Thinking about fitting trim tabs to a new Merry Fisher 695..

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wipe_out

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As the subject says I am thinking about fitting trim tabs to our new Merry Fisher 695..

Seems the two options are Bennett and Lenco.. From what I can see Lenco appear more popular on new boats which makes sense I guess being a simpler install.. Had Bennett tabs on the last boat and had no issue so I suppose there is little difference between the two and it's really just what you prefer..

At this stage I would lean toward the Lenco's for the simpler install and because access to the inside of the transom is very limited so might have to route the wires externally up the transom and then in through a gland somewhere..

Motivations are..
1) Being able to level the boat when people move around because is a small boat and does get affected by weight distribution quite easily..
2) Being able to more effectively keep the bow lower to slice through chop than using the outboard trim.
3) Hopefully have a lower plaining speed for crossing Poole Harbour (10kn limit). Currently have to do about 5kn or inefficiently push a bow wave..

What are your thoughts? Does is sound like a good idea for a small boat?

Next thought is to have automatic tab control although this is an expensive add-on and I am not sure it's worth it on a small boat.. The Mente control seems the best option but it costs more the the complete tab kit.. Do you think auto tab control is worth the price tag?

Thanks for any thoughts..
 
Lencos are electric and seem to fail quite easily whereas Bennett are hydraulic and in my experience more reliable. I really wouldn't bother with automatic tab control on a boat so small though I would get tab position indicators if not fitted as standard.

I doubt you'll get on plane at 10knots just by fitting tabs so it's really about stabilising the boat with an uneven load.
 
I've only ever had Bennett trim tabs,but they've been bullet proof reliable on all the boats I've had. Current boat is 10 years old,with no issues with tabs.

On that basis I'd stick with what I know and recommend Bennett.
 
+1 for hydraulics.

Had Bennett on previous boat and Instatrim Boat Leveler on the current, both working well.

Worth comparing prices :cool:
 
I Had Bennett Hydraulic tabs retro fitted to my old prestige 36, never had any problems with them.

I did spend the extra on having the auto control and found I never really used it, I'd save your money and wouldn't bother with it.
 
Definitely fit tabs, the torque of the single outboard causes my boat to tilt. Also the crew can sit where they want and you simply alter the trim. You can also push the nose down when going in to a chop.

I had to replace the control box for my lenco tabs. It was very simple but I believe it is s very common problem.
 
Just to let you all know Bennett now makes BOLT electric Trim Tab systems in addition to our classic hydraulic systems. More info here http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/bolt/ Both our Electric and Classic Hydraulic systems have lifetime warranties on their actuators.

Tom McGow
Bennett Marine
 
Hmmm.. Certainly seems Bennett have a strong reputation..

The issue with hydraulics is that from what I have seen you have to be able to access the inside of the transom where the actuator mounts so that the hydraulic line can be connected after the actuator is mounted.. On the MF695 there is no access to the inside of the transom so I wouldn't be able to connect the hydraulic line, unless they can be connected before the actuator is screwed to the transom.. This is why I was leaning towards the electric tabs..

I guess I need to do some research on the install options and dig around the boat and see how much access I can get to the feed the pipes or wires through..
 
wipe_out said:
Hmmm.. Certainly seems Bennett have a strong reputation..

The issue with hydraulics is that from what I have seen you have to be able to access the inside of the transom where the actuator mounts so that the hydraulic line can be connected after the actuator is mounted.. On the MF695 there is no access to the inside of the transom so I wouldn't be able to connect the hydraulic line, unless they can be connected before the actuator is screwed to the transom.. This is why I was leaning towards the electric tabs..

I guess I need to do some research on the install options and dig around the boat and see how much access I can get to the feed the pipes or wires through..
Click to expand...

Which type do they fit if you spec trim tabs from brand new?
 
I'm very keen to hear how this turns out. Please do post an update if you go ahead and if it solves the chop question.
 
wipe_out said:
Hmmm.. Certainly seems Bennett have a strong reputation..

The issue with hydraulics is that from what I have seen you have to be able to access the inside of the transom where the actuator mounts so that the hydraulic line can be connected after the actuator is mounted.
Click to expand...

Bennett can supply actuators that have the hydraulic pipes attached to the upper hinges externally, and this is exactly how my tabs are fitted to my 6m motorboat.......feel free to PM me if you'd like to see a photo of my set-up, as I can't seem to upload one to this thread!

Cheers, Allan
 
I'm having the area of the swim ladder attachment on my MF645 reinforced and access is by removing the fuel tank. I don't know the 695 intimately, but I would be surprised if you could not do the same.
 
rwoofer said:
I'm having the area of the swim ladder attachment on my MF645 reinforced and access is by removing the fuel tank. I don't know the 695 intimately, but I would be surprised if you could not do the same.
Click to expand...

That sounds like open heart surgery!! I haven't looked but that would probably require the wood box that covers the tank to be cut out and then redone after the job is complete..
 
wipe_out said:
That sounds like open heart surgery!! I haven't looked but that would probably require the wood box that covers the tank to be cut out and then redone after the job is complete..
Click to expand...

On mine there is a temporary bulkhead that just unscrews. Would be surprised if they haven't done the same on the 695.
 
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