What works best, hydraulic or electric? I have a small 19 1/2 Checkmate Ambassador with a 5.7 I/O that is equipped with a set of aftermarket trim tabs. The problem is one of the hydraulic hoses is ruptured, and it appears to run straight into the cylinder instead of being attached with a banjo fitting or something of that nature. So it is looking like I may have to replace the whole actuator and hose together. Of course if I do that I will most likely need to do both so they are somewhat comparable in reaction speed. In addition to this, the reservoir on my pump is damaged and has been rigged to be held up with zip ties and bungee cords. So to make this thing 100% I would most likely have to replace the pump and reservoir as well. However, today as I was thumming through a catalog I came across an electric trim tab actuator replacement kit. If my existing system is a Bennett (have not checked into that yet) they claim this kit will replace both actuators and plumbing, eliminate the pump and reservoir, and still use the existing trim switches for activation, and convert the whole system over to electric. How well do these work (by the way they were made by Lenco Marine Inc.)?

OK, 20 views and no posts... Are these electric actuators something new and untested and consequently unknown by the majority? Is anyone familiar with these, has anyone heard anything about these good or bad?

Victory to the rescue!

I design/build electromech. trim tab systems for any and all applications. From your description it sounds like you may have the Bennett system. They use a 3" pipe nipple that screws through the transom into a triangular upper pad (on the actuator) that utilizes an 'integral' hinge.

I also build a support bracket that will also eliminate any chance of your pump finding it's way 'into the bilge'.

Feel free to call me, I can identify your current system in short order and give you a list of your options and lots-o-specs.


Brian