Test Your Knowledge Of Hydraulic Vs. Electric Trim Tab Systems

1. What is the difference between the deflection time (time for tabs to move from full up to full down position) of hydraulic and electric systems?

10 seconds

3 seconds

5 seconds

15 seconds

While Bennett’s hydraulic system will take 8 seconds from full up to full down, and electric will take 5 seconds, the difference is not great enough for a boater to recognize. For best results, trim tabs are adjusted in short, half-second “bursts.”

Explanation

While Bennett’s hydraulic system will take 8 seconds from full up to full down, and electric will take 5 seconds, the difference is not great enough for a boater to recognize. For best results, trim tabs are adjusted in short, half-second “bursts.”

2. Which system will allow the owner to retract the tabs in the event of a motor failure?

Hydraulic

Electric

Both

Neither

In the event of a failure, only the hydraulic system can easily be retracted so the boat can run safely in a following sea or at high speeds. Electric actuators will lock the trim tab in place in the case of a failure, and the boater cannot retract the tab without replacing the actuator. Since Bennett’s Hydraulic Power Unit is located inside the boat, repairs may be made without the expense and downtime involved in hauling the boat.

Explanation

In the event of a failure, only the hydraulic system can easily be retracted so the boat can run safely in a following sea or at high speeds. Electric actuators will lock the trim tab in place in the case of a failure, and the boater cannot retract the tab without replacing the actuator. Since Bennett’s Hydraulic Power Unit is located inside the boat, repairs may be made without the expense and downtime involved in hauling the boat.

3. What system is more expensive to repair if an actuator O-ring seal breaks?

Hydraulic

Electric

Neither is expensive

If a seal in an electric actuator breaks, water will flood the system and the actuator will need to be replaced. If a seal on a hydraulic actuator should break, its replacement cost is about $1.00 and Bennett will often provide it to boaters at no charge.

Explanation

If a seal in an electric actuator breaks, water will flood the system and the actuator will need to be replaced. If a seal on a hydraulic actuator should break, its replacement cost is about $1.00 and Bennett will often provide it to boaters at no charge.

4. Which trim tab system will react instantaneously when a boater pushes the control?

Hydraulic

Electric

Both

Neither

There is no difference in the precision between hydraulic and electric systems. Both start and stop instantaneously. Neither “drift” nor do they lock up unless there is some sort of mechanical failure.

Explanation

There is no difference in the precision between hydraulic and electric systems. Both start and stop instantaneously. Neither “drift” nor do they lock up unless there is some sort of mechanical failure.

5. Which trim tab company requires a credit card and proof of purchase from a boater when accepting a warranty claim?

Bennett

Lenco

Both

Neither

Lenco requires a credit card before parts are shipped. Their warranty is three years and is not transferable. Bennett’s warranty is five years, it is transferable, and policy is to send the part first without requiring a credit card. Bennett’s warranty policies are lenient and our primary goal is to keep our customers on the water using their boats.

Explanation

Lenco requires a credit card before parts are shipped. Their warranty is three years and is not transferable. Bennett’s warranty is five years, it is transferable, and policy is to send the part first without requiring a credit card. Bennett’s warranty policies are lenient and our primary goal is to keep our customers on the water using their boats.