GoneFission]

I'm in southern California now, so excuse my language.  

Dude - you gotta take that wing off the outdrive.  It's like totally gnarly!  The Bennetts will be like, totally awesome, but the foil is like total thrash, dude.  Like, Aquasports do not, you know, work so tubular with a doel-fin or whatever.  But the trim tabs are sweet and right on, dude.  

Later Dude,

[Mcdiver]

If I can interject a bit.

When I installed mine, the problem I ran across was that a template would have been great that shows the 4 screw holes for the tab and the location of the actuator mount, all spaced out and on one page.  Locate the tab mount, tape the page up and drill holes.  I had the same kit with the EIC and locating the actuator was a bit of a pain with the wire hanging out.  After checking 3 times and then drilling the holes, my actuator was slightly off.  Outside of that, longer tubing would be nice.  I did not want to run mine out in the open, I want mine run under the deck so it is unseen.  I have yet to get more tubing and compression fittings to extend the lines.  But I do have a question, why would they make the electrical wires longer then the pressure lines?  If they were both the same length, they would be long enough for my setup.

Also, what size is the threaded hole that holds the lexan cover on the pump?  Mine did not come with a screw to secure it.

[Tabman]

I already sent this to T Race, but I thought the rest of you would be interested as well;

Hey Tom,
 
Thanks for sending the email to me.  Please forward my email on to our customer as I don't have the email adress.
 
Up until relatively recently, most of our EIC's were upgrades to existing trim tab systems but more and more sets are being sold as a combo.  Honestly, until I got this email, I didn't realize how confusing two sets of installation instructions were.
 
We've opened a job to do just that, redesign the instructions.
 
Please thank him for bringing it to my attention. I'm sure many future boaters will want to thank him too!
 
Sincerely,
 
Louis Fair Hyams
Bennett Marine, Inc.

[Tabman]

Mcdiver,

I like the idea about having the mounting plate and actuator template as one piece.  But since all boats don't have exactly vertical transoms and the rocker on the bottom varies too, the height of the actuator can differ a bit from boat to boat.  But I am going to pass that along to office so they can see if they have any ideas when they are rewriting the instructions.

In most cases the pump is mounted aft near the transom so the tubing can be shorter and the wiring from the console has to take a longer route back to the pump.  But quite a few people install the pumps forward under the console so I see your point (passing that along as well).  Usually if someone contacts us needing more tubing for an installation we will send it at no charge, just the shipping cost.  If you let me know what you need I can send it to you.

The screw for the top of the lexan cover is a "type 25 thread cutting screw" at least that's way my parts list called it.  Send me your address and I will put on in the mail to you.

Tom
Bennett Marine

[pete]

way to go guys!gotta love makin a difference! great job!Thanks to Tabman for taking real boaters suggestions

[gran398]

In 1981, had my first and only experience installing trim tabs. On this boat, the one with the downrigger deployed. I was the young handsome guy on the starboard side

http://www.capefearmuseum.com/index.php?flag=simmons

Bennett trim tabs. Measured twice. Taped up the piece of paper with cellophane tape. Got out my new, made in USA Skil Drill, and let her rip.

A few stainless screws...that was it.

Why does it have to be so hard?

 

[Mcdiver]

Simply put Scott, the kits we installed have a wire installed from the factory that cannot be removed.  It makes it difficult to get the actuator perfectly lined up with this wire.  After I lined mine up, 3 times, I taped the paper up and they were slightly off when I bolted them up.

[gran398]

Mikey...gotcha. Was simply an observation/commentary/ wishful thought on simpler times, nothing to do with anyone's install.

You do good work...have seen it firsthand.

[Circle Hooked]

Think i need to get one of those  Rocker switches,they look slick.