Zeus Trim Tab Actuator Connector Failure

icsdoug

New Member
Dec 28, 2017
28
Boca Raton, FL
Boat Info
2012 SeaRay 470
Engines
QSM Zeus Pods
Was heading out for the long weekend, (of course), soon as I engaged the stick, had severe shudder/vibration and shutdown immediately. Luckily, we were close enough to the dock to reach some lines.
Discovered the port trim tab actuator had broken at the trim tab connection, dropping the trim tab down onto the props. Luckily that doesn't look too bad. However, boat has to be hauled to replace the actuators, so I have to somehow secure the trim tabs in the up position to limp to the haulout. I want both engines to maneuver out of a tricky canal, but will then run single engine to haulout.
Has anyone else experienced this and if so, how did you secure the tab? Not liking my pods right about now.
 
I lost one pod (internal implosion) and had to maneuver the boat from our slip to the dealer (about five miles) using one engine. I had to shoehorn the boat into a spot at the dealer once i got there and did it with no issues. Boat handles fairly well on one motor.
 
If you can reach it you could get a C-clamp or vise grip on it and tie it up... I guess as long as the actuator is out of the way
 
I placed tabs in manual, raised both tabs. I dove and removed 2 bolts from the trim tab zincs. Then threaded heavy coated cable through the holes, made into a bridle, then attached a line and hoisted the tab up and secured it to the aft cleat, with a secondary line.. Worked like champ. Didn't even have to use the port engine, but had it available for emergency use.
 

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This is what the trim tab connection looked like,
IMG_1192.JPG extremely poor weld along with terrible design, especially for salt water. The new, updated trim tab actuators are much better, solid milled construction. Replaced both out of caution. If you have the older actuators, pay attention, because they WILL fail eventually. This job is over $7k to replace both. Have to drop lower pod assemblies and replace the entire actuator assembly.
 

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This just happened to us. Thank you for the photos. I’m in lighthouse point, FL. Who did your service work?

also do you have more images. I’m going to go under the boat and check out the situation.
 
Ouch! The best Zeus guy on the east coast. Adam Greiner, cell +1 (772) 200-6743. azgreiner@gmail.com He’s out of Stuart. Tell him Doug Snyder referred him. You’ll have to haul out, I did a bunch of other work while I had it out. Plan on having the props repaired. Adam can hook you up on all of it. But, plan time in the yard to get the props back. Also, highly recommend you replace the other one at the same time, cause it’s going to fail. I’ll look for the pix. A heavy duty c-clamp should work well to tie it up. Didn’t need the engine after all. Personal preference. PM me if you want more info.
 
Thank you for the information. Mike will be calling him today. Here is our break. It broke while pulling up anchor at BOCA Lake Sunday, with All the boats packed in there!
Thought we ran over the anchor chain, but knew that wasn’t an option. I’m working with Mercury to get assistance from them since they actually redesigned the part.
 

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The Zeus tab failure at that point seems to be pretty common. There were two cases (non Sea Ray) in our marina last summer. I also heard of others during our search for a new ride last year.

Has anyone considered simply removing them and replacing with a hull mounted system? Volvo does have an integrated tab system for IPS, but it’s hull mounted (and it sucks). The PO of our boat converted to Bennett rather than continue to deal with Volvo.
 
It would be good info to know the years of all these pods with this issue.

Ours are 2010 Always in saltwater. Cylinder severed in 2020.
 
I know this thread is nearly two years old but I am trying to figure out when Mercury made the change to the newer actuators. Icsdoug, would you mind telling me what the serial number is on at least one of your pods? I see you have a 2012 SeaRay. My Sabre is a 2013 with one pod serial of 0M968332. I suspect Mercury changed the actuator from welded to milled sometime in 2012-2013. Thanks for your help.
 
I know this thread is nearly two years old but I am trying to figure out when Mercury made the change to the newer actuators. Icsdoug, would you mind telling me what the serial number is on at least one of your pods? I see you have a 2012 SeaRay. My Sabre is a 2013 with one pod serial of 0M968332. I suspect Mercury changed the actuator from welded to milled sometime in 2012-2013. Thanks for your help.
I'lll check
 

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