Trim tab hydraulic rams

Pelican · Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2022 1:07 pm Post subject: Trim tab hydraulic rams

Because of a dumb mistake launching my C-Dory I broke both trim tab hydraulic rams off the stern of the boat. Fortunately it was a clean break, so I just need to replace them. Where do I find those? Anyone had to buy a new set of rams before? Thanks, Tom

journey on · Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2022 3:18 pm Post subject:

What sort of boat? C-Dory, I assume. 22? 25?

On a 22 they were aftermarket, so could be anything. On 25 they came stock.

Mine, a 25, has bennett.

Boris

Pelican · Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2022 7:27 pm Post subject:

My C-Dory is a 22. Any info on new rams would be helpful. I called NW Marine Industries, the builder of C-Dorys in Bellingham and talked to someone in Parts. He told me that a lot of people converted their hydraulic rams to electric and recommended I do the same. Anyone have any experience doing that? Thanks, Tom

srbaum · Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2022 9:18 pm Post subject:

Pelican,
Electric trim tabs are way better than hydraulic. The first controllable trim tabs were hydraulic and pretty much all that was out there, When electric tabs became available, it was a game changer. All of the moving parts are in the cylinder, that controls the tab. From there to the helm is simple plug and play wiring. No hydraulic pump in the bilge, no leaking oil in the bilge, no electric solenoids in the bilge to rust and stick.
Now, even the king of hydraulic tabs has become a believer and sell electric...
So, I have had Lenco tabs on my last ten boats and have also had them installed on Corps of Engineers boats, as well as past USCG boats.

thataway · Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2022 9:33 pm Post subject:

What brand of trim tabs do you have? The manufacture will have replacement rams. You can buy the rams separately. C Dory has used both Boat Leveler and Bennett hydraulic trim tabs. So you need to know the brand.

I believe that Boat Leveler I believe is also known as Instratrim Boat Leveler.

clayhubler · Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2022 10:06 am Post subject:

I replaced my boat leveler hydraulic tabs with electric lenco and am very happy with the decision for all the reasons that Steve mentions above. I also really like that my switch has led lights indicating the position of each tab.