ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS
FAQ
Burning question? It could be listed in our FAQs below. Can’t find what you’re looking for please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
Properly sized trim tabs will improve the performance of your boat by adjusting the running angle of your vessel. Bennett Marine trim tabs will help you get on plane faster, correct listing (roll), improve visibility, and increase overall efficiency and control. In summary giving you a more comfortable experience.
While trim tabs do introduce a small amount of drag, their strategic use leads to significant improvements in the vehicle’s performance and efficiency. The slight increase in drag is generally a worthwhile trade-off for the enhanced control and stability they provide.
Exceptionally durable and dependable electric trim tab systems. Balance loads, plane faster, increase efficiency and performance with Bennett BOLT Electric Trim Tab systems. BOLT is built to outlast any electric trim tab system on the market.
- Features Include:
- Lifetime warranty for electric actuators
- Water-tight design provides trouble-free operation for years
- Solid construction is built to last
- Installation is fast and simple
- Multiple control options, tab sizes, and mounting options available
Sophisticated black powder-coated hydraulic Performance Tabs.
Enjoy the sophisticated black-powder-coated finish of Performance Tabs. Manufactured with heavy-gauge reinforced stainless steel and powerful hydraulic actuators. Performance Tabs combine strength, durability, and good looks to achieve your boat’s
maximum potential. Recommended for boats traveling over 40MPH.
- Features Include:
- Get on plane fast and stay on plane at intermediate speeds
- Correct listing and uneven loads
- Reduce pounding and eliminate porpoising
- Improve visibility and safety
- Low maintenance with long-term value
Premier line SST stainless tabs designed for mega-yachts for Luxury Motor Yachts, Military, Government, Sport Fishing and Commercial vessels from 9 m (30 ft) to 38 m (120 ft)
- Single or dual stainless steel, dual acting actuators, no exposed hydraulic lines
- Laser-cut 7-gauge, stainless steel, heavy duty trim planes
- Systems can readily be retrofitted to any vessel
- All systems are customisable
Bennett trim tab indicators are instruments used to monitor and adjust the trim tabs.
Trim tab indicators provide real-time feedback to the boat operator about the position of the trim tabs. This information allows the operator to make precise adjustments to optimise the boat’s trim for the current conditions. The indicators typically display the angle of each trim tab relative to the boat’s hull, often using a gauge or digital readout.
By using trim tab indicators, boaters can achieve better handling, smoother rides, and improved fuel economy, ultimately enhancing the overall boating experience.
General guidelines for choosing a trim tab size
In general the widest span tabs that will fit on the transom will be the most effective. The greater the surface area, the greater the lift. We‘ll typically recommend a 9” chord tab, but depending on available transom space a shorter or longer chord tab, or specially shaped tabs with upfins or dropfins may be advised. As a general rule for boats with max speeds of 40MPH, choose at least one inch of trim tab span (per side) for every foot of boat length. For example, a 22′ boat would use a 24”x9”. For speeds 40MPH and over, we’ll generally point you to one of our Performance, or Premier Line high-performance systems.
Measuring available transom space and considering limitations
Choose the approximate tab size for your boat using the sizing chart below. Make sure the tabs will fit your transom using the diagrams shown as a guideline. When measuring, disregard the strakes and follow the Vee of the hull. The sizing guidelines below are intended to assist in the selection of tab sizes for vessels that do not currently have tabs installed by the boat manufacturer. For assistance with unique applications not outlined below, please call us.
When 12″ chord tabs are recommended
The 9″ chord is used in most applications. However, in certain circumstances the 12″ chord may be more effective:
Limited Transom Space – Boats with twin outboards or twin I/Os, or boats with transom configurations that limit trim tab span, can use 12″ chord tabs to achieve maximum lift. Using the measuring guideline above, fit the maximum span tab and use the 12″ chord.
Extra Lift – Slower boats (less than 15 mph), semi-displacement hulls, boats over 50 feet, outboard brackets or boats with any other feature that increases the need for lift aft benefit from the 12″ chord. The 12″ chord provides greater surface area, thereby utilising more water flow and providing more lift.
Trim Tab Mounting Options
Two types of mounting hinges are available:
Transom Mount – This hinge style fits to the boat’s transom and is used in the majority of applications.
Bottom Mount – Used only when transom mount is not practical; requires a flat bottom with no strakes or other protrusions.
Our original and time-tested durable and dependable hydraulic systems. Balance loads, plane faster, increase efficiency and performance. Hydraulic trim tabs are known for power, precision, and durability and Bennett’s standard hydraulic (classic) trim tab systems are available with multiple control options and in a vast variety of sizes. Recommended for boats traveling under 40MPH.
- Features Include:
- Get on plane fast, and stay on plane at intermediate speeds
- Correct listing and uneven loads
- Improve visibility and safety
- Reduce pounding and eliminate porpoising
- Low maintenance, long-term value, and ease of service
- Exclusive transom mount interlocking tab design (Bottom and piano hinge mounts are available for custom order)
Self leveling trim tabs are a simple, durable, and affordable trimming solution for smaller boats.
Quick and easy installation with nothing to do inside the boat – just mount the actuators and trim tabs on the transom and enjoy the benefits.
- Features Include:
- Three mounting options to easily change lift
- Plane at lower speeds
- Improve fuel efficiency
- Eliminate porpoising and chine walking
- Improve your hole shot
- Reduce engine labouring and improve fuel efficiency
Ideally suited for Ribs, Skiffs & Runabouts
Custom Premier Line stainless steel BXT hydraulic systems for Luxury Motor Yachts, Military, Government, Sport Fishing and Commercial vessels from 9 m (30 ft) to 38 m (120 ft)
- Single or dual stainless steel, dual acting actuators, no exposed hydraulic lines
- Laser-cut 7-gauge, stainless steel, heavy duty trim planes
- Systems can readily be retrofitted to any vessel
- All systems are customisable
WHY TRIM TABS?
By altering the running angle of your boat, properly sized trim tabs improve its performance. Trim tabs from Bennett Marine can speed up getting on the plane, correct listing to one side, enhance visibility, and boost fuel efficiency.
- Get on plane quickly to see over the bow
- Increase vessel performance and efficiency
- Correct listing (roll)
- Adjust the boat’s attitude for changes in speed, sea conditions, and shifting weight
- Correct porpoising (rhythmic bouncing)