Damaged Trim Tabs

[denpooch]

Hey Folks,
I was going to wait until the 'winter doldrums' to post this one but I am too interested in getting feedback from all of you. I very much appreciate your insights.
When I pulled the boat for storage, I noticed that the port trim tab was damaged. It was obviously bent as compared to the starboard side. I did not hit anything ( I would have noticed that), but we were on a couple of trips where she 'was a rocking'!
They are Bennett tabs 22x12.
Has anyone ever come across this or had this happen? In my boating experience, this is a new one.
I did call Bennett and they suggested that 'water pressure' could cause this. They mentioned that offer a new designed tab that has a 90 degree 'up-bend' on the edges. They tell me that will help negate this issue.
Any thought?
Also, as I will be replacing the port side tab

Port Trim Tab.2.jpg

(about $175.00 USD plus labor), would you replace the starboard as well?
Thanks.

[bud37]

The price you quoted seems pretty reasonable.You could upgrade , maybe get some better performance.
I might check the mounting screws at least if you don't replace them.......

[mjk1040]

Personally I would block it up and bend it back. Could pop rivet a band across the top of the tab to stiffen it. But if you think the tabs have lost some integrity over the years, then maybe replacement is in order. The new 90 degree ones seem to be the latest thing. I think they also can be ties to a gyro to automatically compensate on their own.

[Midnightsun]

I think they realized a single point on a wide tab is just not strong enough. Never measured mine but would gestimate 12" x 24". There are dual rams on my tabs.

[Daysawasten]

Apologies for the unrelated question.....in the pictures you included, can you tell me what the metal stay/strap behind the trim tab actuator is? We just hauled our boat and it has the same thing. We didn't notice them when our boat was surveyed. Our mechanic said he had never seen them in his 30 years working on boats.

[Viper]

It's a retention device used to take the load off the actuator when running the boat in reverse. In reverse, the water wants to push the tab down, this will force the actuator to extend. The strap limits the movement and takes the load so the water pressure isn't loading up the ram after it bottoms out. More common on charter boats but I do see them on the odd pleasure boat.

[Chance Encounter]

Two comments. I have a spare set of 12x22 complete kit excluding cylinders. Willing to sell. Second comment. Keeper cables on trim tabs are a MUST. Without them the entire tab could be ripped off the boat in reverse. The larger the tab the more necessary they are.

[denpooch]

Hey there CE. I have already purchased the replacements but appreciate the offer,
The new tabs have a 90 up bend on each side of the tab. Certainly looks like it will be an effective reinforcement.
Thanks.