Lenco Trim Tabs

Lenco Electric Trim Tabs, Actuators, and Controls

Lenco electric trim-tab systems help boaters adjust a boat’s running attitude to compensate for changing speed, load distribution, wind, and water conditions. The system uses electric linear actuators to move stainless-steel blades mounted at the transom, allowing adjustments from the helm without a hydraulic pump or hydraulic lines.

The correct system depends on the boat, hull design, transom space, tab dimensions, actuator configuration, and control setup. Replacement components should be identified by the existing Lenco model or part number whenever possible.

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Lenco Electric Trim-Tab Kits

A complete trim-tab installation requires blades and actuators sized and positioned for the boat’s transom. Available space may be limited by strakes, chines, outboards, sterndrives, swim platforms, transducers, thru-hull fittings, and trailer components.

The featured kits below are supplied without a switch. Select a compatible control separately and review the product listing to verify every included component before ordering.

Choosing a Lenco Trim-Tab Kit

Trim-tab sizing depends on more than boat length. Hull shape, weight distribution, operating speed, engine configuration, available transom width, and clearance around existing equipment can all affect the appropriate installation.

Measure the usable transom area on both sides of the propulsion system. Confirm that the blades and actuators will clear lifting strakes, chines, swim platforms, outboard brackets, sterndrives, transducers, drains, and trailer bunks through their full range of movement.

Edge-mount and standard-mount systems use different actuator and hinge arrangements. Choose the configuration specified for the available transom space and verify placement using the current Lenco sizing and installation guidance.

Lenco Replacement Trim-Tab Actuators

Lenco replacement actuators may differ in length, stroke, mounting geometry, wiring, connector style, and intended system. Similar-looking actuators are not necessarily interchangeable.

Identify the existing actuator before ordering. Check its model or part number, overall mounting length, upper and lower brackets, connector, system voltage, and whether the installation uses a standard, extra-deep, short, or other application-specific configuration.

Lenco Trim-Tab Switches and Controls

The helm control must be compatible with the trim-tab system, actuator configuration, voltage, wiring, and desired position-indication features. Do not assume that every Lenco switch directly replaces an older control without reviewing the installation requirements.

Converting a Compatible Bennett System to Lenco Electric Actuators

A retrofit kit can convert certain existing 12-volt electric Bennett trim-tab systems to compatible Lenco equipment while retaining applicable parts of the existing installation. Compatibility depends on the exact Bennett system and current mounting arrangement.

How Lenco Trim Tabs Affect Boat Attitude

Deploying both trim tabs can create lift at the stern and change the boat’s fore-and-aft running attitude. This may help a compatible boat manage bow rise, reach a more appropriate running attitude, or respond to changing operating conditions.

Adjusting the tabs independently can help compensate for an uneven port-to-starboard load caused by passenger placement, gear, fuel, wind, or other conditions. Trim tabs do not replace proper loading, weight distribution, or safe boat operation.

Performance varies by hull, load, speed, installation, and water conditions. Trim tabs do not guarantee increased speed, fuel savings, or a particular ride improvement on every boat.

How to Operate Lenco Trim Tabs

Begin with the tabs fully retracted unless the boat or system instructions specify otherwise. After the boat is underway, make short control inputs and allow time to observe the response before making another adjustment.

Avoid deploying more tab than necessary. Excessive tab deployment can force the bow too low, increase drag, change steering response, or produce an undesirable running attitude. Use particular caution when operating at higher speeds or in following seas.

As passengers move or wind and water conditions change, small corrections may be appropriate. Retract the tabs when they are no longer needed and follow the operating guidance supplied with the system.

Lenco Trim-Tab FAQs

What do Lenco trim tabs do?

Lenco trim tabs use electric actuators to adjust blades at the transom. The blades can change the boat’s running attitude and help compensate for bow rise, uneven loading, wind, and changing water conditions.

Are trim tabs the same as outboard power trim?

No. Outboard power trim changes the engine’s angle relative to the transom. Trim tabs use separate transom-mounted blades to influence hull attitude and port-to-starboard balance.

How do I choose the correct trim-tab size?

Use Lenco’s current sizing guidance and consider the boat length, hull design, weight, operating conditions, propulsion system, and available transom space. Confirm clearance around all existing equipment.

Do Lenco trim-tab kits include a switch?

Included components vary by kit. Some systems are specifically sold without a switch, allowing the appropriate compatible control to be selected separately. Review the individual product listing before ordering.

How do I identify the correct Lenco replacement actuator?

Check the existing actuator’s model or part number, mounting length, brackets, wiring connection, voltage, and system configuration. Do not select a replacement based only on appearance.

Can I replace a Lenco 101 actuator with a 101XD, 101XDS, or 102S?

Do not assume these actuators are interchangeable. Their length, mounting arrangement, stroke, and intended application may differ. Match the replacement to the existing actuator and system requirements.

Can a Bennett trim-tab system be converted to Lenco electric actuators?

Certain 12-volt electric Bennett systems may be compatible with a specified Lenco retrofit kit. Identify the existing system and confirm the retrofit kit application before making the conversion.

Should trim tabs be fully deployed while operating?

Not ordinarily. Begin retracted and use short control inputs to apply only the amount of tab needed. Excessive deployment can increase drag or produce an undesirable running attitude.