Question on getting indicators.

[spikeitaudi]

Tom, I have a 2006 240 DA. I have the tab buttons but it does not show the position of the tabs like most boats have the light indicator showing their position. Is that something that I can add and would you happen to have a part number by chance?

Thanks.

 

[Tabman]

spikeitaudi,

You have three choices when it comes to adding indicators to your Trim tab system.

The EIC indicator control, it combines the control switches and the indicator.

The TPI stand alone indicator, keeps the controls you have now and adds an indicator.

The NMEA2000 kit, if you have a display such as a GPS that has NMEA 2000 networking and built in Trim Tab position software, you can use it.

Here is a link to the three indicators http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/indicators.php?cID=2

Take a look and let me know what questions you may have.

Tom
Bennett Marine

 

[islandhopper00]

Hey spikeitaudi I don't mean to hi jack your thread, but here goes. haha

Tom, I am looking at my options for this upgrade also. I have the same boat as spike.
What is involved in the retrofit? Do we have to drill holes in the boat to run feedback wires to the control pad. I'm looking at the EIC and the TPI. The EIC is a little less expensive but the stand alone unit is desireable. What is the advantage or disadvantage to either install?

 

[Tabman]

Islandhopper,

Here are links to the installation instructions for the EIC and TPI;

TPI Installation Instructions http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/pdf/instIcon/TPI_installation_instructions.pdf

EIC Installation Instructions http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/pdf/instIcon/EIC5000_installation_instructions.pdf

A 5/16" hole is drilled in the transom for the sensor wires right next to the hole for the hydraulic feed and is covered by the upper mount for the actuator.

I am surprised to hear that you are finding the EIC to be less expensive than the TPI. The TPI has a lower retail price and a quick google search shows that it is price less at the dealers I found.

The TPI is a standalone system and a bit easier to install. It does of course use more space on the dashboard than the EIC. The EIC is a good choice if there is limited space at the helm and it includes the Auto Retract feature. The Auto Retract brings the Trim Tabs to the full up position when the boat's ignition is switched off. This is great to have if the boat is trailered or stored in a rack.

Take a look at the installation instructions and let me know what you think.

Tom
Bennett Marine

 

[islandhopper00]

Hello Tom, thanks for the help. I looked at the web page but couldn't come up with the install instructions on my own.

So, I was looking at the pricing wrong. I was comparing the single station EIC with the dual helm TPI. My bad. I see now after figuring out what I was doing, The TPI is less expensive.

I like the TPI because it can be mounted in a better viewable location than where the tab buttons are located now.

I think I have the three ring actuators, I'll have to check. Are the special coils extra cost or are they exchanged for the standard ones? Just wondering.

Only other concern for me is, when I had to rebuild my starboard actuator, I remounted the upper hinge with 5200. I've heard horror stories about pulling gel coat because of 5200. Maybe, maybe not.

 

[Tabman]

Islandhopper,

If they are 3 ring actuators with about 1" of piston shaft exposed when fully retracted you will not need special coils. In that case you will simply cut the rods that goes into the actuator at a score mark that is marked on them. If there is less than 1" when retracted then you will need exchange them of the special ones. the only cost is the shipping for the regular ones back to us, we will pick up the cost of shipping the new ones to you.

Even with 5200 the surface area of the actuator mounting is relatively small so removing them is not too hard.

Tom
Bennett Marine

 

[islandhopper00]

Tom, the boat is at the shop getting the windlass installed, and sits behind a locked, fenced, secure with guard dogs yard! (dobermans!)
Hopefully I'll get a sneak peak at the tabs monday.

 

[Tabman]

Very Good. Bring a piece of steak with you for the dogs!