Boat Levelers vs. Lenco changeover

[chromeoverbrass]

I have a 2000 2510 Parker with 11 X 12 boat leveler tabs. As we all know, definately not enough tab for the boat. Somehow, over the course of the last month, I lost a tab off the bottom and sheared the cylinder off as well. There are many combinations of things I could do such as replacing the planes with Bennett or Lenco 9 x 24's or 9 x 30's and replacing the cylinder with another boat leveler product.

My instincts tell me to replace the whole system with Lenco's. Cheaper buying the whole kit than parts and pieces. I don't have any problem with fiberglass work. The Boat Leveler stuff has left more holes than I want to deal with on a quick fix but oh well. Can anyone give me a good reason to keep my Boat Levelor setup before I gut the whole set up and start again?

 

[Porkchunker]

Based on what folks here have discovered, I'd go with the 9"x24" Bennett tabs.

Dave

aka

 

[cbigma]

Don't rule out upsizing to 12X18 (or larger) with Boat Leveler equipment. I did this upgrade in 2007 (Link to Upgrade Project ) and I'm thrilled with the results. Like you, I was looking for more tab surface area to improve performance, but I didn't want to mess with all the transom-hole shuffling needed when you switch brands.

Parker Nation appears to favor Bennett 9X24 for 25-foot models, but I'm here to report that 12X18 yields excellent results as well.

I think of tabs like the set of brakes for my truck. I use them all the time, and I definitely don't want ones too small for my vehicle, but once I find a set that'll do the job and stop the truck, I'm done.


John

 

[chromeoverbrass]

Hey John. Thanks for the detailed reply about your tab upgrade using Boat Levelors parts. Your work and attention to detail was awesome. I'm not a huge Lenco fan but that complete retrofit seemed to be the quickest installation alternative for me.

With research; I have learned, the trim planes they offer are longer and narrower than what this forum seem to think our Parkers need. From my experience, I like a wide tab because I think a narrow tab will not give you that big downward push on the bow when you need it nor will it give you the support as your load shifts from beam to beam.

In fact, when I spoke with Lenco parts they advised getting Bennett trim planes to go with their system.... Bennett tabs are excellent tabs also but I think you easily provided me proof that I do not need to exert the extra time to install a whole new system. Do you happen to remember where you purchased your new tab set? Thanks again for the advice.

 

[B-Faithful]

Neither! Get the 12" Volvo QL tabs :wink: 8)

 

[chromeoverbrass]

All right then... why? Give me more!

 

[B-Faithful]

less drag=more fuel efficient
trim indicators
all composite
dont extend out so less to snag a line on
instant reaction
no ram in the water
I love mine

here they are on the back of my Judge

 

[pelagic2530]

l
here they are on the back of my Judge

where??? :?

 

[cbigma]

Do you happen to remember where you purchased your new tab set? Thanks again for the advice.

I picked up the entire new tab set for less than $300 at Boat Owner's World

While I was researching prior to my upgrade what I learned was that there were as many opinions and theories behind tab design and configuration as there are about the best fishing gear to use.

What I considered the most important advice came from an old-timer in the customer support group at Insta-Trim. He cautioned me against "over-tabbing" and potential consequences in handling.

There's a huge variation across the ParkerHood in the loads we carry, the seas we run in, the power and the way we are all rigged. IMHO there is no single combination of span and chord that will be ideal in all situations.

Sounds like you've done your homework and are getting comfortable with your choice. Good Luck, and be sure to post project photos to add to the ClassicParker Knowledgebase.

John

 

[B-Faithful]

l
here they are on the back of my Judge

where??? :?

hard to see but there is a thin blade where trim tabs normally are. See here for more info on the Volvo QL tabs:

http://www.great-water.com/pages/QL/QL_Trim_Sys.htm

Also google them. You will see great reviews on them :wink:

 

[Megabyte]

What I considered the most important advice came from an old-timer in the customer support group at Insta-Trim. He cautioned me against "over-tabbing" and potential consequences in handling.

John brings up a good point. We have members here who have upsized their tabs, and everyone who has done it reports much better performance.

The caveat that John mentions is that after upsizing, you must remain cognizant of the fact that (for instance) if you forget to retract those big flippers in a following sea or while running an inlet with water pushing against your stern, the boat can become very squirrely very quickly. Not a good thing for the uninitiated.

Upsizing your tabs can provide amazing benefits, but you must pay attention to sea conditions and adjust your actions accordingly. The factory puts minimal tabs on to keep the casual boater out of trouble, but most of the folks here at ClassicParker could hardly be called 'casual'.

I put 24x9 tabs on my MVSC and several owners have gone all the way to 30x12. Either way you go, anything bigger that the standard 12x12's will be of benefit to your boating experience. :wink:

Good luck!

 

[gw204]

Those Volvo things work pretty good on B-Faithful's boat, but it would be hard for me to overlook the rock solid reputation of longevity and customer support that Bennett has built with their tabs.. My Mako will get Bennetts.

 

[B-Faithful]

Here is a better shot of the QL tabs on the tail end of a 36' Judge