hydraulic tabs vs. Electric tabs

[Jose Colon]

The subject line is probably not the most efficient way to ask a question about hydraulic tabs vs. Electric tabs. But I guess my question is: what are the pros and con of either system? I am buying a 1999 220 Cobia WA and want to install tabs asap. Also, can someone advise on proper size for this boat?

Thanks,
Jose

[sinjun]

do a search this topic was just gone over.

[Murphjup]

Jose... I'm in the process on installing some Bennett M120 tabs on my 20' Proline Walk.... to give you some history.... I knew NOTHING about trim tabs only two weeks ago.... I was fortunate to meet Tom "Tabman" from this forum about two weeks ago at a local gathering of THT'ers.... I was open minded regarded the Bennet Tabs and the competition Electric tabs... I can tell you what sold me the most on Bennett was simple, Quality of product (Seems very well made and thought out) and the most impressive thing about Bennett thus far has been excellent customer service!!! Before I even owned a set of Bennett's!!!

If you want any specific information regarding the Bennett's ... establish a relationship with Tom "Tabman" and I'm sure you will be as impressed as I have been... Go to their forum here and you will see how they have supported not only myself, but anyone else requiring information

Some Advice.... Join this forum..... I've used a few of the vendors thus far and have been very impressed with them... they all support the members here... and best of all I've saved some $$$$...

Great group of people!!!

[Tabman]

Jose,

I work for Bennett (hydraulic Tabs) as Murphjup mentioned. I will leave the hydraulic v electric debate up to others. But regardless of the type you decide one get Tabs that are 12" x 12", 18" x 9" or what I would specifically suggest from our company 10" x 12" M120s. Tabs in this size range will give you the best results.

Tom McGow
Bennett Marine

[CHASESMITH]

The Bennett Tabs are nice, but require mounting of lage hydraulic pumps inj your bilge. Other manufacturers such as Lenco, don't require such units, but I have never seen a problem other than blown out pumps from Bennett.

[Magnum PI]

Jose,

I'm not knocking Lenco tabs I currently have a set on my new boat. However they do not offer near the performance a bennet or k-tab do. The bennefit of the lenco tabs are easy installation that's it period. They only provide 2 1/4" of stroke where as a bennett provides 4 1/2" of stroke. If you ever run in a strong head sea and need to get the bow down you will appreciate a bennett tab. The lenco tabs are fine for leveling a boat in the bay or river and you will probably never bust a ram on one that's because they're not doing any "work". I busted several bennetts on my previous boats and at the time I was cussing the bennett tabs however I have since discovered the reason the bennetts were busting cylinders was because they actually get down in the water and do something. I personally will never own another boat with a set of lenco tabs until they come up with a design that will allow for some real tab travel. Perhaps they could take the electric motor off the top of the ram and mount it on the side of the ram to allow the screw to have more travel? Anyway until Lenco gets in the game I'll be ordering my next boat with Bennetts.
MPI

[Shel]

Jose,
I have a 1998 Cobia 220 (same exact hull as yours) with a Yamaha 200 and I put the Bennett M-120 on 2 years ago and it made a big difference in the ride. Probably the best thing I ever did to the boat. Make sure you mount them properly. I can give you more specifics on location this weekend when I get home.
Shel

[Brewhedd]

The hydraulic's work fine for me and so far are 5 years old with just the hoses replaced. The thing I would be hesitant about with the electric ones is that all it would take to zap one would be a small water leak. If you do go hydraulic be sure and use the biodegradeable oil. good luck

[Megabyte]

This could keep you busy reading for at least one evening Jose.
http://thehulltruth.net/search/query...thor=&days=365

Bennett 24x9's on mine.

[nsh]

No doubt both are great products. And both work on the exact same principale. I would say the only down fall some claim the lenco to have is that the actuatar is in the water. But remember, that power trim motor you have on your outboard hangs in the water all day long.

[CB Haws]

If a hydraulic system fails the tab retracks. If an electric tab fails the tab stays where it is. This can ruin your day of worse make inlet running a real problem. I have run Bennets and Boat Leveler on big boats. Well a 28 Bertram and a 35 Bertram. The only failure has been a hose on the Lever. They run exposed through the transom. After 20 years of UV exposure one hose failed. Bennett hose stays inside the boat. My 28B was a 1973 with Bennets and no failures. These tabs take a real beating on big heavy wave busting machines.