2009 R-25 Trim Tab Failure

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sidetrack

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Joined
Apr 22, 2010
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58
Fluid Motion Model
C-248 C
Vessel Name
Sidetrack
While running, my port side trim tab suddenly collaspsed and is not operational.... but the starboard side trim tab is operating normally. There is a Circuit breaker for the Trim Tabs on the main elec panel... and it is still working..... So... is there independent fuses installed between each trim tab and the circuit breaker on the main panel? Can you suggest any other reason for the failure? My boat is presently planned to be hauled out this weekend (May 18/19) and if I need to talk to someone regarding this problem.... is there a service number? (I am assuming that the trim tabs are Bennet Trim tabs).
 
Seems like the fuse would be common to the two. Our last boat had Bennett trim tabs, and that was how they were wired. But until we get our boat, I can't speak to Ranger Tugs' specific installation.

I do know that they are hydraulic and so fluid level matters. Could something have happened on just one of the lines? If the fluid were just low, seems like both would be affected. But perhaps the one farthest from the reservoir would suffer the loss of pressure more?
 
Bummer...

What do you mean by "...my port side trim tab suddenly collaspsed..." ?

Did the trim tab somehow fully retract in the up position or did it fully deploy down for example ?

As Gin mentioned first check the fluid level in the tank which can be accessed in the stern portion of the starboard cockpit locker. Also check the line from there that goes over to the Port trim tab.

You could give Ranger Tugs a quick call before your haul out this weekend. Talk with Andrew or Kenny if you can.

Good luck and post back what you find out. Thanks... 🙂
 
This is pretty rare that one would stop. This is a simple setup with a wire harness that runs from the switch to the hydraulic pump. It is a color coded harness that I am sure would be easy to test. I would suggest getting in contact with the guys from Bennett and they will help you through this.

Phone: 954.427.1400
Client Services is available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time.
 
Ended up that the bottom of one of the Acuators had "blown out". I have contacted Bennett regarding warrantee.
 
Had had the same issue last year. Did you do the tests as per Bennett? There are a few jump outs to do to confirm that the problem is the actuator. I did them and it determined that it was a bum actuator. However when I sent the old one back to Bennett they said it worked. We surmised that either the contacts were corroded or the body was not grounding and that is why it was not working. So before you go through the chore of changing it out and shipping it back make sure all the connections are clean and screw the actuator out and make sure it is all clean on the threads etc. Bennett has a whole youtube video on how to replace the actuator. Pretty easy. Give it a try and see what happens. Worse case scenario it is really shot.
By the way Bennett id great with customer service.

Mike Rizzo
 
Mike: Your actuator / connections went 'south' after what, 2 years ! ???? That's not a good sign. Why the premature failure ? Built on a Monday maybe ?
 
baz":1zko84we said:
Mike: Your actuator / connections went 'south' after what, 2 years ! ???? That's not a good sign. Why the premature failure ? Built on a Monday maybe ?
Click to expand...

Hi Barry, this is the first post of a trim tab actuator failure I have seen on the TugNuts....and I have been here a while. Did you really mean to criticize Bennett? Things mechanical and electrical break from time to time. Sometimes for no rhyme or reason that we can detect. Unfortunate that it happens, but great that we have the resources and back up of manufacturers and factory to resolve our problems.
 
Herb: That's comforting to know. Criticism was not intended at all... I should have suffixed the "Monday..." statement with 😉. Early failures always catch my attention. In this case it seems to have been faulty connection(s) rather than an actuator component failure. It's always a disappointment when something fails earlier than expected.

It was also useful to read that Mike gave high marks for Bennet's customer service response to customer issues.
 
Mike: How did you first determine the trim tab wasn't working? Was it a unintended casual visual inspection because you sensed something was wrong or were you alerted to the problem via an alarm or some strange sound coming from the trim tab area? Just curious to know in case something like this happens on our R-25. Thanks.
 
The bottom of the actuator literally blew out while running. The hydraulic shaft and spring fell out the bottom of it. The other trim tab stil had some fluid so it worked marginally. I know that Bennet has a good reputation and they seem to be standing by their warrantee.... so that should be the end of it.
 
I believe that on my last run of the season, both trim tab actuators "blew out" similar to what "Sidetrack" reports - cap of the actuator broke off and the spring erupted from cylinder. I didn't notice it until we hauled her out. I'm going to be contacting Bennett tomorrow and will post the resolution.
 
I also had the same problem on my CW 28 this summer. This is my second season. One of the cylinders blew out and the system was completely replaced as saltwater may have gotten into the pump. They were replaced and a week later one of the cylinders was leaking due to a pinched O ring. Apparently it was shipped this way from Bennet. Yet I will say that Ronnie G. And Bennet stepped up to the plate and resolved this promptly.

On a sad note I took the boat out of the water Friday.
 
This describes your problem and what to do to troubleshoot/fix it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E1kp7gPtz8

I just realized looking at this video that there is a cover that I don't have. Does anyone else have a cover on their actuator?
 
I have one trim tab locked up and one locked down and neither is working. someone mentioned it might be the fuse so I
'll start there. Where is the fuse located? Thanks.
 
There is actually no fuse. You have a breaker labeled "trim tabs" on the DC panel by the helm. Did you verify this was on?

Thank you,
 
Yes. I took off the reservoir and all of the hydraulic fluid has nearly leaked out. I refilled the reservoir with transmission fluid. It's all leaking out of the port side. Is there anyway to fix the leak without taking the boat out of the water?
 
Hi,
I had some trim tabs blow out, one the end cap and one the cylinder. Bennet was really great in the replacements. Some of the tubes are also heavier now. You want to be careful that you havent sucked in water back into the resevoir. When mine first had a problem I was being polite and asking my wife to switch her seat in the boat and not ask the heavy people to move, but I couldnt adjust the trim and then later the rainbow slick on the water gave it away.

Stuart
 
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