Slow trim tab movement - normal for Bennetts?

rhsj2006 · 12-12-2006, 04:22 PM

2003 292 FT with twin-ram tabs, and they are slooow to adjust...I estimate as much as 5 seconds per indicator #, regardless of going up or down.

Is this normal? Fluid levels look OK at pump reservoir, no visible leaks in the system. I bought the boat w/ 140 hours a few months ago so I don't have a point of reference for how fast they moved when new.

I'm also curious as to who has replaced the Bennett twin-ram tabs with K-planes: Why the switch, what it cost you, what the install was like, and most of all, was it worth the time & money?

Thanks.

Audiofn · 12-12-2006, 05:06 PM

Seems slow to me. How long from full up to full down?

Sydwayz · 12-12-2006, 05:58 PM

Bennetts are not fast by any means, but that sounds slow. Depending on the temp, the fluid will be thicker and will move slower. You can try a thinner oil, but first contact Bennett directly.

http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/

Bennett Marine's Client Services department may be reached from
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern Time Monday - Friday
Phone: (954) 427-1400
Fax: (954) 480-2897

BENNETT MARINE
550 Jim Moran Boulevard
Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442, U.S.A.

Call and ask to speak with MJ Thomas. He is very knowledgeable and Bennett sets the standard for customer service in the Marine Industry. Seriously, they stand behind their product 200% and will bend over backwards to make it right. All Bennett products have a 5 year warranty which you should still be within. MJ does post here on OSO on rare occasion.

Call them first.

fastboatbob · 12-13-2006, 11:48 AM

My recently purchased 2002 292 is exhibiting the slow response on the trim tabs also. Apparently, this is normal.Also, the tabs do not help when trying to keep the boat on plane below 35 mph.Any suggestions besides changing to k-planes?

Sydwayz · 12-13-2006, 05:45 PM

Depends on what tabs you have. I had the Bennett ST-12s and switched out to the ST-16s which was a very simple swap of just the actual tabs. I noticed handing and planing improvements. They are not as strong as 280 K-Planes, but they are approaching the same size.

Bikini Bottom · 12-14-2006, 09:53 AM

I switched out the Bennetts for Eddie Marine Tabs. Big improvement in planing and rough water ride plus they are fast. Took a weekend to do right but well worth it. It's a good off season project.

Sydwayz · 12-14-2006, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bikini Bottom

I switched out the Bennetts for Eddie Marine Tabs. Big improvement in planing and rough water ride plus they are fast. Took a weekend to do right but well worth it. It's a good off season project.

Tabs look sharp.

Not nitpicking; just protecting your investment:
Is that trailer where the boat rests the majority of the time? If so, it looks like the bunks need to be cut to fit the step, and placed a little better.

Bradman · 12-14-2006, 12:59 PM

It takes 9 seconds for them to go up and down on mine. I'm getting a pretty good feel for where they are based on the ride. I'm curious why they don't have indicators on the 292's.

Bikini Bottom: Did you add indicators with your install?