I have Bennett tabs now and one has failed. I havent dug into the problem yet to find if it is major or minor to fix. I have been thinking about replacing them with lenco tabs but didn’t know if that would be a upgrade or downgrade? Just wanted to see what everones opinion was about bennet (hydraulic) vs lenco (electric) or other brands. The boat is a 18 dolphin backcountry pro.
-Albemarle 248xf “Chella”
-Dolphin 18BC Pro
-Miscellaneous boats
I have always owned Bennett, few to no problems. Had to replace a pump once, they gave me a core credit on old pump. Between two boats that is over 40 years of usage with only one problem. Have friends with Lenco seems like they are more problematic. One is on his 3rd set in less than 8 years. Check your switches for electrical issue controlling the pump. Bennett has good online info including wiring diagram and good customer support from my experience.
Quite honestly, it is hard to beat the customer support of the Bennett tabs. If you ever go on THT Tabman will always respond to a thread on any trim tabs. I’m sure whatever is wrong with yours can be troubleshot and fixed. I can’t down the Lencos though, as I’ve never had a set.
2006 23 SeaCraft, 2008 Suzuki 250.
I think switching from Bennett to Lenco is a downgrade. Bennet has great customer service and will take care of your problem, whatever it is. I’ve seen some very old and very junk boats in major stages of decay. Nothing on them worked anymore, except for the Bennett trim tabs.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Swamp Worshiper
Bennetts all the way. I had lencos on my last boat and had to replace an actuator every couple years. Bennetts are simpler, beefier electrical connectors and no electric actuators underwater.
quote:
Originally posted by Island BoyI have Bennett tabs now and one has failed. I havent dug into the problem yet to find if it is major or minor to fix. I have been thinking about replacing them with lenco tabs but didn’t know if that would be a upgrade or downgrade? Just wanted to see what everones opinion was about bennet (hydraulic) vs lenco (electric) or other brands. The boat is a 18 dolphin backcountry pro.
-Albemarle 248xf “Chella”
-Dolphin 18BC Pro
-Miscellaneous boats
If you do want to change to electric trim tabs it would be easier to switch to Bennett’s new Bolt ones. Plus they have a 5 year warranty vs Lenco’s 3 year warranty http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/bolt/
But if one side is not working then it is likely a switch, or connection issue and be pretty easy to fix.
Take a look at the troubleshooting below and do step 3 and if it’s an older installation step 6.
Here is a video that covers one side not working https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3zmpXsuaH0
Let me know what you find.
Tom McGow
Bennett Marine
Fluid: Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) any type. Hydraulic Power Unit is self bleeding, running the Trim Tabs up and down 3-4 times will purge air from the system.
Fuse: 12 volt system use 20 amp in-line fuse on positive. (24v & 32v use proportionately smaller)
Red= Port Valve
Green= Starboard Valve
Blue=Motor Forward (pump pressure)
Yellow= Motor Reverse (pump retract)
Black on HPU=Ground
Orange on Helm=Control Positive
Troubleshooting
1.If one side is not operating reverse hydraulic lines on the front of the Hydraulic Power Unit to determine if the malfunction is in HPU or actuator / hydraulic lines. If after reversing the lines symptom shifts to the other side the malfunction may exist in HPU. If the symptom remains on the
Awesome advice. Going to stick with my Bennett tabs. Thank you all!
-Albemarle 248xf “Chella”
-Dolphin 18BC Pro
-Miscellaneous boats
quote:
Bennett has great customer service and will take care of your problem, whatever it is
See there 
Capt. Larry Teuton
Swamp Worshiper
GOOD CHOICE
I HAVE BOATS WITH BOTH BENNETT AND LENCO, AND BENNETS ARE DEFINATELY BETTER.
ONLY DRAW BACK TO BENNETT, IS THEY COST A LITTLE MORE, AND YOU HAVE TO HAVE ROOM FOR THE HYDRAULIC PUMP, BUT THEY ARE MUCH MORE DURABLE LONG TERM, AND ALSO VERY QUIET
Thanks for all the kind words guys!
A lot of folks don’t know that Bennett now makes electric Trim Tabs too, they are called “Bolt”. If you keep your boat in the water we would recommend our classic hydraulic systems.
Thanks again.
Tom McGow
Bennett Marine
I lost a tab once in ruff seas and Bennett replaced it with no problems!
Ive owned both. Never a problem with either but if my current Lencos go out I’m replaceing with Bennett.
The hydraulic Bennetts seem to have more control over the boats I’ve owned.
218WA Sailfish
200 Verado
The "Penn"sion Plan