Bennett Trim Rocker Switch Malfunction?

[dbsea]

Has anyone had their flybridge helm trim tab rocker switch malfunction? Mine seemingly doesn't work properly all of a sudden, as evidenced by two failed attempts to accelerate to plane followed by severe rolling to the starboard, and lots of screaming from my guests. I tried from the cabin helm, and they work fine. I will be checking the connectors tonight, but also ordered a replacement switch in case. Not a pleasant way to end a nice Sunday afternoon on Lake Washington...

 

[bill46]

Plastic post inside mine broke. Replacement available, was under $100.
Real pain to install about 8 wires with very little slack.
Be sure to take a picture first.
A lot cheaper than hauling and replacing actuator, which I have done twice.
Good luck.

 

[dbsea]

Thanks Bill, appreciate the advice. The flybridge switch definitely feels different than the one at my inside main helm, so I'm guessing the same thing happened that happened to you...will definitely take a picture first. Thankfully my local chandlery has the switch in stock ($89), so I'll be able to replace it fairly easily.

 

[Chriscz128]

I had one fail as well this last winter. The failed switch did not produce the slight click like the working one did. Easy to replace. Do take a picture of how they are wired. I believe the switches are wired to opposite sides of the boat. That is the port side switch controls the starboard side trim tab and vice versa. Good luck.

 

[dbsea]

great to know, thanks. I'll report back when i have a chance to fix it, which needs to get done before I head to canada here in a few weeks!

 

[GaylesFaerie]

I believe the switches are wired to opposite sides of the boat.

That is correct. Pressing the right hand switch activates the port tab and pressing the left hand switch activates the starboard tab. It may seem a bit counter-intuitive, but that is the way the water flow dynamics work on the trim.

 

[dbsea]

Seems to be working after switch replacement. Easy fix other than it being 90+ degrees up on my flybridge under the helm…