Trim tab options

[mklearl]

I have a 28 foot master marine. Large center console but not very wide. Deep v.
Anyway I am getting some trim tabs… ordered Bennett bolt electric 24x12. As recommended in the size chart supplied from Bennett I fit within the recommendations. After ordering I was measuring placement and realized that I have the bottom from the chine to the strake is not in a straight line from the strake to the centerline. So if I mount parallel with the bottom I will have to go up about an inch from the bottom to that the tab is not below the bottom from the strake to the centerline.
Another option is to downsize a bit. 18x12 fit better but I would still have to go up on the outside edge as it will still go past the strake. This size fits the parameters and recommendations though.
My last option is to go with the Bennett M120 sport tabs which are 10x12 and fit perfectly between the chine and strake. My only concern is that they are recommended for smaller boats. I’d hate to install these and have them not work effectively.
Anyone have any experience with these or recommendations on mounting options with what I have?
Thanks in advance.

 

[mklearl]

You can see in this picture it does not line up

 

[BillWilliams]

I would suggest you contact Bennett because I think they have pretty good support and I think they'll help you out.

 

[mklearl]

I would suggest you contact Bennett because I think they have pretty good support and I think they'll help you out.

That’s the plan. Just seeing if anyone had similar problems or experience to get me through until they open on Monday. Thanks.

 

[Scott Danforth]

The tabs get mounted parallel to the hull bottom.

No need to stay between chine and strake

 

[mklearl]

The tabs get mounted parallel to the hull bottom.

No need to stay between chine and strake

I’m aware of that. But the tab extends over the strake and continues over to the bottom between the strake and centerline. Looking at my picture follow the red line… the bottom is not a straight line.

 

[dingbat]

I’m aware of that. But the tab extends over the strake and continues over to the bottom between the strake and centerline. Looking at my picture follow the red line… the bottom is not a straight line.

Doesn't matter…mine does the same thing.
12” x 12” hydraulic

 

[mklearl]

Ok. So mount it flick with the bottom and let it hang over the bottom on the onboard side? 12x12 would be enough for a 28’boat?

 

[mklearl]

*flush

 

[Bondo]

Ok. So mount it flick with the bottom and let it hang over the bottom on the onboard side? 12x12 would be enough for a 28’boat?

Naw, just angle it slightly to keep it above the bottom,.....

 

[mklearl]

Ok. So I don’t need to be perfectly parallel with the bottom. I’ll obviously call Bennett on Monday to see what they suggest but that is an idea. Thanks.

 

[dingbat]

12x12 would be enough for a 28’boat?

Doubt it, but way more than I needed on a 23’ boat.

Any particular reason you choose electric over hydraulic?

Not a fan of electric tabs. It’s not if one fails, it’s when one fails. The bigger issue is that you can’t retract one once they fail unlike hydraulic tabs.

No fun limping home from offshore with a trim tab that will not retract.

 

[mklearl]

I’m actually leading toward the hydraulic system now and would love the m120 which is hydraulic. Says for boats up to 23feet though so at 28 I’m not sure it will be enough even with the 30% more lifting power as advertised. Curious what Bennett has to say.

 

[04fxdwgi25]

Had Bennett twin piston 12 x 16 sport tabs on my 2550 Chaparral and they seemed to be a little overkill. But they did work flawlessly in controlling the boat for what I wanted every time, with immediate authority.

Current SeaRay 220 has the 10 x 12's. Seem like they could be a tad larger, as they are sluggish in response.

 

[mklearl]

Had Bennett twin piston 12 x 16 sport tabs on my 2550 Chaparral and they seemed to be a little overkill. But they did work flawlessly in controlling the boat for what I wanted every time, with immediate authority.

Current SeaRay 220 has the 10 x 12's. Seem like they could be a tad larger, as they are sluggish in response.

That’s good info. 2550 is pretty close in size. Trying to keep the width as shallow as possible for easier and better mounting position and was looking at the sport option. Idk about wanting a double piston but was looking at the xpt model. A bit more pricey but just another question to ask Bennett tomorrow as they are made for boats going 40+. I max out at about 36 mph. I don’t mind overkill. I’d rather spend a couple hundred extra th than $900 and not have it be enough.

 

[Pulse186]

For your boat and speed the tabs do not need to be parallel with the bottom.

They should be mounted 1/2 to 3/4 inch above the bottom and that might be enough to make up for difference in height as shown in the image.

Me thinks there is enough variance in mounting positions that the height difference in your hull won't matter.

 

[mklearl]

**Update.
I learn a lot about boats in forums such as this. Doing research it bothers me when there are ideas given but the op doesn’t give the final results to tell what worked/didn’t work. So here we go…
I went with Bennett marine 12x16 sport tabs. I wasn’t sure if it would be enough for my 28’ but I thought I’d give it a try. Mounting called for the backing plate to be 1/2” above the bottom. With my “step” in the lifting strake making my bottom uneven I marked the outside edge 3inches from the chine. The inside edge I did the same going over the strake and drew a straight line. So I covered the minimum distance of 1/2” and was more than that distance in the middle of the tabs. I knew I’d lose some effectiveness by being up a little high in the middle of the tab. Especially with the sport tabs requiring 1.25” of negative angle when fully up.
Tabs fit perfect within all the other crap on my stern so they were definitely the right choice.
Performance wise I couldn’t be happier. Response time takes a minute… but as Bennett videos say, small changes and give it a second. The boat stabilizes and is level and true. The tabs in addition to stripping the bottom made my boat go from 30knots top speed to 33 knots with 2 people on board and full(150 gallons) of fuel. I haven’t needed more than 1/3 of tabs down. Cruising maybe just a couple dots down. Not to mention the overall feel and stability of the boat.
I’m still getting used to them and playing with traction times and trim with the motor. But all good for a first run. I wanted to get some more pictures before I put it in but here are a couple of the mount.
Lastly kudos to Bennett Marine and their customer service. I did call with a few questions and they were extremely pleasant to deal with. Online instructions are on point and extremely helpful for an easy install.
Happy boating!

 

[04fxdwgi25]

**Update.
I learn a lot about boats in forums such as this. Doing research it bothers me when there are ideas given but the op doesn’t give the final results to tell what worked/didn’t work. So here we go…
I went with Bennett marine 12x16 sport tabs. I wasn’t sure if it would be enough for my 28’ but I thought I’d give it a try. Mounting called for the backing plate to be 1/2” above the bottom. With my “step” in the lifting strake making my bottom uneven I marked the outside edge 3inches from the chine. The inside edge I did the same going over the strake and drew a straight line. So I covered the minimum distance of 1/2” and was more than that distance in the middle of the tabs. I knew I’d lose some effectiveness by being up a little high in the middle of the tab. Especially with the sport tabs requiring 1.25” of negative angle when fully up.
Tabs fit perfect within all the other crap on my stern so they were definitely the right choice.
Performance wise I couldn’t be happier. Response time takes a minute… but as Bennett videos say, small changes and give it a second. The boat stabilizes and is level and true. The tabs in addition to stripping the bottom made my boat go from 30knots top speed to 33 knots with 2 people on board and full(150 gallons) of fuel. I haven’t needed more than 1/3 of tabs down. Cruising maybe just a couple dots down. Not to mention the overall feel and stability of the boat.
I’m still getting used to them and playing with traction times and trim with the motor. But all good for a first run. I wanted to get some more pictures before I put it in but here are a couple of the mount.
Lastly kudos to Bennett Marine and their customer service. I did call with a few questions and they were extremely pleasant to deal with. Online instructions are on point and extremely helpful for an easy install.
Happy boating!

Glad there is a hpaay engine.

Knew you would like those 12x16's