11 Meter Trim Tabs Anyone ever upgrade? Follow-up !

[Obaby]

I have a 11 Meter Cruiser and replaced the Trim Tab "Single" actuators several times over the last 5 years. Regardless, has anyone UPGRADED THE TRIM TABS ??? Larger and with Dual Actuators would be my preference. This boat is too heavy for those dinky factory trim tabs.

If so, please let me know

Thanks guys .
Patrick
San Diego,Ca

[prowlersfish]

I know a few 10 meter owners have gone with larger tabs 1 switch from boat levelers to Bennett tabs but stayed with a single actuator . normally they are trouble free ( both brands )

Tabman ( Bennett rep ) stops by here perhaps he can help with any issues .

[Tabman]

I have a 11 Meter Cruiser and replaced the Trim Tab "Single" actuators several times over the last 5 years. Regardless, has anyone UPGRADED THE TRIM TABS ??? Larger and with Dual Actuators would be my preference. This boat is too heavy for those dinky factory trim tabs.

If so, please let me know

Thanks guys .
Patrick
San Diego,Ca

Patrick,

Can you tell me what size your current Trim Tabs are? Also are they Bennett or Boat Leveler? A photo of them would be great. Let me know and we will go from there!

Tom

[7421f]

Obaby I am working on my 84 11 meter express tabs now. I would agree that they are way too small for our big boats, but have been told the Delta Conic hulls don't need more. I disagree. I have to run tabs full down to get the best results on my flo-scan, and I am running 4 blade 23" X 24"props behind frest 454's. My factory tabs are Boat Leveler brand, 8" X 24" single cylinder. I don't think longer tabs will work given the placement of the rudders. I am installing some 12" X 24" with 3" drop fins to the existing factory tabs. I made them from 11 ga 304 stainless. I too am interested in Tabman's recommendations. Please let us know which way you go and the results and I will do the same.

Hey Tabman, would there be a discernible difference to bolting on the larger tabs as opposed to welding them to the existing factory ones? Can't help but be curious if the stove bolt heads will create drag and disrupt the smooth flow of water much more than welding.

[prowlersfish]

I would remove and replace the complete tab . But I don't think The bolt head would be a lot of drag .

[RWS]

Tabman helped me in 2003 to swap out the tabs on my 10 meter

The new tab was approx. 3" longer and had DROP FINS

HUGE difference and improvement !

This was a direct BOLT IN installation, using factory actuators and factory everything !

THANKS AGAIN TABMAN !

Bennett Rocks!

[Obaby]

Wow thanks guys, I didn't expect so many replies during January !!!

Tabman- I have 8x24" tabs but I'm not sure of the MFR. How do you tell ? I know they're original..

Unfortunately I'm still in the water..(San Diego is 80 degrees at the moment, sorry to rub it it ) Will a in-water photo be enough ? or is there a way to tell....?

Anyhow, appreciate the help.. and I'm ready to purchase.

Thanks
Patrick

[Tabman]

Wow thanks guys, I didn't expect so many replies during January !!!

Tabman- I have 8x24" tabs but I'm not sure of the MFR. How do you tell ? I know they're original..

Unfortunately I'm still in the water..(San Diego is 80 degrees at the moment, sorry to rub it it ) Will a in-water photo be enough ? or is there a way to tell....?

Anyhow, appreciate the help.. and I'm ready to purchase.

Thanks
Patrick

Patrick,

One way to tell is to look at the HPU (pump).



Also the Boat Levelers have exposed rubber hoses outside the transom and the Bennetts usually have no tubing visible outside the transom.

Tom
Bennett Marine

[Tabman]

Obaby I am working on my 84 11 meter express tabs now. I would agree that they are way too small for our big boats, but have been told the Delta Conic hulls don't need more. I disagree. I have to run tabs full down to get the best results on my flo-scan, and I am running 4 blade 23" X 24"props behind frest 454's. My factory tabs are Boat Leveler brand, 8" X 24" single cylinder. I don't think longer tabs will work given the placement of the rudders. I am installing some 12" X 24" with 3" drop fins to the existing factory tabs. I made them from 11 ga 304 stainless. I too am interested in Tabman's recommendations. Please let us know which way you go and the results and I will do the same.

Hey Tabman, would there be a discernible difference to bolting on the larger tabs as opposed to welding them to the existing factory ones? Can't help but be curious if the stove bolt heads will create drag and disrupt the smooth flow of water much more than welding.

I don't think the bolt heads will create appreciable drag. But with all the overlapping metal, be sure to keep good zinc anodes on them as they may invite crevasse corrosion.

Tom
Bennett Marine

[Obaby]

Thanks Tabman...


Yes I have the Boat Leveler version .......!!!

[Obaby]

Ok Guys, getting hauled out next Wednesday.

My shop is recommending the Bennet over the Leveler system. Not sure of the comparisons but I'll grab some photos and come back before deciding ..

Thanks for the help
Patrick

[RWS]

survey says:

BENNETT !!

hands down !

RWS

[prowlersfish]

Both are good systems , But only Bennett has Tabman . He has help lots of us .

So to me its a no brainer Go Bennett . Because support is everything .

[Obaby]

Follow-up..

Well I went with the Bennett 12 x 30" tabs as suggested and they fit perfectly. Finally this boat will have the proper sized trim tabs.

Thanks for all the help guys... Cant wait to test the performance...

Patrick

[7421f]

Looks good. I am very interested in the results. I went with 12 x 24 with drop fins. I was concerned about rudder clearance with the 3" drop fins.I too am awaiting testing and will post results as well.