Boat Leveler Trim Tab - Bad Hinge - Any Leads?

alexander38 · Post by **alexander38** » Sat Sep 17, 2011 11:54 am

1/20/2013, the day that we get new P.O.T.U.S.

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Sat Sep 17, 2011 3:02 pm

ahhhh - got it!

Tabman · Post by **Tabman** » Sat Sep 17, 2011 4:27 pm

Ross,

I received your E-mail this afternoon and sent the following reply:

Our Trim Tab assemblies are quite a bit different than Boat Leveler's. We do not use a piano hinge, instead we have interlocking mounting plates that do not have a pin. The actual dimensions of the closest Trim Tab we manufacture as "stock" is the TRP24 x 9 (actual measurements are 24" x 8-5/8"). I have attached a picture to give you and idea.

Have you tried Boat Leveler? They are in Saint Louis and likely have a replacement that will line up with the holes on the transom and the mounting for the actuator (ram).

I had not read this thread at Trojan Boats Net before I posted. So I have a couple of questions?

Are you replacing both Trim Plane? Normally if the hinge on one is failing the other is not far behind. As I mentioned we don't use piano hinges (they tend to be a weak point for corrosion).

If you are replacing both Trim Planes and don't mind drilling and filling holes to replace them with Bennett I can take a look and see if we have any 24 x 9 in our "scratch and scuff" inventory. These are slightly blemished ones we sell to the public at 50% off. I won't know if we have that size until I can check with the factory Monday morning. If you are interested let me know.

Tom McGow
Bennett Marine

koviak · Post by **koviak** » Sat Sep 17, 2011 7:07 pm

Rossjo, yes these are what I have. Send me another PM with your mailing address and I will send them to you no charge, you just cover shipping cost after you get them.

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Sun Sep 18, 2011 8:46 am

Dennis -

I REALLY appreciate it, as I don't wan to fill/drill to go to the Bennet hole pattern.

Are you hinges in good shape? MY divers says the other side looks good - it appears this side hung on something (a line perhaps?) and got ripped.

I'll PM my address to you ...

Tabman - appreciate the help on your side as well, and wonder if I could just drill new hole sin the tab mounts that match my holes, so I don't end up with more holes in my transom. The extra 1inch (9 v

might be helpful in planing out initially.

Tabman · Post by **Tabman** » Tue Sep 20, 2011 8:11 am

Ross,

Drilling out the mounts would be a fair amount of work, since there is a hinge plate and a backing plate so that's two pieces of stainless. The extra inch would help, but not a lot. If you were going to enlarge the Trim Tabs to 24 x 12 it would be worth the effort.

It sounds like getting those Boat Levelers is the way to go. . .

Tom
Bennett Marine

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Tue Sep 20, 2011 9:57 am

Tom,

We'll see how it works out. As you can imagine, I don't want to drill any more holes in my 39 year old transom.

The 12x24 tabs might be a nice upgrade. I have 12x18's on my 26, and they work great!

Scorpyon · Post by **Scorpyon** » Tue Sep 20, 2011 6:35 pm

Tom this is directed at you. I have a F25 1973 and this is its trim tab unit. the flow valve u see here is shot, is there a replacement available for this hydraulic unit or do i have to replace the whole system?

Any advice/options u can offere will be a great help. My email addy is bleeding_arts@hotmail.com.

Thanks

alexander38 · Post by **alexander38** » Tue Sep 20, 2011 6:54 pm

if you shoot Tabman a pm he'll most likely get to you sooner...

Scorpyon · Post by **Scorpyon** » Tue Sep 20, 2011 7:00 pm

ok, thanks mate!

Tabman · Post by **Tabman** » Thu Sep 22, 2011 8:44 am

Scorpyon,

Wow, that is an original unit from '73. In fact we stopped making it that year! The solenoid valves we used back then have a finer thread than the ones we use now so we no longer have any replacements.

But Boat Leveler uses the same solenoid valves on their current systems, here's a picture:

They can be used as a replacement. They have a green or white wire and you can use either color. Do a Google search for Boat Leveler Solenoid Valve and you will find quite a few places that sell them.

I hope this is helpful.

Tom McGow
Bennett Marine

Scorpyon · Post by **Scorpyon** » Thu Sep 22, 2011 4:39 pm

Thanks Tom...that was great help!

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Thu Sep 22, 2011 5:08 pm

They have great suport for sure just helped out on 45 viking issue . Bennett is #1 in my book

Scorpyon · Post by **Scorpyon** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 5:10 pm

So i was out on the boat in my drive way today and decided to test to see if it was a bad ground on the flow solenoid by hard wiring it to the battery. Funny but i can hear it just trying to click open. i am wondering if a shot of WD-40 wouldnt help it. I t seems the electrical side of the valve is functional, but may be seized in place. So i am going to attempt to free the solenoid valve first. I am uncertain whether this will correct the issue but i figure its at least worth the effort. I found one place online that only wants 45 dollars for the part and the rest are between 63 and 68 dollars. I am searching to find a supplier in canada to expedite shipping if this all fails.
I wonder though, if i wd 40 the valve, do i run the risk of degenerating the hydraulic seal and if i do, how long could it last. I have an education to speak of(4 college ones in fact) so would rebuilding the unit from contemporary supplies be more beneficial. I am limited on my funding so the cheap easy option is the one i am going for. Hopefully reliability doesnt suffer as a result.

I must say though. I LOVE THIS FORA! incredible input by some very wise people. thx for the help everyone

Tabman · Post by **Tabman** » Sat Sep 24, 2011 9:43 am

You will notice that there are 4 relays on the panel, make sure that they are sending power to that valve. If you remove the solenoid you can inspect the valve seat to see if it is fouled. I would not spray wd-40 or anything else in the valve itself.

If you can wait until Monday I will see if I can dig up the original troubleshooting guide for that unit, we haven't made them since '73 so I can't do it by memory.

By the way the relays on the system can be replaced if need be by Ford starter relays, so if the pump still operates, rebuilding is an option.

Tom
Bennett Marine