Misn1

I recently bought a 2001 Cobia 230 WA with a 200hp Yamaha. The boat is 23 feet in length and has a listed weight of approximately 3500lbs. I am wanting to add a trim tab kit to the boat to help plane it out. My question is: what size tabs do I need to look for? I've seen 12 x 9s up to 12 x 12s but don't know what would benefit me (my boat) the most. I plan to install the set-up myself. Any ideas are greatly appreciated.

Tuna Man

Check their site out and give them a call. One of the few companies that their service will be hard to beat.

http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/

Misn1

Big help, thank you...

Orion45

I agree with Tuna Man. I installed Bennett trim tabs on my last two boats. My last boat was a 24' CC so I decided to install the trim tab motor under the center console. The plastic tubing supplied with the kit was not long enough so I called Bennett Marine to order longer tubing. The representative liked the fact that I was going to the trouble of installing the motor under the center console (more protection from elements) vice further back nearer the transom that hedecided not to charge me anything. Free parts and free shipping. Can't ask for anything better than that. Never had any problems with either of my trim tabs.

Concerning which size tabs - get the largest that will fit your boat. Take into consideration the distance from trim tab tomotor when it's hard over and trimmed out, transducers, hull features such as chines, and ladders.

Also, consider installing an Auto Tab Retractor (extra option). It's a worthwhile option. Your tabs will automatically retract when you shut off the ignition. I also replaced the control switch that came with the kit with rocker switches. Don't know what comes standard with the kits nowadays.

Deeplines

OK, I'm confussed. I know that's not hard but do you want to get on plane QUICKER or do you need something that will level your boat out?

For plane go with the Dolphin fin, a LOT CHEAPER.

If your boat rides at a lean then you will need the trim tabs and it also helps with certain seas and conditions.

Two different animals.

Seeing you have a 23' boat i assume your are asking about the trim tabs for running level. I have Lenco and they have served me great but I can't say anything bad from the post about Bennet and thier customer service. Never had to call Lenco so don't know what kind of customer service they have.

Orion45

You are absolutely correct. I got tired of the lean when people favored one side of the boat or other due to spray, shade, or other factors. With the tabs I was able to correct the boat's attitude without having to tell anyone to stay put. I also liked the fact that trim tabs helped me get on plane faster with 5 divers and gear onboard.

X-Shark

You need a set of M120 Bennetts.



You will note that they are 10X12, but they have spill plates aka batwing design. This makes them act the same as a 12X12. But they take up less room.



Thats whats one my boat. well sorta.



Actually they are the Tournament Tabs. They are the same size as the M120's but Black Powder coated.

Danno

Your smart in installing trim tabs, but there are a score of reasons that include getting on plane quicker, leveling the boat due to load, winds, seas and sometimes even the fact that they will just help you slow down your troll.

I never realized how useful they were until we got our current boat a 23 footer. These tabs of Lenco, I can't tell you who makesthe best, never had any problems out of these electric tabs. In the end all of them are electric (hydralic pump motors and such) so never considered that an issue.

Ajerv

I was faced with the same question for my 22 ft CC and spent days researching. I learned that it is Bennett vs. Lenco. If you are doing the work yourelf, it is my understanding that the Lencos are much easier to install because Lencos are electric whereas the Bennetts are hydraulic.

Check out this site and go to the appropriate link to get lots of opinions on trim tabs:



www.thehulltruth.com



There is apparently a debate about size. I would call the manufacturer and ask for customer service, and give them the dimentians, weight, etc and they will advise. However there is still some disagreement among boat "experts". Again, the site above is one of the best, if not "the" best site for everything about boats. It is a national site.



Good luck.

Orion45

There is no debate about size. Bigger is better. Check out the following linK:

http://www.sportfishingmag.com/techn...ent-32906.html