Dynamic Trim Tab controllers

[superheat6k]

I have noticed the Mente ACS controller is approx £450 but is easy to connect and a self contained single module.

Bennett are offering at SIBS their equivalent, which has a separate box that you attach to the fore aft line plus a similar looking user interface to replace the original panel for £250 including cables etc.

Are these two devices the same ?

Why such a difference - the OEM is cheaper here ?

 

[aquapower]

I have noticed the Mente ACS controller is approx £450 but is easy to connect and a self contained single module.

Bennett are offering at SIBS their equivalent, which has a separate box that you attach to the fore aft line plus a similar looking user interface to replace the original panel for £250 including cables etc.

Are these two devices the same ?

Why such a difference - the OEM is cheaper here ?

The Mente also has a separate box and is wired up in a similar way, Bennett have always been sensible on their pricing, I wouldn't fit anything else.

 

[jrudge]

I had a mente system when they first came out. I can't remember the price but it was not dear. Looked a while ago and wow was it expensive.

I had the option that also trimmed the legs. It did work sort of, and they may have improved, but in practice I never used it.

The boat I bought it for ( cranchi endurance 33) was very trim sensitive. No boat since has been, so before you buy one be clear what problem you are seeking to solve !

The led indicators of the tab position was the most useful bit.

 

[superheat6k]

I must admit I have wondered if this would be a device too far, correcting a problem that doesn't really exist, and placing additonal wear on the trim pump and rams.

Like a bowthruster, its gone 28 years without it, so I suppose it could likely go another 28. I already have the LED indicators.

So now I need to find something else to spend the £250 on - spolied for choice today ...

 

[Elessar]

I have noticed the Mente ACS controller is approx £450 but is easy to connect and a self contained single module.

Bennett are offering at SIBS their equivalent, which has a separate box that you attach to the fore aft line plus a similar looking user interface to replace the original panel for £250 including cables etc.

Are these two devices the same ?

Why such a difference - the OEM is cheaper here ?

my sterndrive S37 needed a lot of tab adjustment and I would have liked dynamic tabs. On smaller sterndrive boats they would make a huge difference.

When I was refurbing the 390, I spent £700 on controls with indicators at both stations. Had to change the control box to add the indicators. And i hardly ever use them. Just sometimes in a sidewind.

Surprised your boat needs them therefore, leave alone a dynamic controller.

 

[Nick_H]

I put auto tab control on a Windy 34 Khamsin, and it just created another problem. If the boat leans to port, the port tab goes down to lift that side but that also has an effect on steering, so you steer slightly to stbd, but the boat then leans into the turn so the stbd tab goes down to correct it, the boat steers to stbd, so you steer to port and on it goes. I ended up snaking along and not spending any more time with the boat level.

I guess this only happens with boats that lean into even slight turns, but these are also generally the boats that need more trim correction, so it's a bit self defeating. I ended up disconnecting the auto tab control.

 

[rosssavage]

Got the Bennett system on my boat.

Really love it. Set your attitude, press auto and forget about it. Not sure if I'd buy it, but the boat came with it fitted and it's on all the time I'm planing. No snaking, nicely damped incremental adjustments.

 

[MapisM]

it's a bit self defeating

+1.
In my own (actually limited) experience, and also according to other first hand feedbacks I heard, they only work well with boats whose hull behaviour doesn't call for them.
It's not incidental that I've never seen any sort of auto tab control in boats demanding a very careful handling of trim tabs, i.e. very fast sportboats - let alone, heaven forbid, racing boats!

 

[wipe_out]

The Mente also has a separate box and is wired up in a similar way, Bennett have always been sensible on their pricing, I wouldn't fit anything else.

I don't think the new one does.. Form their video they say al the electronics is built into the switch unit which is why the switch has to be mounted correctly..

 

[rubberduck]

Seems the leg trim Will only work on analogue systems ?

 

[aquapower]

I don't think the new one does.. Form their video they say al the electronics is built into the switch unit which is why the switch has to be mounted correctly..

I looked up the installation instructions, there's all you need to know about install on their website, the ACS A has separate box, the ACS R AND ACS RP connect direct to the switch