Bennett Automatic Trim Tabs

[Darylle]

Hi Tom and Darylle,

Great forum guys. I too have a 230DA and it drives me nuts trying to keep things on the straight and narrow. I have to run my boat at maximum trim over 3500rpm to keep it steerable!...Please keep us informed if this system helps as there is little or no info in New Zealand. Good customer service is hard to find these days, well done Tom.

Hi Mike,
I've seen "tabman" respond to posts on other sites and quite frankly I am very impressed with his professionalism. Whatever the outcome in my case I think I mght be on the money by increasing the surface area of the existing tabs. I should be able to confirm an outcome after the w/end (weather permitting)

 

[JohnEGraham]

There where some defective control units sent out but once returned / replaced the new one seam fine. JG

 

[Paulkarlsven]

May I ask how much the systen was to purchase and have installed here in Australia?

 

[Vince_nj1]

While you are checking the system can you please confirm that the ATC Module is mounted on a flat surface (it doesn't need to be perfectly flat, but within 5 degrees or so) and that it is parallel with the center-line of the boat?

5 degrees? Do you think it would work mounted just to the left of my steering wheel ? I dont think I have a flat surface that meets that requirement.

 

[electricaldoctor]

"5 degrees? Do you think it would work mounted just to the left of my steering wheel ? I don't think I have a flat surface that meets that requirement."

I wonder if you would have to craft a wedge out of starboard e.g. to set the new control level?? :huh:

 

[Tabman]

5 degrees? Do you think it would work mounted just to the left of my steering wheel ? I dont think I have a flat surface that meets that requirement.

Vince,

The Control Keypad (#1 in the diagram) can be mounted at any angle you like on the dashboard.

The attitude sensor is build into Control Module (#3) and it is usually mounted inside the dash on a level surface. You might have to build a simple shelf for it.

Tom
Bennett Marine

 

[electricaldoctor]

Hi Tom,

So, the key pad can be mounted at any angle. I know that the control module has to be aligned straight ahead parallel with the keel, but does it also have to be mounted level? :huh:

~Ken

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

No, but it should be close to level (ie not on it's side or upside down).

 

[Tabman]

No, but it should be close to level (ie not on it's side or upside down).

Jimmy Buoy is correct. I like to see it within about 5 degrees of level.

Tom
Bennett Marine

 

[Luigi]

Tabman thanks you for addressing my issue in the forum..your post clears up the confusion..i intend to purchase the unit and install it in the spring..i will then post results..once again thanks

Luigi
1995 270 Sundancer

 

[Tabman]

Tabman thanks you for addressing my issue in the forum..your post clears up the confusion..i intend to purchase the unit and install it in the spring..i will then post results..once again thanks

Luigi
1995 270 Sundancer

Thank you Luigi, that's great. Let me know if you have any questions when you install the system, I'd be delighted to help in any way I can.

Tom
Bennett Marine

 

[electricaldoctor]

Check this out.

http://www.futurepowerpc.com/scripts/product.asp?PRDCODE=1588-AC3000


West Marine will price match. :smt038 :smt038

 

[Luigi]

Wow...Lowest price ive seen for this

Thanks

 

[electricaldoctor]

Doesn't look like they are too far away from you either. :thumbsup:

 

[electricaldoctor]

I am embarrased to say that I forgot to check Jim's

price. He is at @ $237.13

 

[Vince_nj1]

I'm embarrased too.. I purchased one from the first link and then came back to see the BOE post for a similar price. Dammit.:smt021

 

[electricaldoctor]

If I'm strolling along at 10 mph and get flanked by a pair of go fast boats, will this AC3000 ATC unit stabilize the rocking and rolling that they are about to unleash on me? :huh:

 

[Tabman]

If I'm strolling along at 10 mph and get flanked by a pair of go fast boats, will this AC3000 ATC unit stabilize the rocking and rolling that they are about to unleash on me? :huh:

Electricaldoc,

The Auto Tab Control is designed to keep the boat running at a good attitude, and does not work as a stabilizer in the conditions you describe. In fact the ATC will usually "ignore" transient events like that in order to maintain a good running attitude. Simply put stabilizers and Trim Tabs are two different devices. There have been companies that have tried to develop Trim Tabs as stabilizers for larger commercial passenger vessels, however they are made to operative when the vessel is traveling at high speed (lots of water pressure on the Trim Tabs), but so far they don't work on smaller lower speed boats.

Tom
Bennett Marine

 

[Darylle]

Tom, Where to now? Should I return the cpu? Plerase advise. Thanks

 

[Tabman]

Tom, Where to now? Should I return the cpu? Plerase advise. Thanks

Darylle,

Did you try the test by moving the Control Module, and confirm that it is mounted parallel to the cenerline?

Tom
Bennett Marine