Trim Selection-Does size matter??

Matt Gurnsey · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 12:11 pm Post subject:

Can I point out here what a great company Bennett is?

WHen I moderated the Powerboat Forum for Sea Magazine Tom would stop by and answer trim tab questions, and even helped answer questions for posters with competing products.

Is Bennett the best tab out there? I don't know. But their customer service is superb, and the reason that I recomend their product.

Jazzmanic · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 12:29 pm Post subject:

Tabman, great to have you onboard. I'm going to start mooring our boat in a saltwater marina for the first time and just purchased trim tab zinc anodes. Where's the best place to mount them on our M-120's?

Peter
C-Dancer

Tabman · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 12:44 pm Post subject:

Matt,

Thanks for the kind words, they are appreciated!

Tom
Bennett Marine

Tabman · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 12:49 pm Post subject:

Peter_BDA · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 2:02 pm Post subject:

Hey Tom, I haven't yet but I will. I hadn't even thought about the zinc issue. M120s are in my West Marine "cart" waiting for a few more bits and pieces.

Thanks for all your help-it is much appreciated!!

Peter
Bermuda

Jazzmanic · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 2:04 pm Post subject:

Tabman,

Actually, I bought these ones. I guess they're made to screw onto the actuator screws. However, the M-120's have the actuator on the top middle of the tab.

Will these work?

Peter

Tabman · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 3:00 pm Post subject:

Peter

The actuator on the M120 attaches to an angle in the middle of the Trim Tab.

You should be able to install it against the angle in the same way it's attached to the "lip" on the Trim Tab shown in your picture. If the ends of the zinc hit the part of the M120 that angles upwards you could cut them a little to fit.

I do prefer the round zincs mounted on top of the Trim Tab even though you have to drill a hole in the Trim Tab the first time you install them.

They have a large contact surface, can be purchased just about anywhere, are inexpensive. Also they do not use the actuator mounting screws to hold the zinc in place. Even though the one you show has stainless inserts to keep the mounting screws from becoming loose as the zinc dissolves there is still a chance that the actuator screws can become loose so keep an eye on them.

Tom
Bennett Marine

Jazzmanic · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 4:22 pm Post subject:

Thanks Tabman.

Peter

Mighty Bite · Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2011 12:12 am Post subject: Lenco Trim Tab Upgrade

Size definitely matters. I would go with the Bennett's M120's if I were doing again......probably, but I chose the Lenco's primarily due to the simplicity of install with the electric and not having to deal with the hydraulic lines, etc. (fewer hole syndrome)

I like many others found the performance inadequate. Lenco didn't do themselves or users any favor by tapering the tabs, thereby cutting the surface area. I made a cardboard mockup of what I wanted to do and had the local sheet metal fabricators make some stainless steel wings for the tabs. I designed a turndown on the wings to channel the water a bit which clearly improves tight handling around the dock & slip area. This design changed the effective surface area of each tab from 108" factory to 144" which like a difference of night and day. They are extremely effective now and I am really happy with them. It was a pretty simple and economical solution. Biggest hassle I had was the slow going drilling stainless.

I just put some pics on "3rd Bytes" album (bottom of page 4) if anyone wants to check it out.

You all have a super day!