Trim Tabs (Smart Tabs .vs. Instatrim or Bennett)

[BayBoy1750]

Re: Trim Tabs (Smart Tabs .vs. Instatrim or Bennett)

Nope, not much you can do with the Smarttabs when the wind kicks up especially since you have no ability to trim the motor. They certainly improve the over-all handling versus no trim tabs but you can't force the bow down when conditions change.

Sounds like you are a Bennett's kind of guy. If you're on a lake big enough to be 30 miles from dock you will enjoy having the adjustability. But if you don't want to spend the money on adjustable trim, Smarttabs are the next best option IMHO.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Trim Tabs (Smart Tabs .vs. Instatrim or Bennett)

It is good to see a thread that is debating the type of trim tabs, and recognizing the benefits from all of the various types. There is no better investment for over all performance, handling, and economy than trim tabs. It is especially refreshing that we have so many people who realize that the hull is as important to performance, ride, and handling as the motor (including props.)

 

[zippoo]

Re: Trim Tabs (Smart Tabs .vs. Instatrim or Bennett)

I love my Bennett sport tabs on my 24 Lib I can plane very fast and in big water make the deep v cut right through the water like butter.

 

[gozierdt]

Re: Trim Tabs (Smart Tabs .vs. Instatrim or Bennett)

I agree with Boatist and QC. I am willing to have to "fiddle" because it gives me control over the tabs and their affect on the boat under any water, wave, and loading conditions. I'm going with the Bennet tabs.

 

[Tabman]

Re: Trim Tabs (Smart Tabs .vs. Instatrim or Bennett)

I agree with Boatist and QC. I am willing to have to "fiddle" because it gives me control over the tabs and their affect on the boat under any water, wave, and loading conditions. I'm going with the Bennet tabs.

gozierdt,

I am delighted you are going to install Bennett Trim Tabs on your boat. If you have any questions, or I can help in any way just let me know.

 

[MRS]

Re: Trim Tabs (Smart Tabs .vs. Instatrim or Bennett)

I love when some old threads come back up. I was stuck on what to get for me they are both good but for what I do it will be bennett. But I have a 19ft. 2,500lb. stearn drive I would like to put the BT810's on it if they will work right because they will fit better than the next size up, but if the bigger are right for my size boat would do them. Thanks alot Q.C. you converted me with all your replys Any how Tabman what do you think and thanks for all replys....

 

[Tabman]

Re: Trim Tabs (Smart Tabs .vs. Instatrim or Bennett)

MRS,

Thank you too for choosing Bennett!

The BT810 is 8" side to side where it attaches to the transom, and 10" front to back. The next size up, the BT1012 is 10" on the transom and 12" front to back. The BT810 would be a good choice, however I would install the larger one if you could fit it. Sterndrive boats tend to be a bit stern heavy and the larger size is not much more money.

By the way the BT series of Trim Tabs are black powder coated and are sharp looking Trim Tabs. If you don't need to have them in black powder coat the M80 (8" x 10") and the M120 (10" x12") are basically the same Trim Tabs just in "plain" stainless steel, and will likely cost a bit less.

 

[MRS]

Re: Trim Tabs (Smart Tabs .vs. Instatrim or Bennett)

Tabman, Thanks for the reply I will go with the BT1012's. That is what I like about them that they are powder coated Black should look sweet on the boat that is definitly stearn heavy fuel tank,batteries plus everybody likes to sit in the back seats. Might have to mod. the swim step alittle but can do. Thanks again for the reply....

 

[Tabman]

Re: Trim Tabs (Smart Tabs .vs. Instatrim or Bennett)

MRS,

You're welcome! The actuators that come with the BT Trim Tabs are our shorter ones, and there is a way to make them even a little shorter so that you may not have to modify your swim platform (or not as much). If you have a picture of your transom I'd be happy to take a look.

 

[sasto]

Re: Trim Tabs (Smart Tabs .vs. Instatrim or Bennett)

A very smart choice, MRS.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Trim Tabs (Smart Tabs .vs. Instatrim or Bennett)

Bennets. Wouldn't have a boat without them.

 

[MRS]

Re: Trim Tabs (Smart Tabs .vs. Instatrim or Bennett)

Here is a photo when I was working on the trailer I also buffed and waxed the transom so looks way better now. I am going to put a full swim platform on but cannot afford the tabs and platform at the same time so it will be tabs first. That will mount higher so there will be no problem with the tabs so if I have to rework the swim step there now will do Thanks again for the replys... And the pitot and transducer I know will have to be moved also.

 

[MRS]

Re: Trim Tabs (Smart Tabs .vs. Instatrim or Bennett)

MRS,

You're welcome! The actuators that come with the BT Trim Tabs are our shorter ones, and there is a way to make them even a little shorter so that you may not have to modify your swim platform (or not as much). If you have a picture of your transom I'd be happy to take a look.

Tabman, here it is what do you think Thanks again....

 

[Tabman]

Re: Trim Tabs (Smart Tabs .vs. Instatrim or Bennett)

MRS,

The Tabs will fit great on the first run of hull after the chine, and yes, the transducer and pitot will have to move towards the center a bit.

They may fit under the existing swim platform by modifying the actuators to be a bit shorter (I can tell you how to do it when you get the kit, it's easy) and the standard ones will fit under the new full length platform for sure!

I'd say it will be a good installation!

 

[MRS]

Re: Trim Tabs (Smart Tabs .vs. Instatrim or Bennett)

Tabman, Thanks now know what I need and when I get them if need to shorten will let you know. When installed will post photos here and let everybody know how they work on my boat Thanks again.....

 

[Tabman]

Re: Trim Tabs (Smart Tabs .vs. Instatrim or Bennett)

Tabman, Thanks now know what I need and when I get them if need to shorten will let you know. When installed will post photos here and let everybody know how they work on my boat Thanks again.....

Very Cool! Can't wait to see the photos and hear your report. Just drop me a line if you need anything.

Tom

 

[dellsboater]

Re: Trim Tabs (Smart Tabs .vs. Instatrim or Bennett)

Does anyone have the Boat Leveler trim tabs by insta-trim? They are priced about 200 less then the Bennetts. Would love some feed back on them....

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Trim Tabs (Smart Tabs .vs. Instatrim or Bennett)

my boat (21' CC) came with lenco's. I like them OK although one went out for a while. Note: I am in salt water year round. Buit as others said, I like to be in control and use the side-to-side adjustment as much as the bow-to-stern (which I can do with my trim anyway).

The best advice is to mount the controls in front of the throttle handle so you can operate both at once.

 

[642mx]

Re: Trim Tabs (Smart Tabs .vs. Instatrim or Bennett)

Does anyone have the Boat Leveler trim tabs by insta-trim? They are priced about 200 less then the Bennetts. Would love some feed back on them....

I've got them. They work fine, but are pretty slow moving. I did have to replace the hoses this year and insta-trim's customer service was top notch!

 

[JBF 1962]

Re: Trim Tabs (Smart Tabs .vs. Instatrim or Bennett)

This is a great old thread! A number of years ago, I put the smart tabs on my '78 20' Fiberform and was real happy with them, they greatly improved the attitude and fuel economy of the old girl. Last summer, when I bought my 24' Doral, it came equipped with Bennett trim tabs. They are just plain (plane? lol) amazing! I would never be without them and highly recommend them.