Bennett Trim Tab Actuator Separation

[rswenson]

I see several posts on this issue. We a 2020 Cutwater C28. Does anyone know what causes this? Also, I don't see any instructions or videos on how to replace this on either Bennett's website or Youtube. Any help would be appreciated. We were hoping to head out this next weekend.

Thanks!

 

[Gypsy]

I have a 2019 C28. Last month, while on the Great Loop, up in the 1000 Islands area, my trim tab actuator blew out. The pin that connects the actuator to the trim plate fell out. When it did, the boat rolled to port. To try and correct the roll, I pressed the trim tab button which extended the ram. Because the ram was no longer attached to the plate, there was nothing to stop the ram from extending beyond it's normal stopping point. As such, it blew out the seal and all the fluid. The same fluid that is used to open the engine hatch. This happened during the July 4th week, and all the repair shops were backed up for several weeks. I found one shop that agreed to fix the problem on a expedited, priority basis (meaning expensive). Total cost $1273.00.

 

[Gypsy]

When you stated that you have a actuator separation, do you mean that the actuator separated from the plate, or did you blow out the seal. Does your engine hatch still open when you press the switch?

 

[rswenson]

The bottom of the actuator plastic cylinder broke so now the trim tab is way down. So both looking to understand the cause and how to replace it. There look to be several sizes.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

Ive had one fail.

common cause is corrosion on the extended ram than then damages the seal on retraction. advised to retract trim tabs when storing the boat.

 

[CaptT]

Did you call Bennett, now owned by Yamaha? I had this happen to my 2015 28 Cutwater, back in 2020, and they were very helpful in getting the correct one sent out. The replacement wasn't as easy as to install as I would have hoped but not impossible. They were helpful in supplying directions on how to install the new actuator as well as bleeding and sealing the hydraulic line running to it.
My next door neighbor worked for them as an engineer but decided to leave after Yamaha purchased them. They were very helpful in the past but things have changed since the new corporation took over.
I called them 3 weeks ago, after getting stuck in Ft Pierce Florida with a non-functioning control switch, but the person I spoke with told me to buy it from Amazon , which I did. You can tell something changed with the company, they're not as helpful as they used to be but still worth giving them a call for help.
Terry

 

[rswenson]

I did, but not reach anyone. I did send them an email. I ended up unscrewing the cylinder from the top pieced screwed to the boat and hopefully can find a replacement locally. Amazon is a few days away. Seems like a relatively easy repair....hopefully.

 

[S@LTD]

For those who have not had this happen you might consider punching out the pin and replacing them with a 1/4 in chain less screw and unlock nut. I had one fall out too when our CW was fairly new and thankfully saw it right after loading on the trailer before I pushed the button down to extend the actuator. It’s cheap insurance. Frankly I do not understand why they used the pins as they are known to fall out.

 

[BB marine]

If the pin falls out it is because the improper length mounting screw was used. The pin should be installed before the hinge is mounted to the trim tab plane. The two 1/4 20 stainless steel machine screws need to extend past the pin. The 1/4 20 fastener must be a minimum of 3/4 “ long. Once the screws are installed inspect the end of the screw to confirm it is extended past the pin so the pin can not slide out. When this is done the pin can not fall out. I have heard this happening to several Cutwaters. Maybe a training class to the installation technicians is in order.

Another cause of trim tab cylinder failure is having the planes fully deployed when using hard reverse. The pressure pushes hard on the top side of the plane and can cause the cylinder housing or shaft to fracture. If the cylinder is damaged while the boat is in the water. The trim tab hydraulic pump and lines should be flushed to confirm all water is removed.