23' CC trim tab selection

[ripndip]

Hello, I would greatly appreciate any information regarding trim tab selection for my 23' CC with twin 150 HPDI's on 6" setback manual jackplates. I am currently running 12x12 Bennetts mounted fully outboard which I upgraded from the 12x9's that came on the boat. I feel like more tab would definitely help due to the stern weight and extra equipment I have on board (AGM batteries, fresh water tank, radar, two anchors, etc etc) I was looking at the Lenco heavy duty 12x16, or the Lenco high performance 12x18. The 12x18 is similar to a "K plane" and has a pointed end. I have spoken with Lenco and they told me there would be little difference in performance between these two tab sizes due to the taper of the 12x18. I like Bennett trim tabs, but I don't think they have anything like these without going to two actuators per plane. I also like the speed of the Lencos and the built in indicators/no hydraulics/pump. If at all possible it would be great to speak with someone with a similar boat/setup/experience. Thanks so much. Skyler

[peterb]

If I were you I would consider purchasing the Bennett drop fin kit for your current 12 x 12 tabs. that should help things out a bit.

Good luck.

Peter

[bigeasy1]

I don't know if this will help,but i installed the 12x12 drop fin tabs on my 23 Tsunami.
They have a 3" drop on each side,and according to the nice folks at Bennett will give considerably more lift than regular or sport tabs.
In my initial talk with them,i seem to remember them telling me,that they would actually like to see 12x24 tabs on this boat,but said they wouldn't work properly,because of the steps in the hull.
My boat is an I/O (350 Mercruiser)and am just finishing it up.I'm hoping to get the outdrive on, and engine running this weekend so i can test it out before i winterize it.

It's not a CC like yours,but I'll let you know how the tabs work,if i do get to splash it.

[ripndip]

Thank you for the quick responses. I forgot to mention that the 12x12's that are on the boat now show some slight bending, so another reason I was considering a different tab is I believe they need to be a little stronger. I run this boat fast and hard because I can comfortably. Both the Lencos I mentioned earlier are heavy gauge with a full backing plate and welded channels for extra strength. I have seen the angle down Bennett tabs and I think they would probably bend worse than the ones that I have now. The boat has a top speed of 53-55 mph depending on load and I regularly cruise at 40-45 mph seas permitting. Thanks again, any additional info would be great. Skyler

[Old'sCool]

Contact "Tabman" through THT. They honestly have the best customer service of ANY company I've dealt with.

[seafari25]

This is the setup we've had on the boat for about 30 years. I assume gramp didn't like the non sensitivity of the original setup and had steel plates welded up with the step. I dont know dimentions so i've attached a pic. The lower forward edge was heated and rounded upward to ensure water always hits the bottom of the tab. These tabs are very sensitive. I barely have to touch the button to correct any listing. Hope it helps.

don't mind the "before" pic
[image][/image]

[ripndip]

Thanks again. I have talked to Tabman in person through my business (marine repair) in the past, and his customer service is impeccable. I just didn't feel right asking him about another companies products, and didn't think he would have experience with their products (that differ in size from Bennett products). I have a slightly different boat in that it is small (23') with 1000 lbs of outboards on the back and a variable deadrise hull (thank god). There are not a lot of boats in this size range with twins. I wouldn't have it any other way, but it leaves me doing my own R and D. Any other pertinent input would be appreciated. I would really love to talk to someone with the same setup as me and trade notes on tabs, props, and weight distribution. Thanks, Skyler.

[FELLOW-SHIP]

Hi Ripndip;

Read your post today regarding sizing your tabs. You need to stay with the Span (side to side) of 12” due to your longitudinal steps on the 23”. As stated above the Drop Fin Kit would help you in lifting the stern of the boat and they are cheep. If you want to go with larger size tabs Bennett makes a ST16 which is 12x16 thicker SS and 2 Actuators on each side that could also be good for you since you are running the boat at higher speeds. All you would have to do in buy the Tabs and two more actuators with a T connection for each tab. If you call ask for Thomas maybe he could set you up with some return scratch tabs that they couldn’t sell for new. Tell him Mack told you to call.
Bennett 954-427-1400


FellowShip

Just for the Grins

[peterb]

Mack,

Quick question. The guy who owned my boat before me installed the 12 x 16 sportsman tabs (with dual actuators.) I called Bennett and was told that I have the wrong tabs (these tabs are made for boats which are constantly doing 60+ miles per hour), and that the best things for me to do would be to rip those tabs off and put on new ones.

Yikes!!!

Any thoughts? Am I correct in assuming that the drop fins won't fit on these tabs?

Peter

[ripndip]

Thanks Mack for the input. Peter B, I would never take off a large tab to put on a smaller tab. Every boat I've owned has had oversize tabs with nothing but positive results. That's what got me thinking about upsizing the ones on my 23. Mack, I wanted to avoid the extra hydraulics involved, also two actuators takes twice as long unless you install two pumps. I thought it would be a plus to get away from hydraulics all together. Bennett makes a great product, but I think the simplicity of the Lencos would help in my application. Thanks, Skyler