Trim Tabs

[AsLan7]

I was contemplating whether to go with Smart Tabs or electric...Obviously Smart Tabs are easier to install, and reviews are great for them, but I also like the idea of having control over the electric ones. We wakeboard a lot, and being able to fully retract the tabs is a must as they flatten the wake. The Smart Tabs I'd have to get in the water and manually lock them in the up position.

Anyone have experience with both to give a comparison?

I've never used the "poor man's" tabs that are fixed with manual locks. Your Cobalt deserves the electric ones IMHO. We installed Bennett electric ones last year and we really like them. Our prior Cobalt 262 had the Bennett hydraulic. You really can't tell the difference between the two systems (hydraulic vs electric). I also like the auto retract feature of our current ones. Two thumbs up for the electric. Receipt says Tabs were $599.99 and the controller was $434.09. Total with labor came to $1189. I think you can definitely do better on the price but for $1,000, it is worth every penny to be able to balance loads, change wakes, change ride, and change holeshot characteristics.

.

Way off topic. What drive shower are you running? And a bravo X drive? Is that factory?

.
No woriies Avkcveloresloijul;kjl;pouilkjl;kjopiu. It's what we do here.


Simrek Drive Shower is the best in the business. Bravo III drives like to run on the hotter side. Easy install and worth the money. Discussed here: http://www.cobaltchat.com/viewtopic.php ... lit=simrek
AND
here...
http://www.cobaltchat.com/viewtopic.php ... lit=simrek
.
Purchase here....
http://www.driveshowers.com/
.

Install & action shots here...
.



.
Yes, Mercruiser Bravo X drive is for higher horsepower (> 400HP) applications. Just a few chimney supports added internally & ribbed top cap externally.
Specs are compared with the Bravo (non X version) drive at the bottom of my post on page 5 here....
http://www.cobaltchat.com/viewtopic.php ... ive#p35385

.


.....and finally, to bring this thread back on topic, 60 second time lapse video of Bennett electric trim tab install here.....
url]https://vimeo.com/287119688/6a87d06f19[/url]



.
ENJOY!





.

[akorcovelos]

Not even close to the worst my name has been spelled, lol.

I definitely need a drive shower. I noticed the gear lube had boiled over when I was winterizing.

[Cobaltfan]

From pictures of other R5's with them installed, it looks like they use the Standard Lenco 12" square trim tabs, is that right? Anyone have a pic of where the trim tab switch is mounted inside? Do they use the LED switch?

[Stagdad]

I don't know about Cobalts, they are supposed to ride so nice anyway. But on my last boat Stingray 190, It was almost unusable unless conditions were perfect. I put on the gas actuator Nauticus Smart Tabs and it was a whole different boat! Rough water handling and slower plane and cruising speeds 100% better. Definitely would like the lateral control for uneven loading. "Uh could you guys move to the starboard side please and two of you move to the bow?" Maybe on an R7 not needed but couldn't hurt.

[Wes]

I’m looking at the Bennett AutoTrim Pro system. Does anyone have this auto trim system installed?

Moderator note: there's a big difference between Bennett AutoTrim, which is an electrical controller that automatically adjusts regular trim tabs adjustable with switches for various conditions, and self-leveling trim tabs that are not adjustable but essentially just spring-loaded.

[Ytmsn]

Hi Wes. I have Bennetts but not the auto system. If it's just a hydraulic shock I'd rethink it. If you're going to the effort and expense, you'll want to be able to adjust them. If you've never ran trim tabs before you'll see what a game changer they are, especially with an uneven load or when the water is rough.

The auto system helps, but not nearly as much as having a switch to raise them up or down. Just my .02

[Tuscany]

I agree. I think the auto feature really defeats efficiency . They do create a lot of drag, so ours remain retraced unless needed. I’m not sure any auto feature can determine the needs of the passengers.

[slideruleracer]

The Bennet Autotrim actually uses a sensor to detect the tilt of the boat and adjusts tabs to suit. For what it's worth, I'm planning to install the electric Bennet Autotrim system (the bolt actuators) in the spring. I'll make sure I record a complete install....

[Wes]

Slide rule racer:
Did you install the Bennet Autotrim system?

[slideruleracer]

Mostly.. I discovered that the starboard trim tab hinge plate was bent, so I haven't completely finished the installation of that trim tab yet, but all of the actuators, controller and switch are in and appear to be working in my driveway. I haven't splashed the boat yet this season, so I haven't gone through the teaching process with the controller.