Trim Tab Problem!

[Alistairr]

The Port trim tab wouldn't work at the weekend, and ideas what too look for??

Ok, the boat hasn't moved in a year, but i had it running a couple of months ago and everything worked ok then, but not the Port tab now.

Is this fixable without lifting the boat?

All advice greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Al.

 

[AdeOlly]

Hi Al - presume you have the Eltrim electric tabs. Check the connectors in the engine bay on the inside of the transom, may be a broken wire or a short. If not and your dash display lights up correctly, it's likely that corrosion has caused the motor innards to seize up. I've replaced no less than five over the years on boats I've bought and it's been the same every time. The little rubber bellows start to leak water and even sand into the unit which corrodes and seizes. They are sealed units and cannot be repaired. You buy them from the company that took over the RYB chandlery in Windsor, and they about £150 each /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Nor can you really replace without a lift out....

I hate the sodding things. One day I'll buy a boat with another make of tab.

The way to avoid failure is to replace bellows every couple of years....

 

[Alistairr]

Yes they are Eltrim Tabs. On the dash i have 3 red lights, which is obviously the position it is jammed in.
So i presume you are suggesting its the motor then! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Bugger!

Thanks for the info,

Cheers

Al.

 

[AdeOlly]

Based on my experience, yes, but do check those connections as Sealine just use a terminal block.

 

[Alistairr]

IS the only place to get them from, the company that took over the RYB chandlery in Windsor that you mentioned??
And if i decided to change to the Automatic trimtabs, that i think Bennetts do, would both motors need changing?

Cheers

Al.

 

[Whitelighter]

Ali,

Bennetts tabs are hydraulic rather than electric. If you wanted to change you would have to change the whole system. The bennetts dealers are very very good however...

 

[Alistairr]

[ QUOTE ]
The bennetts dealers are very very good however...

[/ QUOTE ]

What, Would they travel to LL and fit it free of charge for me??? /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Cheers

Al.

 

[AdeOlly]

They are now trading as Tingdene marinas Ltd, and they are the sole importer as far as I know. FYI I paid £142.83 + VAT back in January.

 

[amf]

You can get automatic trim tab controllers for Eltrim trim tabs as well. We used to have one on our S23. You need to find space for hydraulic pump and reservoir if you go the Bennetts route and if your S24 is anything like the S23 there is very little room or sufficient access in engine bay.

 

[Remmington]

What about the LENCO Marine systems ?

 

[Mike21]

Hi Al
Had trouble like this before, problem been only the switches on the control panel, it wouldn't move when pressing the individual switch, but would when pressing the switch to drive both tabs together.

 

[pau1gray]

I sthe Eltrim the one that has the large black control box on the dash with a row of vertical green and red LED's??? I have that on my S23 but was really surprised when I found it was not attached to the dash last week - has something broken that stops it attaching to the dash???

 

[peterbird]

If it's been in the water for twelve months maybe they just need cleaning.

 

[halcyon]

You have a choice of, a relay, switch, fuse, joint fault in the control unit at the helm. You could have a broken wire, or joint failed in the cable to the transum. If the bellows have failed it could be the motor or gearbox in leg.
You need a multimeter and check voltage at the junction in the stern, check for motor voltage, if you need the cable id I have them somewhere.
Spares should be available via Sealine dealer, I also think one of two other people are handling them, if so a mail should appear.

Brian

 

[Alistairr]

[ QUOTE ]
Hi Al
Had trouble like this before, problem been only the switches on the control panel, it wouldn't move when pressing the individual switch, but would when pressing the switch to drive both tabs together.

[/ QUOTE ]

Tried pressing the both up/down buttons as well, and still nothing happened.

I will check all wiring and connection on our next visit, and then probably shell out for a new motor, as has been previously mentioned.

Thanks for all the info.

Cheers

Al.