Trim Tabs

[jorgeinmiami]

I know most use either Bennet or Lenco but I ran across these

Priced at $335

http://stores.channeladvisor.com/har...%20leveler.jpg

Any thoughts??

[McGillicuddy]

The Original Boat Levelers on my 1965 21 still work fine.

Tricky part is drilling the 1/2" hole at a 45 degree to run hydraulic hose through the transom. They use a soft low pressure hose instead of a hard wall high pressure hose like the Bennetts. Only fitting is at the pump and at the actuator nipple. Only complaint I've heard is the clamp at the actuator is unimpressive (it's nylon), but but hey, they work.

[Bushwacker]

The Bennett trim cylinders do not have exposed hoses like boat leveler ones do, which will deteriorate due to the strong UV we have in S. Fl. The Bennett tabs also have turned down sides, which will provide more lift than those turned up sides on the boat leveler tabs. (When the water coming off the hull encounters the deflected tab, it'll try to turn and run off the sides reducing pressure and lift, unless there is a "fence" there to prevent it.) I think I'd keep looking for a deal on the Bennett's; you should be able to find some for not much more than the one's in your link. Bennett is advertizing "blemished" tabs for 50% off on their website.

Lenco's would be my last choice. They're probably cheaper and easier to install and may respond faster, but the whole concept of having electric motors below the waterline in salt water, just protected by a couple of "O" rings, hurts my head and just seems to be asking for trouble in the long run!

Have had my Bennett tabs since about 1977 and the only problem I ever had is with the joystick type control switch, which died after about 25 years. Went to the waterproof rocker switch after a second joystick type failed, and it seems to be a lot more robust. Still not a bad record for 35 years of service.

[McGillicuddy]

Denny makes a good point regarding uv exposure. The hoses on mine were were beginning to crack from weather deterioration. But they were very old. I picked up some new hose. I have removed my tabs because I didn't like where they were mounted. I will be going to Bennetts because i have a 12 x 12 set that fit the outer panel better.

[jorgeinmiami]

Bennett's it is
thanks for the blemish sale tip

[DonV]

Hey Denny.....now about that second paragraph.....that was funny!!! Kinda hurts my head too!!

[hugo]

i was just looking on creigslist here in miami and theirs a few bennetts on their for around $350.00, you might want to look at. has anyone used the auto leveler bennett sells? does it work well?

[Blue197320]

jorge pm me when you get a chance. i have something you may be intested in.

[gofastsandman]

Originally Posted by DonV

Hey Denny.....now about that second paragraph.....that was funny!!! Kinda hurts my head too!!

Classic BW. When he tilts his head... think again. Who adds more than he? Very dry with some humor as well.

Must be the Pappy,
GFS

[Blue_Heron]

Originally Posted by hugo

...has anyone used the auto leveler bennett sells? does it work well?

I have the AC3000 auto tab controler on my 25, but haven't used it enough to say if I like it. First impression is that it's slower than manual adjustments, but I only have 3 hours on the boat and I've only run it in the river. I'll have a better idea after I run it in rough water.

Sorry to hijack the thread, Jorge. I got my 12 x 12 Bennett tabs at Savinglots.com. I have 12 x 9s on my 20 and they are the right size:

http://www.savinglots.com/lotprod.asp?item=129E

If you are on a tight budget, I have a working set of boat leveler 12x12s. They're really too much tab for that 20, though, and I prefer the Bennetts for all the reasons the other guys have mentioned.

Dave