Smoking gun...or leaking tabs

[JBF 1962]

Re: Smoking gun...or leaking tabs

It sure does Tom. This hydrofoil thing is a huge subject for debate at my yacht club. There's alot of boats that are bigger than mine, but with smaller tabs...could be thier problem. Here's a pic of mine which i'm guessing are 12 x 9 though I haven't measured. Do they look correct for a 24' cruiser?

 

[Tabman]

Re: Smoking gun...or leaking tabs

John,

They look a bit wider than 12 x 9, I think they are 18 x 9 or perhaps 16 x 9. If they are 18 x 9 then they are at the top of our recommended sizing guides. We recommend 18 x 9 for boats 19 to 24 feet. If it were my boat I would consider retro-fitting a set of 18 x 12 Trim Tabs which we recommend for boats 22 - 27 feet.

But if you feel that the current Trim Tabs give you all the lift you need and can hold the bow down a lower speeds then ther is really no reason to change them out.

You are correct about boats with Trim Tabs we consider too small fitting hydrofoils, fitting those boats with larger Trim Tabs and no foil is much more efficient.

 

[JBF 1962]

Re: Smoking gun...or leaking tabs

Thanks so much Tom, I'm going to measure them. Is it difficult to upgrade to the 18 x 12? Based on your recommendation, that's what I'd like to have on my boat. My brothers 1980 26' Wellcraft (255 suncruiser) has much smaller tabs (Bennett's also) than mine which is probably why he feels he needs the hydrofoil

 

[Tabman]

Re: Smoking gun...or leaking tabs

Thanks so much Tom, I'm going to measure them. Is it difficult to upgrade to the 18 x 12? Based on your recommendation, that's what I'd like to have on my boat. My brothers 1980 26' Wellcraft (255 suncruiser) has much smaller tabs (Bennett's also) than mine which is probably why he feels he needs the hydrofoil

John,

Changing to an 18 x 12 from a 18 x 9 is very easy. You simply need to take off the mounting plates that hold the old Trim Tab to the transom and put the new Trim Tabs on using the same mounting plates. The actuator (ram) does not have to be moved as there is an angle to attach it to rivited to the 18 x 12 the same distance out as the 18 x9. The 18 x 12 extends 3" out past the angle.

You will need two each Part Number TPO1812 to make the swap.

Tom McGow
Bennett Marine

 

[JBF 1962]

Re: Smoking gun...or leaking tabs

Once again, thank you kind sir. I'll find out who my local Bennett dealer is and get them on order!
Can't wait to try them out, May is getting closer by the day. haha

John

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Smoking gun...or leaking tabs

I think the problem was the missing and loose screws. They all have to be in place and tight, a missing or loose screw would cause one Trim Tab not to work properly.

The "burning" you see is normal, remember when distributors had "points"? You can clean them if you like.

I would wager that if you clean the positive bar and make sure that all four screws are in place and tight the system will work.

When I reassemble the switch do I want to use dielectric grease or something?

 

[Tabman]

Re: Smoking gun...or leaking tabs

A shot of an anti-corrosion spray such as T-9, Corrosion Block, or what ever you prefer would be a good idea.