Trim Tabs on an 1801

[Mike S]

I am considering trim tabs for my 1801 w/ Yamaha 115 4S. I have a 30 gallon recirculating live bait tank and would like to run a bit flatter, which would need about an inch of lift at the transom. Any advice on makes, model?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[Megabyte]

Bennett M120 tabs.

http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/trimtabk ... r.php?BT=1

 

[Mike S]

Thanks for the response. Can you tell me why they are better than Lenco (sp?) tabs?

Mike

 

[Brad 21se]

I've been happy with my 9x12 Lenco's. No issues, but I make sure to fully retract them when I get back to the mooring. Fast response and simple. I know most on this site are not fans though......

 

[Megabyte]

Thanks for the response. Can you tell me why they are better than Lenco (sp?) tabs?

Lenco's are a little easier to install, and are a little less expensive, but they work by using electric motors inside of the tab strut.
Bennett's are hydraulically actuated, so there are no motors to short out in salt water.

The hinge design is also different between the two brands, with the Bennetts being more robust.

Lots of discussion here pro and con, so you might want to do a search and read for yourself before you decide.

 

[Mike S]

Thank you both. Not too concerned about cost, more about quality. Your explanation helps.

Mike

 

[Mike S]

Got the Bennett M80 tabs installed. Working on boat and trailer tomorrow and will report ack if there are any issues.

Striped bass run in full swing - I need to get back on the water NOW.

 

[shawnee83]

I had a 17'10" Henry O that I always wanted tabs on but didn't get done before parting with it. I don't know why you don't see tabs very often on 18's but I think they should be almost standard on 18 and up. I suspect that you are going to notice a big improvement in several areas and will love them. Let us know how these, the engine hight and prop thing all work out. Good luck with the projects!

 

[Mike S]

I had a 17'10" Henry O that I always wanted tabs on but didn't get done before parting with it. I don't know why you don't see tabs very often on 18's but I think they should be almost standard on 18 and up. I suspect that you are going to notice a big improvement in several areas and will love them. Let us know how these, the engine hight and prop thing all work out. Good luck with the projects!

Thanks. I will post about results of my tuning efforts as I go along.

 

[warthog5]

Thanks for the response. Can you tell me why they are better than Lenco (sp?) tabs?

Mike

Because Bennett is the Hands Down.......Very best company in the Marine Industery! If others would aspire to have the custumer service that Bennett does....The world would be a better place.

Due to Bennetts way's....Lenco has had to upgrade their's.

 

[Megabyte]

Bennett's tabs use hydraulic actuators and Lenco uses electric.
While some might argue that the electric tabs are easier to install, they are less reliable since they are subject to water intrusion.
Once water gets past the seal in the actuator, the motor shorts out.

The other big difference is in the hinge design. Again, the Bennett design has been found to be more reliable.
You can learn more by reading the FAQ's here: http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/faqs.php

 

[Mike S]

I had Bennett M80 tabs installed by a dealer (Outboard Marine in Oakland, CA). I opted for the Electronic Indicator COntrol (EIC).

Couple things --

Noticed that one hydraulic line is shorter than the other. This results in one tab actuating faster than the other. Not good.

Going through the calibration process, the tabs do not behave properly. Called Bennett tech support and they were helpful, but I opted to return the boat to the installing dealer to have them correct the issues. Going back to them today and I will report on final results.

Sigh.

 

[Megabyte]

Noticed that one hydraulic line is shorter than the other. This results in one tab actuating faster than the other. Not good.

Never heard of that one before.

If the system was bled properly and all the air evacuated, the length of the lines should not matter.
Reason is that when the hydraulic pump unit (HPU) activates, hydraulic fluid (which is non-non-compressable) would travel from the HPU holding tank through both lines with equal force and volume.

I'm surprised that Bennett tech support did not tell you that, so I'd be curious on what the dealer says when they give you your boat back.

 

[Mike S]

If the system was bled properly and all the air evacuated, the length of the lines should not matter.
Reason is that when the hydraulic pump unit (HPU) activates, hydraulic fluid (which is non-non-compressable) would travel from the HPU holding tank through both lines with equal force and volume.

I'm surprised that Bennett tech support did not tell you that, so I'd be curious on what the dealer says when they give you your boat back.

The Bennett tech guy said that this is, in fact, the problem. It's counter-intuitive, I know. I am going to let the installing dealer sort it out. If it is a problem problem or an install problem, I can't say. I just want to complete the work so I can go fishing ;-)

 

[warthog5]

Noticed that one hydraulic line is shorter than the other. This results in one tab actuating faster than the other. Not good.

Always make your hoses equal length. It stops that problem. You usually have to put a coil in the side closest to the HPU to stow the slack of that hose.

 

[Mike S]

Noticed that one hydraulic line is shorter than the other. This results in one tab actuating faster than the other. Not good.

Always make your hoses equal length. It stops that problem. You usually have to put a coil in the side closest to the HPU to stow the slack of that hose.

Starboard line (near HPU) is 18"… Port side is about 72". I also think this contributes to the EIC not being able to properly calibrate. I think this system will be great once it is sorted out.

 

[warthog5]

Bennett will send you a hose.

 

[Mike S]

Returned it to the installing dealer today. They promised to get everything working correctly. Looking forward to December stripers...

 

[Mike S]

Returned it to the installing dealer today. They promised to get everything working correctly. Looking forward to December stripers...

Dealer diagnosed the problem… One of my acc. batteries was low on voltage and would not properly drive the hydraulic pump unit. They also noticed a slight difference in speed of movement with the two dissimilar hose lengths and added hose to the shorter line. They say that they work fine now and are calibrated. I will pick up the boat tomorrow.

Soon as the weather clears, I can go fishing.