TRIM TABS

[slawson]

OK, we're talking props.....let's also talk trim tabs.  Any recommendations...there seem to be several brands, several price ranges.  Are they worth the $$.  Some claim 30% better gas milage.  At that rate....I could pay for a set in pretty short order.

Anyone tried those that are sort of 'spring loaded' (i.e. non controlable, spring loading dictates the amount of tab at any given time depending on 'load').  Comments.

Steve L.

[Boatsrule]

I have heard many positive claims on the Smart Tabs" no wires and inexpensive.
I am looking at adding a set to my boat. If you email the owner he actually talks with you and recommends what you need. If for some reason they don't perform correctly he sends you different rams for free!

[nwaring]

If your going to drill holes in your transom I would go ahead and put either Bennett's or Lenco's on.  Bennett has almost an unbelievable customer service.  They are both good…Bennett’s are hydraulic and the Lenco’s are electric.  I have used both, they both accomplish the same thing but the biggest difference is the Lenco’s are really fast in actuating.  If you're used to Bennett’s then you are in for a surprise.  Most of the ole salts on other forums would recommend the Bennett’s.  

I personally think adding trim tabs is the single biggest improvement you can do to your boat.

Good luck
Niles

[Craig]

Volvo has a new system out that looks interesting. Looks much easier to install and cost around $800. Not your conventional looking system.

[merwin10]

If you are going to look at trim tabs I would suggest either the Bennett or the Lenco. These two manufacturers are well proven in the marine environment. As stated the Bennett are hydraulic and the lenco are electro-mechcanical. The lenco are lightening fast and give a positive adjustment in both the up and down motion the bennett is pressure down spring up! Both have their pros and cons! On your size boat I would recommend lenco only in that theey are much easier to install and don't require a power unit pump!

Mike -  

[kcsteve]

I have Lencos on my boat and love them. I looked at the Smart Tabs but I wanted more control than they offered mainly the ability to control side to side. Not sure if the tabs helped gas consumption I doubt it, but they did help with planing time, low speed planing, rough water ride. After having tabs I would never have another boat without them

[Dave M]

I have an '04 212. I was told that I wouldn't be able to install trim tabs because of rounded shape of the transome with out alot of fiberglass work. Has anyone install tabs on this model?

I seen a picture of a 232 with the trim tabs mounted on flat part of transome close to the outdrive. I didn't know if that was a good idea. Always heard you should keep all hardware and sounders and such away from outdrive to keep the drive in clean water to prevent it from cavatating(spelling not my strong suit). Would they even work as well not being to the outside of boat.

Wanted to install them to inprove rough water handling.

[BigSioux232]

As long as the outdrive has clearance to turn lock-to-lock, that's the biggest concern.

[4LakeBums]

KcSteve:  Did you order the trim tabs or were they installed from the factory?  Where did they position the switches on your helm?
-------------------------
Ryan

[BigSioux232]

As soon as the Admiral gives the official go-ahead, I'm ordering a set of 12x12 Lencos.  I've heard enough to know I must have them.  Trim tabs...good.    

[4LakeBums]

Can you order a pair for me too if she give you the go ahead...The check is in the mail

[slawson]

I think the Lenco tabs are what Rinker would put on......maybe a call to them might ask them exactly what ones they install and exactly where they do it.  KCSteve....if you have pics....can you post them??  With my barge sitting burried in the back of a buddies barn 10 miles away...a little tough to go see exactly what kind of a 'flat' surface I have to work with...but I have the same 04 212 that was mentioned.

SL

[kcsteve]

I don't have pics but I'll get some when I pull my boat out of storage in the next couple of weeks I had mine installed by the dealer. Randy Rinker recommended the Lencos so thats what I went with. Rinker also supplied shims so thet would fit properly to the boat. The switches are installed on a flat portion of the dash just above the stereo. If I remember right the tabs about 3 inches in from the outside chine.  I would suggest contacting Rinker to see what would be required to install tabs on 212
Steve

[Dave M]

slawson,
   My boat is in storage also, so I can't refresh my memory on the shape of the transom.  My boat had a chip in the gel coat from factory, So I took my boat right over to fiberglass shop. While there I ask if how much to install tabs. He said he didn't know if they could be installed but he would call rinker also to find out. He later said it would take alot of fiberglass work to install.  If you find out something diffrent would you give a shout?

[4LakeBums]

I have heard that they would require fiberglass work to have them installed as well.  I do know that the Lenco tabs are a factory option on the 06 models.