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Author Topic:   Trim Tabs

the outranger posted 06-23-2003 01:02 PM ET (US)
Good day to everyone,
I own a 1992 19'Outrage with a 150 Johnson. Great boat. It is used in the Pacific ocean and kept in a slip. I am thinking on installing electric trim tabs. I would like to get some feed back from some of you who may have had Trim Tabs installed in compairable boats. My questions are general and are as follows:
1. Is there a noticable difference?
2. Is the difference worth the cost?
3. Which type do you believe would work best for my boat?
4. Approx. cost for equipment / and installation?
5. Any negatives you can think of?
6. Any further thoughts?
Thanks for your help.

JohnJ80 posted 06-24-2003 10:26 PM ET (US)
question for you first - is there a particular problem you are trying to solve? harshe ride, porposing, poor hole shot etc...?
j
kingfish posted 06-25-2003 08:57 AM ET (US)
I have Lenco electric 12x12E's on my Outrage 22 and love them. They will trim the boat for uneven side to side loading and wind lean, and will put the bow down into the chop for a smoother ride when needed. There are volumes of discussion and opinion in the archives comparing electric and hydraulic tabs; I happen to like electric because the system is easier and cheaper to install (fewer parts to deal with), doesn't require a finding a place for the hydraulic pump and reservoir, and operates more quickly and crisply than hydraulics.
$400 to $500 to buy.
kingfish
the outranger posted 06-25-2003 06:12 PM ET (US)
Thanks. I have been resurching this issue and I think I agree on the electric tabs. Lenco has a 9"x12" for 469.99 or a 12"x12" for 489.99 at Boaters World. I do not know if the 12"x12" will fit my boat as they may be too big?? What size is recommended for my 19' Whaler? and will the 12" x 12" fit? I also have a swim step.
P.S. - I found that Western Marine carries only the Hyd. Bennett tabs. I am told that the M120's would be best in these as they are 10"x12".
JohnJ80 posted 06-25-2003 10:59 PM ET (US)
I also like the idea of electrics. On the basis of technology - electric vs hydraulic, my opinion is that electric wins. It is just a simpler deal all the way around - no oil, less space required, simpler installation etc...
The offsetting arguement for Hydaulics is that Bennett seems to have an outstanding reputation for customer service. On the other hand, if these things are reliable, you shouldn't be contacting them all that often.
From what I have been able to gather, the largest tab you can accomodate will do the job with the least drag. What I get from that is that going bigger is better. However, small is more esthetically pleasing.
Morocco posted 06-26-2003 02:27 AM ET (US)
Outranger --
I have a 25 Revenge in Marina Del Rey that I put Lenco 12X12s on this spring. Really has revolutionized the ride of the boat, especially when the 50 gal starboard side bait tank is full of water!
I suggest the biggest tab you can do, like they say above. You only need 8 inches from the centerline of your prop to the inboard edge of the tab, so I think 12 X 12s would work for you.
I would have gotten 12 X 18s if I could, and I feel my boat would perform better if I could have mounted the larger tabs. As it is, at the lower speeds, I have to use more "tab down" and therefore more drag than I'd like.
Let me know if you are in the area and I can show you, but I say do it. Boatfix.com had the best price a couple of months ago. You'll also have to put zincs on the tabs, and the larger ones will allow you to put on larger, longer lasting zincs.
Mark
the outranger posted 06-26-2003 12:56 PM ET (US)
Thanks for the info Morocco. Glad to see you are close by also. I will try the web site you suggest.
Below you will find some remarks which I had received off another web site where a Bennett sales person gives his opinion. Any thoughts to this out there???
posted 06-25-03 05:54 PM
Now I am torn. I was all set on Bennett Tabs when I was informed from another boat owner about Lenco all electric tabs. I am told that the performance is just as good as the Bennett Tabs and reliability is much better as there is only one wire to go bad and not a whole hydraulic system. The unit cost is the same but installation is much easier. Can I get some feed back on this from anyone? How about from Tab Man, do you agree???
Posts: 4 | Registered: 06-24-03

Tabman
posted 06-25-03 10:32 PM
Outranger,
As you posted above I work for Bennett Marine and you of course should keep that in mind when asking my opinion. But since you asked:
The Lenco Trim Tabs do indeed install a little bit faster but both are easy to install. But the faster installation of the Lenco Trim Tabs comes at a price, longevity. Simply put they will not last as long. Compare the warranties. Lenco’s warranty is now three years. In the past it was three years, then for a couple of years the warranty was reduced to 1 year, then last year it was moved back to three years. Also in the last issue of Trailer Boat Magazine it was reported that Lenco will not honor their warranty if the Trim Tabs are left in the down position when the boat is in the water.
Bennett Trim Tabs warranty has been Five Years for the last 15 years or so, it used to be Three years. Also ask the members of any forum if we warranty our systems after the official 5 year warranty expires? We like to stand behind our equipment.
I am not sure why the Lenco Trim Tabs would be considered to be a less complicated sytem, they have three times as many seals to go bad and about 4 times the moving parts. I know that Bennett Trim Tabs will cost far less to own over the long haul. It is interesting to note the average age of systems I help get running again vs. the average age of failure in our competition as posted at the web sites.
But of course keep in mind that I work for Bennett. But that also means I have to do my home work and know my competitors systems inside and out.
I hope this helps,
Tom McGow
Bennett Marine

the outranger posted 06-26-2003 02:42 PM ET (US)
From: Roland Owens
Dear Outranger,
I'm just about done installing the Bennetts on my boat. I also looked at the Lencos. Three things swayed me to the Bennetts.
-The Lenco's actuator, which sits out in the saltwater, is much more complicated, with electronics and metal gears. Seems like a trouble to me. The Bennetts are a simple hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic power unit sits inside the boat and can be protected elements.
-As Tabman indicated, the hinge on the Lencos is welded on. It will corrode. The hinge on the Bennetts really is a cool design.
-Take a look at the customer service provided by Tabman. Look at the number of times he has simply mailed out replacement parts before even receiving the problem part. I know if I ever have a problem, Bennett will stand behind their product and go the extra mile to help out.
The install is slightly more complicated with the Bennetts, but it is very straight forward.
Roland


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Author	Topic: Trim Tabs
the outranger	posted 06-23-2003 01:02 PM ET (US) Good day to everyone, I own a 1992 19'Outrage with a 150 Johnson. Great boat. It is used in the Pacific ocean and kept in a slip. I am thinking on installing electric trim tabs. I would like to get some feed back from some of you who may have had Trim Tabs installed in compairable boats. My questions are general and are as follows: 1. Is there a noticable difference? 2. Is the difference worth the cost? 3. Which type do you believe would work best for my boat? 4. Approx. cost for equipment / and installation? 5. Any negatives you can think of? 6. Any further thoughts? Thanks for your help.
JohnJ80	posted 06-24-2003 10:26 PM ET (US) question for you first - is there a particular problem you are trying to solve? harshe ride, porposing, poor hole shot etc...? j
kingfish	posted 06-25-2003 08:57 AM ET (US) I have Lenco electric 12x12E's on my Outrage 22 and love them. They will trim the boat for uneven side to side loading and wind lean, and will put the bow down into the chop for a smoother ride when needed. There are volumes of discussion and opinion in the archives comparing electric and hydraulic tabs; I happen to like electric because the system is easier and cheaper to install (fewer parts to deal with), doesn't require a finding a place for the hydraulic pump and reservoir, and operates more quickly and crisply than hydraulics. $400 to $500 to buy. kingfish
the outranger	posted 06-25-2003 06:12 PM ET (US) Thanks. I have been resurching this issue and I think I agree on the electric tabs. Lenco has a 9"x12" for 469.99 or a 12"x12" for 489.99 at Boaters World. I do not know if the 12"x12" will fit my boat as they may be too big?? What size is recommended for my 19' Whaler? and will the 12" x 12" fit? I also have a swim step. P.S. - I found that Western Marine carries only the Hyd. Bennett tabs. I am told that the M120's would be best in these as they are 10"x12".
JohnJ80	posted 06-25-2003 10:59 PM ET (US) I also like the idea of electrics. On the basis of technology - electric vs hydraulic, my opinion is that electric wins. It is just a simpler deal all the way around - no oil, less space required, simpler installation etc... The offsetting arguement for Hydaulics is that Bennett seems to have an outstanding reputation for customer service. On the other hand, if these things are reliable, you shouldn't be contacting them all that often. From what I have been able to gather, the largest tab you can accomodate will do the job with the least drag. What I get from that is that going bigger is better. However, small is more esthetically pleasing.
Morocco	posted 06-26-2003 02:27 AM ET (US) Outranger -- I have a 25 Revenge in Marina Del Rey that I put Lenco 12X12s on this spring. Really has revolutionized the ride of the boat, especially when the 50 gal starboard side bait tank is full of water! I suggest the biggest tab you can do, like they say above. You only need 8 inches from the centerline of your prop to the inboard edge of the tab, so I think 12 X 12s would work for you. I would have gotten 12 X 18s if I could, and I feel my boat would perform better if I could have mounted the larger tabs. As it is, at the lower speeds, I have to use more "tab down" and therefore more drag than I'd like. Let me know if you are in the area and I can show you, but I say do it. Boatfix.com had the best price a couple of months ago. You'll also have to put zincs on the tabs, and the larger ones will allow you to put on larger, longer lasting zincs. Mark
the outranger	posted 06-26-2003 12:56 PM ET (US) Thanks for the info Morocco. Glad to see you are close by also. I will try the web site you suggest. Below you will find some remarks which I had received off another web site where a Bennett sales person gives his opinion. Any thoughts to this out there??? posted 06-25-03 05:54 PM Now I am torn. I was all set on Bennett Tabs when I was informed from another boat owner about Lenco all electric tabs. I am told that the performance is just as good as the Bennett Tabs and reliability is much better as there is only one wire to go bad and not a whole hydraulic system. The unit cost is the same but installation is much easier. Can I get some feed back on this from anyone? How about from Tab Man, do you agree??? Posts: 4 \| Registered: 06-24-03 Tabman posted 06-25-03 10:32 PM Outranger, As you posted above I work for Bennett Marine and you of course should keep that in mind when asking my opinion. But since you asked: The Lenco Trim Tabs do indeed install a little bit faster but both are easy to install. But the faster installation of the Lenco Trim Tabs comes at a price, longevity. Simply put they will not last as long. Compare the warranties. Lenco’s warranty is now three years. In the past it was three years, then for a couple of years the warranty was reduced to 1 year, then last year it was moved back to three years. Also in the last issue of Trailer Boat Magazine it was reported that Lenco will not honor their warranty if the Trim Tabs are left in the down position when the boat is in the water. Bennett Trim Tabs warranty has been Five Years for the last 15 years or so, it used to be Three years. Also ask the members of any forum if we warranty our systems after the official 5 year warranty expires? We like to stand behind our equipment. I am not sure why the Lenco Trim Tabs would be considered to be a less complicated sytem, they have three times as many seals to go bad and about 4 times the moving parts. I know that Bennett Trim Tabs will cost far less to own over the long haul. It is interesting to note the average age of systems I help get running again vs. the average age of failure in our competition as posted at the web sites. But of course keep in mind that I work for Bennett. But that also means I have to do my home work and know my competitors systems inside and out. I hope this helps, Tom McGow Bennett Marine
the outranger	posted 06-26-2003 02:42 PM ET (US) From: Roland Owens Dear Outranger, I'm just about done installing the Bennetts on my boat. I also looked at the Lencos. Three things swayed me to the Bennetts. -The Lenco's actuator, which sits out in the saltwater, is much more complicated, with electronics and metal gears. Seems like a trouble to me. The Bennetts are a simple hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic power unit sits inside the boat and can be protected elements. -As Tabman indicated, the hinge on the Lencos is welded on. It will corrode. The hinge on the Bennetts really is a cool design. -Take a look at the customer service provided by Tabman. Look at the number of times he has simply mailed out replacement parts before even receiving the problem part. I know if I ever have a problem, Bennett will stand behind their product and go the extra mile to help out. The install is slightly more complicated with the Bennetts, but it is very straight forward. Roland