Bennet or Lenco, need some help..

mpmccoy · Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 10:04 pm Post subject:

I have my starboard fuel tank out right now for some through hull upgrades. It appears that you will have to pull the tanks to install the trim tabs if you want to be sure of a good seal behind the tank. The lines through the hull are opposite the top triangular-shaped actuator mount.

Mine appear not to be sealed from the inboard side. It may be that I'm anal and it's not necessary. You may get lucky and not drill a hole through the tank and get a proper seal from the outside. Just my humble opinion.

Speaking of anal. I'm about to search this site for views on relocation of the Bennett pump and reservoir. Mine is in the middle of my tanks and I've always been afraid of something heavy sliding aft and smashing the thing to bits. I'm considering the starboard lazaret. Don't want to steal your thread for a tangent but some input on my lunacy may be relevant to your install.

Sea Wolf · Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 10:28 pm Post subject:

You folks may want to review the Installation Instructions from Bennett Trim Tabs

"Step 5 - Feed the taped end of the tubing through the 3/4" hole in transom. Apply sealant on the mounting surface of the actuators and around the brass fitting. Secure the actuator upper mounts to transom with #14 x 1-1/2 " screws."

The actuators are designed so that you don't have to remove the tanks, and can simply install them from outside the transom, drilling all holes and doing the installation from outside.

After drilling the 3/4" holes, one should throughly seal them with epoxy or 4200 before bedding the actuator head in the hole. The tubing is simply inserted and runs up over the tank and can be led to the pump once you get a hold of it from the bilge, reaching over the tank. (So what's to worry about?) Laughing

Joe.

mpmccoy · Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 12:56 am Post subject:

Thanks Joe.
After looking at the instructions and examining my previosly installed tabs it appears that they were indeed installed without removing the tank. The pressure hose has a 90 degree plastic do-hickey on the inboard side. My concerns after inspection of the hole is that it does not appear to be done to your exacting specifications...i.e. drill, relieve, fill and drill. The hole is rather jagged as there was no anti break-out support but I don't see any evidence of water egress.

If I do relocate my reservoir I wondering if I should go to the trouble of putting in new hoses which appears to require removal of the top bracket of the actuator or just put splice blocks in.

Sea Wolf · Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 1:52 am Post subject:

Doryman · Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 12:55 pm Post subject:

Someone on the Rosborough list mentioned another kind of tabs, from Volvo. Here is a link to a dealer selling them. (I did not take the time to find the appropriate Volvo page because I know Joe will. Mr. Green

)

This is what the Rosborough owner had to say:

breausaw · Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 7:26 pm Post subject:

Jack in Alaska · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 6:03 pm Post subject: Old Bennett trim tabs

25 yrs. ago I purchased a set of Bennett tabs and installed them on a previous boat. Used them one season, removed them and sold the boat as it was a clunker. The tabs have been under my work bench ever since. They appear to be like new yet.

Would you use them again??? Are the new ones any better or just more complicated with bells/whistles.????

Thanks for any advice.

Grumpy · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 6:11 pm Post subject:

Had Bennett on the CD 22 and was happy with them apart from a minor hydraulic leak which was virtually inside the transom area. Just needed tightening but that stuff turns 4200 into Tofu !!

Have Lenco on the RF and the biggest difference is that they are very fast in operation so require a light touch if you are at speed or you will have an "ooops".
Advantages are ease of installation, self cancelling on power off and position indicators. So far have found no disadvantages. Kepping legs crossed Laughing

Merv

tsturm

breausaw · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 7:37 pm Post subject:

As of today:
x Bennett M120 Sport Tab System w/ Electronic Indicator Control (M120EIC)
= $619.71
------------------------------------------------------
Sub-Total: $619.71
Shipping: $0.00
Total: $619.71
Free shipping to Alaska… Very Happy

The Electronic Indicator Control (EIC5000) combines the popular Bennett rocker switch, trim tab indicator, and Auto Tab Retractor. Like the Tab Position Indicator, it is waterproof, highly accurate and features variable intensity LED's for night or day.

Thanks for helping me make up my mind! Thumbs Up

Dora~Jean · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 2:23 am Post subject:

Boat Leveler brand was installed on my boat from the factory, zero problems so far. I'd consider them nearly equal to Bennett's.