260 Sundancer Thread.........Comments questions and answers

That was it, one of the two wires came apart from a connector going to that lock out switch. Works fine now. Thanks for pointing that out about that door lock out. Will
You're welcome, Will.
 
okay 260 team.. my bimini top in front of the arch finally let go. Need replacement.

I have searched Great Lakes and await response.

Any other options besides local shops?
 
Americanboatcanvas.com

They will help with getting OEM
Sunbrella parts.

John is very helpful.
 
Happy Holidays Everyone,

I was looking into possibly getting the Bennett Auto Trim installed on the boat so that I don't have to fiddle with the tabs..

Anyone here have any experience with the system and if so, is it worth it? Cost? does it connect to existing hydraulic Bennett trim tabs?

Thanks so much!
 
Happy Holidays Everyone,

I was looking into possibly getting the Bennett Auto Trim installed on the boat so that I don't have to fiddle with the tabs..

Anyone here have any experience with the system and if so, is it worth it? Cost? does it connect to existing hydraulic Bennett trim tabs?

Thanks so much!

This is just a personal thing, but although I've used it/installed it on other boats, I haven't found a personal need to have it. Once you get used to tabs, they become pretty intuitive - just like trimming the drive. But again, that's just an opinion.

However, to answer your question... It does EXACTLY as the adverts say it does. Excellent system. Yup, connects right up. Do a search for that here on the forum - you'll get a bunch of threads talking about it.
 
This is just a personal thing, but although I've used it/installed it on other boats, I haven't found a personal need to have it. Once you get used to tabs, they become pretty intuitive - just like trimming the drive. But again, that's just an opinion.

However, to answer your question... It does EXACTLY as the adverts say it does. Excellent system. Yup, connects right up. Do a search for that here on the forum - you'll get a bunch of threads talking about it.
Thanks Lazy Daze!
 
This is just a personal thing, but although I've used it/installed it on other boats, I haven't found a personal need to have it. Once you get used to tabs, they become pretty intuitive - just like trimming the drive. But again, that's just an opinion.

However, to answer your question... It does EXACTLY as the adverts say it does. Excellent system. Yup, connects right up. Do a search for that here on the forum - you'll get a bunch of threads talking about it.

I am looking at the Bennett ATP installation guide and the actuator have sensor cables coming out of them that feed into the control unit..

I don't believe my actuators have the sensor connections.. ( Regular Hydraulic Actuators)

Are my current Bennett actuators ready to receive the sensor cables?? or do I have to change to new actuators?

Thanks
 
I am looking at the Bennett ATP installation guide and the actuator have sensor cables coming out of them that feed into the control unit..

I don't believe my actuators have the sensor connections.. ( Regular Hydraulic Actuators)

Are my current Bennett actuators ready to receive the sensor cables?? or do I have to change to new actuators?

Thanks
No, if your system is still stock, you would still have the standard, hydraulic actuators (in other words, you would NOT have trim indicators on the dash).

Unless Bennett has changed things since the last time I did this (which I doubt), you might be looking at the wrong product. The ATC system plugs in in between the hydraulic power unit (HPU/motor) and your dash. You do not need different actuators - the ATC unit tells the HPU unit what to do, just like you would.. but a whole lot faster.
 
How will the ATC know exactly the tabs position ? that will be displayed in the dash controller.

They had many different install scenarios... One with the no sensor actuator and one with. Hence my question.

Thanks
 
There's a "brain" unit that you install near the dash (look at the installtion instructions and the parts that are included). The brain knows the current attitude of your boat. You tell the brain what you want the attitude to be. It senses changes in itself and boat (pitch/roll) and adjusts the tabs accordingly.
 
There's a "brain" unit that you install near the dash (look at the installtion instructions and the parts that are included). The brain knows the current attitude of your boat. You tell the brain what you want the attitude to be. It senses changes in itself and boat (pitch/roll) and adjusts the tabs accordingly.
I called Bennett and they said I do need to buy the sensor that attaches to the current actuators. Without this, there is no way that the controller or any other indicators would know where exactly the trim tabs are in position.

So basically it can be attached to existing actuators but a sensor component needs to replace existing 'top triangular' portion of the actuators for this system to work.
 
I have looked into this system as well. After looking at numerous reviews, I have put on the breaks. A few folks reported the the system works great but a lot more indicate continued issues with set up, erratic behavior and failed parts.
Regarding your question about the sensors, I understand that the system will in fact work without the tab cylinder sensors. What will not work is the tab position indicators.
 
I called Bennett and they said I do need to buy the sensor that attaches to the current actuators. Without this, there is no way that the controller or any other indicators would know where exactly the trim tabs are in position.

So basically it can be attached to existing actuators but a sensor component needs to replace existing 'top triangular' portion of the actuators for this system to work.
I thought you were talking about the ATC (Auto Tab Control)? Unless I'm really spacing out here and my memory is playing tricks on me, there is nothing to install on the actuators. Look here: https://bennetttrimtabs.com/installManuals/Auto-Tab-Control-AC3000-Instructions-WEB.pdf
 
I have looked into this system as well. After looking at numerous reviews, I have put on the breaks. A few folks reported the the system works great but a lot more indicate continued issues with set up, erratic behavior and failed parts.
Regarding your question about the sensors, I understand that the system will in fact work without the tab cylinder sensors. What will not work is the tab position indicators.
I am thinking the same thing... some folks swear by it and then there others that say that the system is not there yet and works sometimes...

I really don't want a system that only works sometimes... what is more important me fore actually is the tab position indicators and for that I would have to install the sensors to my existing actuators..
 
I thought you were talking about the ATC (Auto Tab Control)? Unless I'm really spacing out here and my memory is playing tricks on me, there is nothing to install on the actuators. Look here: https://bennetttrimtabs.com/installManuals/Auto-Tab-Control-AC3000-Instructions-WEB.pdf
Yes, i am talking about the Auto Tab Control system. As Mike Sandor states above, for the tab position to be indicated, sensors have to be attached to the existing actuators.

i guess the system can work without the tab position readings if you don't install the sensors but then, wouldn't that be weird.. as the helm indicators will not show where the tabs are currently at..
 
I am using this system on my 260
http://www.mente-marine.com/
Its super easy to install and works exactly as advertised.
Does not answer your question but it’s another alternative. I have 200 hours on this system and it has been flawless.
Thanks for the info.. I had not even heard of that system.

Did you choose this over the Bennett system because it had better reviews from actual users?

You seem to have a similar boat and mine has the Bennett Hydraulics currently...did yours too and you simply added the Mente system to it? Thanks
 
Yes, i am talking about the Auto Tab Control system. As Mike Sandor states above, for the tab position to be indicated, sensors have to be attached to the existing actuators.

i guess the system can work without the tab position readings if you don't install the sensors but then, wouldn't that be weird.. as the helm indicators will not show where the tabs are currently at..
OK, now I understand what you're asking. NO, the sensors aren't required for operation of the ATC. YES, they would be required to show the actuator position. But the ATC does not even have position indicators, so it doesn't matter. Besides, the ATC is doing all the work for you so the only thing an indicator system would be doing for you is to let you see pretty lights blinking and moving. The whole purpose of the ATC is to NOT be looking at it or messing with tabs while you're driving.

Indicators can be installed, fyi, without an "auto" control, as well. But personally, from using boats with indicators... I found that (indicators) to be useless. There's too many variables to trimming a boat - trying to trim a boat based on indicator lights is not helpful or efficient. The best indicator is your butt.
 
Thanks for the info.. I had not even heard of that system.

Did you choose this over the Bennett system because it had better reviews from actual users?

You seem to have a similar boat and mine has the Bennett Hydraulics currently...did yours too and you simply added the Mente system to it? Thanks

When I bought my 260 3 years ago the Bennett system was just being released. I looked at documentation and compared it to the Mente Marine. It was obvious that the Mente Marine was much better thought out and reviews I found were all complimentary.
Installation was so easy and probably took no more than 45 mins. From there the System essentially auto calibrated to my Hydraulic tab system.
Setup on the water running boat was as easy as turning on cruise control in your car. Look at some of their YouTube videos.
They are not exaggerating how easy it is to install and setup. What they advertise is exactly how it works.
 

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