trim tabs

[cd1168]

looking for advice on trim tabs for a 1974 mako 22 i saw the self leveling type using a spring rather than electric/hydraulic.. what do people think about these for a 22 foot boat.. would it help with one side torque phenomena?

[Dogman18]

Check into Insta Trim. I have a set on my 21 and they have performed well with little maintenance. Ebay has some listed.

[Dogman18]

Your better off with those you can adjust as the loads vary and you can get a better trim with hydraulic tabs. Put the pump under the console ,less or no problems and easy access.

[gmcauliffe]

Opinions will differ, but IMHO,


>21-22', hydraulic Bennett's.

The tradeoff is that the Lenco actuators, especially if in water, will fail and need replacing every ~3-4 years (my experience), whereas the Bennetts will be more durable, but the hydraulic pump will eventually fail (what I hear). Though I also hear Lenco's have become more durable, and I do seem to see them on more bigger shinier boats, but your mileage may vary.

Lastly, unless you're talking about some sort of truly functionally equivalent product with independent tabs, then anything else is really more of a toy or very basic product.

Good luck!

[231Mike]

I put Bennett bolts on my 231 and will put them on my 261 when I get to it. Lifetime warranty if I recall

[cd1168]

Thank you all for your valued expertises and experience. I posted the same on hull truth and Mr Bennett reached out to me and recommended his bolt1212. Its electric. Now Im wondering if I need their new auto trim control or the regular.

[Holgatelbi]

I wouldn't have a boat over 18' without adjustable trim tabs.

My preference is Bennett - that's all I've ever owned.

Bennett stands behind their product over & above warranty repairs.

[Matt221]

Bennett has the best customer service i have experienced (with any product). That should be a huge consideration, especially if you plan on keeping the boat for awhile.

[Tabman]

quote:

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Originally posted by cd1168


Thank you all for your valued expertises and experience. I posted the same on hull truth and Mr Bennett reached out to me and recommended his bolt1212. Its electric. Now Im wondering if I need their new auto trim control or the regular.

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Actually Mr. Bennett passed away a few years ago. It was me who responded.

Yes, remotely controlled systems like our Classic Hydraulic or BOLT Electric are much better suited to this application than our SLT spring loaded Tabs.

All of our systems now carry a lifetime warranty on the actuators.

Tom McGow

Bennett Marine

[Justin]

I've had Lencos for 12 years no problems -- love em.

[mako224]

The spring loaded tabs are crap. Save your money towards the real thing. Bennett or Lenco take tour pick.

[hawg]

Bennet trim tabs are great. If you are having problems with the boat listing due to engine torque, you might try adjusting the motor's tab, located above and just behind the prop.

[Matt221]

quote:

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Originally posted by mako224


The spring loaded tabs are crap. Save your money towards the real thing. Bennett or Lenco take tour pick.

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i have the bennett spring loaded tabs on my 17 and love them. they keep the nose down in a chop, yet allow it to plane out nice at full throttle. they even have a self leveling effect when crossing a wake. i think theyre probably good for smaller boats, but not so effective on larger boats.

[ddd222]

the hydraulic or electric ones are the only option in my opinion in a boat your size or bigger. the spring loaded ones lay down flat and create drag when in reverse. And i'd go with bennett's, and for smaller then 23 the electric ones, no need to worry about where to mount the hydraulic pump