Hydraulic trim tabs

jasoncooperpcola

jasoncooperpcola

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Found a set of almost new Lenco hydraulic trim tabs off an 87 V20. Seller wants $250. I will offer him $200 and I remove them. My question, should I stay away from the hydraulic tabs or jump on them?
 
A few of my local friends here have told me that the Bennett hydraulic tabs are better but a pain to install. My buddy Tyler just installed a set of the Lenco electric tabs and said it was super easy and his ride is completely different. It was a basic install that didn't require a hydraulic fluid cylinder to added and maintained. The price seems somewhat comparable buying them new from what I've seen so far. If anyone gets a verdict on which is truly better or knows the pros and cons, please share. If the hydraulic is a pain but lasts longer without problems, I would rather deal with the install and be happy with the long term results. If one doesn't outlast the other or if there is no performance issues, I would definitely rather take the easy install and put an electric one on.
 
Bennett has some of the best customer service in the boating industry. Tom, aka "Tabman" as he is know on many of the forums is extemely helpful with answering questions not only about choosing the right tabs for the right boat but also when it comes to the install.

I installed my Bennett 10x12 sport tabs in about 3 hours. The install was pretty straight forward. I watched the video a couple of times and took my time and everything came out great. I did alot of research before I chose Bennett. From what I read, Bennett seems to hold up better in saltwater. The Lencos are faster to respond, easier to install but dont hold up well in saltwater. I actually prefer the slower response time of the hydraulic tab, it gives a more gradual adjustment in the boats attitude.
 
I have had both, never replaced anything on the Bennett Hydraulic although I did have a sticky tab on the Whaler that I sold. Lenco, I have had to replace an actuator due to water intrusion (causing the little electric motor housed inside to rust out and die.) Never had to add any oil to the Bennett pump, never a leak. Same holds true for the pump on all of my Bob's Hydraulic jack plates, just lucky I guess. Install it, fill it with oil and they just work.
 
I have done a little research on the tabs and one thing I noticed was the electric guys always point their finger at the hydraulic lines and say "what if they leak" Here is my opinion on that. How often do you hear of a hydraulic steering system leaking and causing a crash? I imagine if it leaks it will be a slow leak and then that comes to maintenance or installation error such as a chafed hose. Hydraulic does seem to be a better option simply because you do not have an electric motor submergred all the time.
 
Electric over hydraulic describes the Bennett Tabs. The switch on the dash operates the electric motor which turns a pump that sends hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinder mounted at the transom.

Lenco's are pure electro mechanical. I have never seen any hydraulic Lenco's. They have a nylon threaded bolt and nut arrangement inside that gives the electric motor a mechanical advantage.

For $200, you can't buy either one new. It is your call. Either will work, both are well supported by the manufacturer. Bennett is prolly the best but harder to install due to the pump placement.
 
Waiting on an email about their age. That will determine my offer.

Thanks for the info Ridge. I had a feeling it meant something to do with the switches just was not sure.
 
They are four years old. The complete setup is there, switches to tabs. Might have to get new hoses due to his V being a center console. $200 may be a little high but the set retails over $500. I still need to find out the size of them. Already a tight area on the transom with the megabracket.
 
jasoncooperpcola said:
They are four years old. The complete setup is there, switches to tabs. Might have to get new hoses due to his V being a center console. $200 may be a little high but the set retails over $500. I still need to find out the size of them. Already a tight area on the transom with the megabracket.
Click to expand...

Jason, several years back I got a set of Bennets from Spareparts used for $250...w/no instructions installed them and they worked great...then pulled em off that hull, put them on the 21 hull and again, worked great....A friend just replaced an actuator on his Lenco electrics been on since 2006...all freshwater use, plus stores on a lift...if you can get those for 200, do it...:clap:
 
Mine are 5 years old now and always in the salt, not one issue!! They are Bennets and work great on the Ox. Adjustment on that boat takes a count of 1 and makes a differences!
Install was not that hard, except getting them bled, make sure after install yo ck often to be sure the oil is full! After a few times they will be fine and no worries. I have never added a drop to mine in 5 years! When putting lines together I used Teflon tape on all connections!

Tools to remove will be Philips head screws, wrenches, a few rags to clean up fluid, maybe a pry bar if they are like mine with a ton of 5200. Maybe vice grips in case one or more screws get stuck in there and you strip the head?
 
Here is a pic.

image-3667220017.jpg


He also has a Furuno 600L bottom machine for sale, are they any good?
 
I had a Furuno 620 and loved it! But sold it when I bought my Garmin 4210 all in one, Radar, Chart plotter, and sounder, I bought a wire to convert my thur hull ducer to Garmin so I did not have to go thur that again!!
 
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