Mente Marine Auto Trim Tabs

[Jimmy Buoy]

I had the first iteration of the autotab system, that did not have the gps and did not sense the tab position. It was more difficult to install, although not ridiculous. The thing I didn't like about it is that it didn't sense the tab level. Thus, it would adjust up or down tab, left or right, based solely on boat attitude. Once it ran out of tab on either side (attitude wouldn't adjust) it would start blinking on the right tab, I believe. You'd then have to reset it. Seemed to happen a lot. The Mente is easier to install, has gps built in, and somehow senses the tab position based I guess on the electrical resistance? I don't know. In any event, I had my doubts when I purchased it, but it really performs quite well, especially when you consider it's one piece, and is basically plug and play.

Thanks for the reply. I haven't had the same issue about blinking lights unless I forget to shut the unit off and manually retract the tabs once coming off plane. The unit I have has been moved from my previous 32' Wellcraft and my 268 Dancer before that, so it's at least 20yrs old. What I find with my current 340 Amberjack is that it seems to be content allowing the boat to run at a bit of a list while at cruise even though it's been set to run level. It is almost like it needs to step up its sensitivity somehow. Didn't know how sensitive your system is in comparison. Maybe my unit is just getting too old?

 

[spikedaddy99]

I can attest to the difficulty installing the Bennett system as I had to add a position indicator to the actuators...which involved removing them from the boat, which was a bitch. However, once I had it done and the system set up, I don't need to do anything. I find it very easy to use. If this system is easier to install, go for it.

 

[juggernaut1]

What I find with my current 340 Amberjack is that it seems to be content allowing the boat to run at a bit of a list while at cruise even though it's been set to run level. It is almost like it needs to step up its sensitivity somehow. Didn't know how sensitive your system is in comparison. Maybe my unit is just getting too old?

The Mente system has 3 sensitivity settings. So you can select how frequently you want it to adjust the tabs to the conditions.

Depending on the holding tank and fuel tank levels from generator use, mine can also have a slight list at times and the Mente system will adjust the tabs for this when on the plane so the boat runs level.

 

[Tripline123]

The Mente system has 3 sensitivity settings. So you can select how frequently you want it to adjust the tabs to the conditions.

Depending on the holding tank and fuel tank levels from generator use, mine can also have a slight list at times and the Mente system will adjust the tabs for this when on the plane so the boat runs level.

I'm about to purchase the Lectrotab auto controller thats on Amazon for $749 for my 260. I have lenco tabs, I'm pretty sure this will work on my boat. Anybody know if this is the same as the Mente Marina auto system?

 

[juggernaut1]

I'm about to purchase the Lectrotab auto controller thats on Amazon for $749 for my 260. I have lenco tabs, I'm pretty sure this will work on my boat. Anybody know if this is the same as the Mente Marina auto system?

The controller looks identical.

 

[Tripline123]

Installed mine last weekend, easy installation, my wires was a bit short so needed to extend them.

So I purchased the Lectrotab Auto Controller helm switch, which I think is exactly the same as the Mente Marine auto controller. Went to the boat to install, and went to check the tabs to make sure they were working properly before installing and neither tabs are moving up or down. Went through all trouble shooting, and it seems like I can hear the pump turn on, and can hear each solenoid click, but still no movement. Anyone have expierence with the Bennett HPU running but not moving the tabs? I'm leaning towards replace the pump.


Second, the instructions for the new controller makles it out to be a simple install. Like your photos above I have a Red with purple large guage wire which appears to be coming from a positive busbar behind the helm. But there is no negative goinf into my current switch. Would I thehn just run a negative/ground from the negative/ground busbar behinfd the heml to the new controoler switch? Kind looks like what you show you in your photos above.

 

[Tblokhus]

I just tool Ground form the ground block next to the fuse box.

 

[Tripline123]

So I unhooked hoses that go from the tabs to the Bennett hydrulic pump, and when I hit the switch fluid shoots out about 6-10 inches from both sides. So that makes me think the the pump, switch, and electrical are just fine. So could the actual hydrulic pistons that are in the wate be bad?