Can you add trim tab Indicators??

[harleymhs]

I just ordered a 2013 280 SD does bennett offer a trim tab indicator set to install ?? Thanks!

 

[Larry]

Yes they do, but the boat has to be out of the water to install....

FYI, if you have a Sundancer it is indicated by "DA", not "SD", this indicates the Sundeck model.

 

[kaz911]

I just ordered a 2013 280 SD does bennett offer a trim tab indicator set to install ?? Thanks!

yes - they actually offer 2/3 models.

one that sends the data to a Separate and delivered LED Display
one that sends data to NMEA 2000 so you get it on your Garmin 740 (When you trim you will get a pop up screen on your GPS)
And finally one - where you get indicators and buttons in "one" unit.

I have asked Bennet for a "dual" solution that could send data to the GPS AND send data to an Indicator display at the same time. But it ain't here yet.

If you keep the boat on a trailer - there is an Auto Retract option (cheap) that will auto retract the trim tabs when every you stop your engine.

To get trim tab's to show indication - you need to add a trim sender to the top of the cylinder that is in the water. That is included in the first to kits I mentioned. Then you need to pull some cables from pump to dashboard and install indicator unit.

ohh and the SD/DA thing comes from the HULL ID plate - on the back of your boat below the serial number. A 260 Sundancer will show 260DA as the first part of the hull code.

 

[Tabman]

Harleymhs,

The other posters are correct. We offer three types of indicators. Here is a link to our indicator page at our website http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/indicators.php?cID=2

Since SeaRay uses there own "Non-Bennett" switches for the Trim Tabs the EIC5000 Electronic Indicator Control that combines the indicators and control switches is really not an option.

The stand alone TPI2000 Tab Position Indicator is a good option for a boat like yours, here is a direct link to information about it.http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/catalog.php?vID=196&cID=2 As the others pointed out the boat will need to be out of the water to install the sensors in the actuators (rams). You can click on the installation instruction link on the TPI page to see what is involved.

The final option is the NMEA1: NMEA 2000 Indicator Kit. If you have a piece of electronics such as a GPS, Chart Plotter or Multi Function Display that is NMEA compatible and has built in software to display Trim Tab position (you need to check with the manufacturer of the electronics), then this is a great way to get Tab Position without taking up additional space on the dashboard. Here is the link to the NEMA1 kit http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/catalog.php?vID=197&cID=2

As Kaz911 pointed out, if you trailer or rack store you boat the ATR Auto Tab Retractor is a must have since it will keep the Trim Tabs from being damaged ny trailer bunks or fork lifts. More information on the ATR can be found here http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/catalog.php?vID=92&cID=3

I hope this is helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.

Tom McGow
Bennett Marine

 

[harleymhs]

Thanks guys, where would I get the ones with the seperate LED display unit.. this way I can utilize the Sea Ray Switches.. Sorry about the SD I did in fact have a DA not a SD.. and ordered a 2013 280DA .. What else would I need to set up the 280 with the LED indicators? Thanks Guys..

 

[lawndoctor]

Since SeaRay uses there own "Non-Bennett" switches for the Trim Tabs the EIC5000 Electronic Indicator Control that combines the indicators and control switches is really not an option.

Is there no way to install this switch on a Sea Ray? I did not realize that. Seems like a great product. That was going to be one of my winter tasks this year.

 

[Tabman]

Just about any marine dealer carries our products. But I would recommend you try BOE Marine www.BOEmarine.com They are the main sponsor of Club SeaRay and these forums. The owner Jim is a great guy and I have heard nothing but good things about their service.

Tom
Bennett Marine

 

[Tabman]

I supposed it could be done but I would need to see a picture of the particular Trim Tab Switches on your boat along with their dimensions as well to see if the footprints would be compatible. The EIC is a direct replacement for the Bennett Rocker Switch. The EIC is a great product and includes an integrated Auto Tab Retractor, which is nice to have. It would take a bit more work to install than the TPI so if there is room for the TPI it would be my first recommendation.

Tom
Bennett Marine

 

[lawndoctor]

I supposed it could be done but I would need to see a picture of the particular Trim Tab Switches on your boat along with their dimensions as well to see if the footprints would be compatible. The EIC is a direct replacement for the Bennett Rocker Switch. The EIC is a great product and includes an integrated Auto Tab Retractor, which is nice to have. It would take a bit more work to install than the TPI so if there is room for the TPI it would be my first recommendation.

Tom
Bennett Marine

Thanks Tabman, and apologies to everyone else, not my intention to hijack your thread.

My tabs are controlled by two regular Carling rocker switches inserted into a black plastic plate made by Sea Ray that is screwed into a hole in the dash. I guess for some reason Sea Ray didn't want to use Bennett's dedicated switch. (Cost, I assume, as with many other cheaped-out things they put on the boat, like the "horn" and the miniature toy cleats.) In any event, I realize I would need to alter the hole, and maybe do some fiberglass and gel coat work. I was concerned that your post made it sound like the wiring is incompatible.

 

[harleymhs]

Tabman, If I choose to go with the TPI display and use the OEM searay switches, what else would I need besides the TPI2000 ?? OR is that a complete kit? Thanks!

 

[Tabman]

harleymhs,

TPI2000 is the complete kit! Nothing else needed.

Tom
Bennett Marine

 

[alwhite00]

Lots of good info on here, Wanting to add indicators on my 250 as well - I am constantly playing with them on this boat, Maybe the auto control would be better????


LK

 

[Tabman]

With the Auto Tab Control the indicators are not as necessary since they will always be in the correct location. But having both is pretty nice.

Tom
Bennett Marine