Lenco Autoglide (Autopilot for trim tabs).

[Jesperjo]

I’m really interested in putting the Autoglide on our new 2024 R-25. This would be the first major upgrade and a bit more DIY than I’m used to on a boat, so looking for any advice anyone has. The Seakeeper are a bit rich for this boat I think, but the Autoglide looks nice. Can anyone confirm that part 15504-101 Is the correct one? I assume the fridge has to be removed to get to it. Anything else I should be aware of? I’m considering having the shop do this. I’m pretty good around the house, but not as used to tearing a boat apart.

 

[Submariner]

I’m really interested in putting the Autoglide on our new 2024 R-25. This would be the first major upgrade and a bit more DIY than I’m used to on a boat, so looking for any advice anyone has. The Seakeeper are a bit rich for this boat I think, but the Autoglide looks nice. Can anyone confirm that part 15504-101 Is the correct one? I assume the fridge has to be removed to get to it. Anything else I should be aware of? I’m considering having the shop do this. I’m pretty good around the house, but not as used to tearing a boat apart.

I just installed Autoglide on a new RT25-OB. The fridge comes out easily. It just needs to be moved out of the way enough to get back in behind. You have the right part number (single actuator, no Nema2k no GPS). You won't need the L bracket as there's space behind the fridge to just screw the controller to the bulkhead.

You will need a 4 port multi-T (Nema2k) though, as there isn't enough space on the factory N2k bus to accommodate an extra connection. Also, you'l need the Yamaha N2k Gateway so that Autoglide can get engine RPM data, which is necessary for proper operation.

 

[Jesperjo]

Thank you! No issues with removing the existing trim tab system? Where is the connection to the NMEA bus and the Yamaha gateway? I could use all the help I can get on this one. If anyone with experience doing it happens to be in Everett, let me know.


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[Submariner]

Thank you! No issues with removing the existing trim tab system? Where is the connection to the NMEA bus and the Yamaha gateway? I could use all the help I can get on this one. If anyone with experience doing it happens to be in Everett, let me know.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I live near Everett and moor my boat in Everett.
I could do the install for you. It takes about 3-4 hours.
Shoot me a pm if you’re interested.

There isn’t much to the “existing” trim tab system. It’s a switch and 2 tabs.

Autoglide adds a controller and ties into the n2k backbone.


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[croakz]

Martin just upgraded my R25-OB, he knows what he's doing 😀

Still getting use to my Autoglide, but glad we did it.

 

[Remedy2]

I installed these on my 2022 288 and can confirm they are a GREAT upgrade. My takeaways:
* Install was pretty easy. I installed the module behind the refrigerator (and under the helm seat). I bought an extender cable but didn't need it. Can confirm you need to buy an NMEA T.
*Calibration on GLASS water seems critical. I first calibrated it on calm water but when it went to "home" it felt a degree or two off. I took her out in the am where the water was pristine, recalibrated, and she sets level.

• It's response isn't super fast but about the same or better I can do on my own.
• After playing the trim tabs like a guitar on my old C24 it's relaxing not to even have to touch them. Kicking myself for never installing on my C24.
• I haven't been in super rough water so cannot report on that yet.

 

[Jcat2010]

Just to provide another point of view. I recently installed the Mente ACS RP on my R27 LE. Install took about an hour. Once you have familiarized yourself with the wiring, you power off, unscrew the back nut on the Lenco pad, clip the wiring. Drill two small mounting screw holes. Strip, insert the stripped wires into the terminal block and screw it all back together, put the new pad in place, screw the nuts on the mounting screws and power up. Initial calibration takes about 5 minutes. !5 if you're dyslectic and mix your stbd and port and have to reverse the wiring 😉 Can't say how it performs compared to Lenco, I'm still learning and re-tuning, but it really is mostly touch free, and quite adjustable on the fly.

 

[IslandHopper]

I'm just curious about peoples experience with the Mente ACS RP after being used it for a while (as well as those using Lenco AutoGlide). I recently ordered in the Lenco Autoglide, only to find out after it was delivered (and attempting to download the manuals) that it is now discontinued. It would appear an identical product to the Mente ACS RP is available from LectroTab (Model ALC-1). All are similar in price, but at first glance the Mente / LectroTab system looks much easier to install. Outside of not having the NMEA connection that the Autoglide has for engine rpm, tab position, etc., the other systems seem designed to work the same for autoleveling. Lenco customer service say that the new Pro Control Auto system for tabs larger than 12x12 won't be available for 6 months. So I either stick with the Autoglide, or return the product and purchase the Mente/Lectrotab - or wait another year and see how Lenco's revamped system works. Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

[Madisonwi]

Feedback…….with those that have installed the Lenco Auto Glide trim tab controls on there R23/25 or R27 I’d like to ask about your on the water experiences/satisfaction or disappointments with this product. I’m gauging whether this would be beneficial to have on our ordered R25OB.

Jim F

I just installed (myself with Martin answering question as they arose). Have not gotten out on the water to calibrate. I have the ranger 27 OB LE model so I didn't need the mounting bracket. If anyone needs the mounting bracket let me know. (direct message me)

Pat

 

[Jesperjo]

I installed the autoglide in my R-25 OB. I’m kind of mixed on it to be honest. Martin will probably respond that it needs to be recalibrated, but I’ve actually done that. When the weather is good, it works well. Even if it starts getting choppy it is fine. However, there are two circumstances where it is not great. First, I’ve noticed that it likes to fight the autopilot. The autopilot thinks “oh, you’re 12 feet off course to the left, let’s bring you right” and the boat leans over. Until it gets there, the autoglide is quiet, but once the autopilot stops steering, the autoglide immediately goes “you’re listing to the right, let’s bring you left” and that then tilts the boat left, which puts it back off course to the left. It simply responds too fast, before the autopilot readjusts to level out. The consequences is that the boat ends up doing a lot of zig zagging. I end up having to compensate by turning off the auto feature on the autoglide for a bit, until the boat levels out, and then I can turn it back on. One or the other works great, but both together don’t work well.

The other issue I’ve had is, especially when it gets choppy, the autoglide likes to over correct. The boat is very susceptible to waves coming at a slight angle. The autoglide and the autopilot both try to correct that. The result is that the boat heels over. A lot. Into the wave. Way more than is comfortable. Again, turning it off and manually correcting, or letting the autopilot get the boat back on course, takes care of it.

As a result, I find myself only using the autoglide about 2/3 of the time, or maybe a little more. I think the core issue is that it is trying to fight the autopilot. It’s supposed to know when the autopilot engages, but I think it either responds too fast and doesn’t let the autopilot settle things out first, or it simply fails to recognize that the autopilot is engaged. I’m not sure exactly which, but either way, it’s not as automatic and crisp as I’d like it. Frankly, any system that doesn’t account for autopilot is going to have at least these problems, if not more of them, so I’d be very leery of them.

 

[Submariner]

Lenco has officially deprecated/discontinued the Autoglide. Their new and improved Pro Control, requires new trim tabs, new actuators and the switch won't fit on my helm (not enough space) as the new Pro Control switch is physically larger than the Autoglide switch.

 

[Jesperjo]

Lenco has officially deprecated/discontinued the Autoglide. Their new and improved Pro Control, requires new trim tabs, new actuators and the switch won't fit on my helm (not enough space) as the new Pro Control switch is physically larger than the Autoglide switch.

It really does seem like a step backward.

 

[Submariner]

It really does seem like a step backward.

I contacted Lenco asking that they reconsider their decision to discontinue the Lenco Autoglide. There doesn't appear to be a technological reason why they discontinued it, other than they came out with a "new and improved" version and would rather customers bought that.

The Lenco Autoglide is a drop-in upgrade to their standard trim tabs and 100 series actuators, which is standard on our boats. Their new Pro Control requires their XD actuators and different tabs that move faster than the 100 series actuators. It appears to me that they're trying to compete with the SeaKeeper Ride system. If you can move the tabs faster, in theory, you can take out some of the chop in choppy waters. Personally, that's not a problem I need solved. In the Pacific Northwest, when it gets choppy, I slow the boat down to 11-15mph and it makes the ride more enjoyable.

The biggest issue with the Pro Control is they redesigned the switch to be a rectangle. It fits the same hole as the Autoglide and manual switch controls. But the Autoglide is the same size (square) as the manual switch. The Pro Control, being a rectangle, is physically larger. So large, there just isn't any place on my helm to put it. Lenco insisted that the Pro Control switch was backwards compatible and would fit in the same hole as the Autoglide. I sent photos to Lenco to illustrate. Their response was, and I'm paraphrasing... "...it's a shame the Yamaha binnacle wasn't installed a few inches forward..." I could replace my actuators and tabs, but the Pro Control switch doesn't have a place it'll fit on my boat. Lenco also expressed to me that they're not interested in bringing back the Autoglide. This is disappointing to hear as Autoglide does what it's supposed to do, and in the waters I travel, it's fantastic. One of the best upgrades I've made to Channel Surfing.

The Seakeeper ride switch controls, as well as Bennet AutoPro (similar to the Autoglide), both would work on my boat and would fit the helm. Zipwake would not fit my helm.

If I upgraded to a Solara S-310 Sport Bridge, the Lenco Pro Control would fit and function. 😀

 

[Jesperjo]

I contacted Lenco asking that they reconsider their decision to discontinue the Lenco Autoglide. There doesn't appear to be a technological reason why they discontinued it, other than they came out with a "new and improved" version and would rather customers bought that.

The Lenco Autoglide is a drop-in upgrade to their standard trim tabs and 100 series actuators, which is standard on our boats. Their new Pro Control requires their XD actuators and different tabs that move faster than the 100 series actuators. It appears to me that they're trying to compete with the SeaKeeper Ride system. If you can move the tabs faster, in theory, you can take out some of the chop in choppy waters. Personally, that's not a problem I need solved. In the Pacific Northwest, when it gets choppy, I slow the boat down to 11-15mph and it makes the ride more enjoyable.

The biggest issue with the Pro Control is they redesigned the switch to be a rectangle. It fits the same hole as the Autoglide and manual switch controls. But the Autoglide is the same size (square) as the manual switch. The Pro Control, being a rectangle, is physically larger. So large, there just isn't any place on my helm to put it. Lenco insisted that the Pro Control switch was backwards compatible and would fit in the same hole as the Autoglide. I sent photos to Lenco to illustrate. Their response was, and I'm paraphrasing... "...it's a shame the Yamaha binnacle wasn't installed a few inches forward..." I could replace my actuators and tabs, but the Pro Control switch doesn't have a place it'll fit on my boat. Lenco also expressed to me that they're not interested in bringing back the Autoglide. This is disappointing to hear as Autoglide does what it's supposed to do, and in the waters I travel, it's fantastic. One of the best upgrades I've made to Channel Surfing.

The Seakeeper ride switch controls, as well as Bennet AutoPro (similar to the Autoglide), both would work on my boat and would fit the helm. Zipwake would not fit my helm.

If I upgraded to a Solara S-310 Sport Bridge, the Lenco Pro Control would fit and function. 😀

View attachment 25541View attachment 25542

Time for a new boat then I guess. :D

 

[IslandHopper]

Thanks for all the great feedback! Still curious if anyone has comments or reviews on the Mente ACS RP / LectroTab products.

 

[Submariner]

Thanks for all the great feedback! Still curious if anyone has comments or reviews on the Mente ACS RP / LectroTab products.

I've heard that the Mente systems also works on an R27.

 

[hawk232]

I installed the Mente in my R27 a month or so ago. installation is a piece of cake, took maybe 20 min including gathering tools and clean up. setup is just as easy. it has its quirks, but it does exactly what it advertises and levels the boat automatically. any other questions, feel free to ask!