Automatic trim tab control

Stray Current

Stray Current

Well-Known Member
Oct 27, 2019
1,986
SWFL
Boat Info
2007 260DA
Engines
‘07 6.2 Horizon MPI / ‘24 SeaCore Bravo III - ‘07
Kohler 5ECD
I am considering an automatic trim tab control system for my boat. Between it being a narrow beam 21° hull, and being somewhat top-heavy my hand rarely comes off the tab control.


I’m considering three different options and I’m wondering if any of you have any input?

One user in here spoke positively of the Mente Marine controller. I like the idea for the simplicity, but it doesn’t have a tab position indicator for NMEA2K output.

I’ve considered a Lenco electric tab conversion with a AutoGlide. I like the fact that it is N2K enabled andd also uses GPS input. It would also allow me to view my tab position on the LED indicators, as well as the Simrad display. I’m a sucker for that kind of thing! I wet slip year-round, so I do have reservations about electric tabs.

Finally, the Bennett system would require new actuators with indicators. I have very rarely heard of anybody ever having problems with Bennett hydraulic tabs in the wet slip. This would also have N2K functionality. This is the medium price option, which I am leaning towards.

Mostly, I’m just interested in hearing input from anybody who has an auto tab system, good or bad
 
Following.

I was considering Mente as a dock neighbor was selling a system he never installed before selling. Another dock neighbor snapped it up and has been happy with it although it's a on a 44 and may not get the workout it would a 26.

Curious about the GPS feature on the Lenco...what does that do for trim tabs? I have reservations about electric tabs in the water 24/7.

I thought Bennett discontinued the N2K tab mod kit?
 
dtfeld said:
Following.

I was considering Mente as a dock neighbor was selling a system he never installed before selling. Another dock neighbor snapped it up and has been happy with it although it's a on a 44 and may not get the workout it would an d 26.

Curious about the GPS feature on the Lenco...what does that do for trim tabs? I have reservations about electric tabs in the water 24/7.

I thought Bennett discontinued the N2K tab mod kit?
Click to expand...

From what I remember reading, it uses either a standalone GPS mushroom or your n2K data to prevent the system from trying to correct list in a turn. It also senses rapid deceleration and fully extend the tabs in a panic stop situation to help slow the boat down.

It also uses speed input with the accelerometer and gyro for optimum efficiency. Not sure how it would be able to determine optimum efficiency without also reading fuel flow.
 
Was looking to upgrade my bennet system just to get tab position indicators but gave up the idea when I learned it required new acutators and I have very poor access inside the transom.
 
A few things on this:

I put this system in last year, but the one without the fav1 fav2 buttons. Works awesome. https://bennetttrimtabs.com/product/autotrimpro/

I really love the all down button, one touch and I'm down. The fav1 and fav2 version is perfect for storing different trims. And both version auto retract when you shut the boat down.

Bennett did stop making the N2K sensors but Garmin has N2K converters that will tie into the regular position active rams. I added these as well and the trim shows up on my display(s).

With regard to electric trim tabs, I would not even consider them for 24/7/365 water boat. They are made for trailer boats.


trim-tab.jpg


EDIT: This is what I ended up with but it doesn't auto level.
https://bennetttrimtabs.com/product/integrated-helm-control-hydraulic/
 
I have the first generation Bennett ATC system. It has been great to have. Keeps the boat level really well. I have had it since 2010. The last year or so the switch pad has started to act up and I have to hold the on button down for about 8 seconds to get it to go on. I bought another used pad to try but haven’t installed it yet.

When I bought that system it did not require new actuators or anything. It came with an electronic level “cube” you install low in the boat and then the ATC wires just plugged into the Bennett control unit.
 
SKybolt said:
A few things on this:

I put this system in last year, but the one without the fav1 fav2 buttons. Works awesome. https://bennetttrimtabs.com/product/autotrimpro/

I really love the all down button, one touch and I'm down. The fav1 and fav2 version is perfect for storing different trims. And both version auto retract when you shut the boat down.

Bennett did stop making the N2K sensors but Garmin has N2K converters that will tie into the regular position active rams. I added these as well and the trim shows up on my display(s).

With regard to electric trim tabs, I would not even consider them for 24/7/365 water boat. They are made for trailer boats.


View attachment 149804

EDIT: This is what I ended up with but it doesn't auto level.
https://bennetttrimtabs.com/product/integrated-helm-control-hydraulic/
Click to expand...

oh, I’m gonna need to find a picture of that whole updated dash
 
Stray Current said:
Yeah, that’s how I’d do it too. Love it!
Click to expand...

Thanks, there is also a remote for the screens to the right of the helm seat. Super functional, I played around with placement for a complete season before I had the dash made up.
 
Stray Current said:
I am considering an automatic trim tab control system for my boat. Between it being a narrow beam 21° hull, and being somewhat top-heavy my hand rarely comes off the tab control.


I’m considering three different options and I’m wondering if any of you have any input?

One user in here spoke positively of the Mente Marine controller. I like the idea for the simplicity, but it doesn’t have a tab position indicator for NMEA2K output.

I’ve considered a Lenco electric tab conversion with a AutoGlide. I like the fact that it is N2K enabled andd also uses GPS input. It would also allow me to view my tab position on the LED indicators, as well as the Simrad display. I’m a sucker for that kind of thing! I wet slip year-round, so I do have reservations about electric tabs.

Finally, the Bennett system would require new actuators with indicators. I have very rarely heard of anybody ever having problems with Bennett hydraulic tabs in the wet slip. This would also have N2K functionality. This is the medium price option, which I am leaning towards.

Mostly, I’m just interested in hearing input from anybody who has an auto tab system, good or bad
Click to expand...
I have the Mente Marine in my 2006 260.
I love it. Does exactly what it says. Here is a short clip of it in operation.
Watch bottom right hand corner.
 
I changed my Bennet actuators for the sensor units and have them connected to NMEA 2000 via Garmin dongles. I then installed the Mente Marine controller. Like the OP, I was attracted to the Mente, but wanted to also see the trim position on my MFD.
 
I've used the Bennet product and currently have the mente marine. Mente marine is hands down the way to go. Easy to install, intuitive and it works. Had a buddy installe mente on a 51 Prestige. Worked like a charm even on the larger boat.
 
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