Bennett M80 Sports Hydraulic Trim Tab Kit (499/M80)
Complete Kit with Standard Euro Rocker Control Switch
8 x 10 Inch Tabs – 12 Volt – Fits Narrow Transom
Suits Most Boats 5.2 to 5.8 Meters (17-19 ft)
Benefits:
Bennett’s M80 and M120 Sport Tabs series are ideal for trailered boats in the 17′ – 23′ range. Their unique Batwing design provides 30% more lift than conventional trim tabs and their space-saving design ensures easy installation on virtually any transom.
Choosing the Right Trim Tabs for Your Boat –
Trim tab kits are available to suit tinnies, rigid inflatables, trailer boats, centre consoles, side consoles, runabouts, bass boats, most powerboats, fly bridge cruisers and large motor cruisers.
If you are not sure which is best for your boat read on and then call call Keoghs Marine on 07 5529 2544 for advice and information.
Will Trim Tabs Keep my Boat Level?
Yes…you can improve the performance of your boat through properly sized trim tabs that will:
- Get you up on plane quickly
- Allow you to plane at speeds lower than designed planing speed
- Adjust the boat’s attitude for changes in speed, sea conditions and shifting weight
- Correct boat’s side lean (listing) on either side of the boat
- Less drag and engine labouring, which translate into increased performance, greater speed, and reduced fuel consumption
- Reduced pounding, which means greater comfort
- Greater visibility, which increases safety
- Complete 12V Boxed Kit with Control switch
- Hydraulic Rams – can be left in the water – ideal for trailer boats and moored boats
- Trim Tab Sports Plane – 8″ x 10″ – will fit a narrower space on the transom but has more lift due to the fins
- 5 Year Warranty
Can I install Bennett Trim Tabs Myself?
Absolutely! While some boat owners may wish to have a dealer or boatyard install their trim tabs, just about anyone who is handy with a drill and screwdriver can install trim tabs. Bennett Marine designs trim tabs so that the average do-it-yourself boater can handle the installation in an afternoon. Depending upon the size and construction of the boat, it should take about 4 or 5 hours for installation. (see pictures below in FAQs).
This Kit Includes:
- 2 x Trim Tab Planes Assemblies
- 2 x Hydraulic Actuators/Rams
- 1 x Hydraulic Power Unit – which mounts inside the boat
- 1 x Control unit (or combo) including wiring
- 1 x Bag of Hardware Items
- 20′ of Hydraulic Tubing
Why Have Trim Tabs? As your boat slows from maximum speed, it begins to settle at the stern or “squat,” creating an inefficient, untrimmed condition. At this attitude you use more fuel to drive the boat. As the boat pushes forward, it creates a “hill of water.” In this bow-high position, visibility is limited and the hull bottom is pounded. Also because of significant hull drag and extreme prop angle, fuel economy is poor. Uneven weight distribution makes your boat harder to handle, even harder to get up on plane, and it causes your boat to list to one side. Your passengers complain when you tell them to move from one side to the other.
FAQs Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install Bennett Trim Tabs Myself?
Absolutely! While some boat owners may wish to have a dealer or boatyard install their trim tabs, just about anyone who is handy with a drill and screwdriver can install trim tabs. Bennett Marine designs trim tabs so that the average do-it-yourself boater can handle the installation in an afternoon. Depending upon the size and construction of the boat, it should take about 4 or 5 hours for installation. (see pictures below in FAQs).
I can’t get access to the inside of the transom to connect the hydraulic fittings. What do I do?
One of the unique features of the Bennett Trim Tab system is the use of concealed through-transom hydraulics. However, there are cases of complete inaccessibility inside the transom, making the use of the standard Bennett actuator difficult. For such instances, the Bennett actuator is available with an external line connection. This avoids the inaccessibility problem by allowing the hydraulics to enter the transom at a location where there is no obstruction. If you need external line actuators, please contact our sales staff for more information.
My Transom has a Swim Platform (or other feature) that limits the height where the actuators can mount on the transom. Now what?
There is an option for you – the “short” actuator. The short actuator’s overall closed length measures 11.75 inches so it can mount lower on the transom. It is 2 inches shorter than the standard actuator that measures 13.75 inches. If you need short actuators for your installation, contact Bennett Marine to arrange a no-charge exchange of your standard actuators.
What Size Fuse does my Trim Tab System use?
On a 12 volt Bennett system use a 20 amp (24 volt will use 10 amp) in-line fuse on the power lead to the helm control.
I Keep my Boat in Saltwater. Do I need to protect the trim tabs from corrosion?
To provide protection from electrolytic corrosion, a zinc anode must be applied to each tab. The zinc must make direct contact with the stainless steel. Do not ground trim tabs to other underwater appendages.
How do I Paint my Trim Tabs?
The secret to getting anti-fouling paint to adhere to your trim tabs is proper priming, and the best people to tell you what to do are the experts at the company that makes your anti-fouling paint. We strongly suggest that you contact the paint manufacturer and tell them you are painting “304 stainless steel” trim tabs, then follow their recommendations to the letter! Remember, don’t paint under the zincs.
How to Choose Between Electric BOLT Trim Tabs or Hydraulic Trim Tabs?
You’ve decided to install Trim Tabs on your boat and have begun researching which ones will be the best choice.
After you have made the choice of size (our website gives size recommendations for each tab kit) , you will need to choose between the Hydraulic Trim Tab Kits or the Bolt Electric Trim Tab Kits.
To help you decide let’s take a look at the features and benefits of both systems.
Explaining the Different Types of Trim Tabs
Electric Trim Tabs – BOLT Electric (Ram) Trim Tab Kits (For Non-Moored Boats Only)
Electric Trims Tabs such as BOLT (and other brands) are best suited for boats that are kept out of the water when not in use. A good rule of
