trim tab controls

[rjr]

Has anyone changed the controls for the trim tabs? I have the little buttons and have purchased the rocker type controls. Looks like the hole for the rocker set may be a little bigger than the existing opening. True?

Also, is there a trick for removing the base for the button controls?

Thanx in advance.

[bud37]

Who is the maker of the tabs?

[km1125]

I assume these are Bennett tabs? I've done the switch twice, once on an older boat and once on the bridge on the one I have now. I don't recall having to make the hole larger, but it's possible as it's been years since I did it.

I definitely prefer the rockers over the push buttons. I still have the push buttons at my lower station, but mostly I'm up on the bridge. A friend of mine made a machined aluminum cover for the button style that looks really nice.

As to your other question about removing the base.... I don't recall it being an issue. I thought you just took the cover off and there were a couple screws holding the assembly down. Next time I'm at the boat I can take a better look though.

[rjr]

bud37 they are Bennett tabs.

[rjr]

Thanx. Will give it a shot tomorrow.

[tomschauer]

I have the rocker type switches. I seem to use my tabs maybe twice per year. Once before launch to make sure they work and maybe once more if I have more than 8 people on the boat and they all move to one side while I am on plane. Otherwise my boat seems to run pretty flat, and any tab actually slows me down and uses more fuel according to the flow scan.

[rjr]

Well 2 things - 1) I attempted the switch and it turned into a goat rope. In order to get the cover off, I had to break it. The base is coming off in pieces. No screws but apparently lots of glue. Then I found out I could pull the rubber button up but in doing so the bayonet type connectors disengaged. When I saw that one wire was connected to both down switches and after looking at the replacement unit, I called the electronics guy. More later.
2)Tom - of it uses more fuel! It's like a penalty for attempting to get the boat to perform properly.

[rjr]

So I found out the cover was held in place by a single bolt accessible from under the console. Who knew? And why would that method of fastening be used? The rocker base is held in place by four screws inserted from the TOP! Needed to enlarge the opening minimally and the wiring was straightforward.

[bud37]

Well that sounds about right....there are no straight bolt ons without some form of engineering near as I can tell.....the bright side , now you get to find out if the tabs make a difference in performance.....