Atlantic Ocean 1..Bennett Trim Tab 0

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I encountered a bit of rough stuff in Palm Beach Inlet Sunday but only running 3-4' out side. Ran about 55-60 to Boynton Inlet and back and this is what I saw when I pulled my 255 out of the water.

This was a 12" x 16" Sport Tab...Bennett wants $257 for a replacement...My metal guy can duplicate it for $100.

Ain't the tab's fault. It was poorly installed. (Think 5200).

Gee...I missed the requirement of 5200 in the instructions. Been running them for 35 years with out it...this is the first time I ever saw this happen.

I guess the ocean is rougher than it used to be...

It happened to me - the ram let go and it looks like the tab took a beating until it fell off. Now my screws didn't rip out - but my sport tabs have two rows of screws - I only see one there?

+100

If staying with the Bennett Trim Tabs design; go with the mounting plate for the ST-16 vs. the ST-12. It has two rows of screws vs. just the one, and the bottom row of holes lines up with the screw holes of the ST-12.

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If you read the fine print, Bennett Trim Tabs are only designed for 45mph or less.

Regardless, Bennett sets the standard for customer service in this industry; specifically I've talked to M.J. in the past with fantastic results.

Bennett's are poorly made IMOA. Switch to Lenco or something else. I had nothing but problems with my Bennett's then switched to Lenco and never had a problem again.

In summary...I'm not attacking anyone...just reporting a fact of occurrence that happened to me. At the end of the day I am responsible for what ever the fix is.

I thought it was unusual enough to share.

When I do repair it I will take extra measures to prevent a re-occurrence. FYI...the port side is not damaged at all.

It looks like the screws pulled out. The holes could of been drilled too large for the 1/4screws to get a good bite into the wood. Check for rot and reglass the holes and drill new 1's.

sprink58

Can you post a photo of the other side please? Port monster is correct on an ST16 there are two rows of holes on the mounting plates. There are also two actuators (rams) per Tab on an ST16. I quoted you the list price for an ST16 replacement Trim Plane Assembly, which is black powder coated. A dealer would likely sell it for less.

But I really don't think that this was an ST16. If I see the other side I may be able to tell you what it was.

Tom McGow
Bennett Marine