Trim Tab Indicator - DIY Install

[Sbarry]

Who here has installed indicators themselves? No, I'm not talking to the pros... Just the normal folk. [emoji41]

How difficult was it? The boat has Bennet Tabs, would like to get a Livorsi LED indicator but want to try to install it myself. Doesn't seem like it would be too difficult but I typically under-think every project. Lol

Anyone? Thanks...

 

[3queens]

Measure twice cut once


I say go for it
Interior out run wires zip ties plug in test and away you go

 

[Sbarry]

Interior out run wires zip ties plug in test and away you go

There can't be much more to it, right! Lol

 

[CampbellCarl]

Thought out the attachment method of sender to tab? Not sure why Rube Goldberg comes to mind...

 

[YoPengo]

Let me know how it works out... My port side indicator is out. I was told that the sender is bad and within the ram. #damifiknow

 

[Sbarry]

Let me know how it works out... My port side indicator is out. I was told that the sender is bad and within the ram. #damifiknow

Nice hash tag lol

 

[3queens]

There can't be much more to it, right! Lol

Lol

Serious thou the hardest part is going from mechanical to hydraulics if so use the best hose you can $$ or to electrical would be easier ,,not familiar with the set up,,

Guessing that's your current set up is mechanical

It can always be fixed by a pro :thumbup: if you make a mess

 

[CampbellCarl]

There can't be much more to it, right! Lol

Do I understand that you're adding something to something that doesn't exist now? I'd imagine that mounting Anything to the Bennett's will be the challenge. Drilling holes in the boat, running sensor wires will be the easy part. Mounting the sender to the tab will be the challenge.

 

[Sbarry]

Do I understand that you're adding something to something that doesn't exist now? I'd imagine that mounting Anything to the Bennett's will be the challenge. Drilling holes in the boat, running sensor wires will be the easy part. Mounting the sender to the tab will be the challenge.

I have tabs.... That's it. I thought it was a little more plug and play than what it really is.

I'm just starting to watch You Tube. I ain't even gonna attempt this crap. Dang... Like always, it's more work than I thought [emoji107]🏼

Guess that'll be a project for another offseason.

 

[CampbellCarl]

I have tabs.... That's it. I thought it was a little more plug and play than what it really is.

I'm just starting to watch You Tube. I ain't even gonna attempt this crap. Dang... Like always, it's more work than I thought [emoji107]

Guess that'll be a project for another offseason.

Plug and play...ummm no...

You're trying to create something that doesn't currently exist. Great idea and perhaps will make you millions when you figure it all out...

 

[Sbarry]

Plug and play...ummm no...

You're trying to create something that doesn't currently exist. Great idea and perhaps will make you millions when you figure it all out...

Always a smartass... Thanks for the advice. [emoji106]🏼[emoji12]

It woulda been cool if you could have elaborated on how the install goes but it's all good... I get the point... Over my head.

For the record, I'm not trying to "create" anything... They have kits for this stuff straight from Bennet, it's just ugly as crap. I like the Livorsi style a lot better.

 

[CampbellCarl]

Always a smartass... Thanks for the advice. [emoji106][emoji12]

It woulda been cool if you could have elaborated on how the install goes but it's all good... I get the point... Over my head.

No, no, please...start a new thread and show how it's done but dont give away your patented ideas.

 

[Sbarry]

No, no, please...start a new thread and show how it's done but dont give away your patented ideas.

I think you misunderstood this thread... Not trying to reinvent the wheel, CC. I'm asking if anyone has ever installed indicators themselves and how difficult it is. I'm not trying to design some new thing... Just want to install what I can buy from a dealer.

If you've done it before, what all is involved?

 

[Singleton]

No idea how. I would call a few shops and see what it would take. However looking at my setup, you would have to cut a hole for the LED indicator by the helm then 2 holes through the transom for the attachment cable to the tabs. Cutting through the gel at the helm would stop me from trying it and cutting through the transom would definitely be my stopping point.

 

[Sbarry]

No idea how. I would call a few shops and see what it would take. However looking at my setup, you would have to cut a hole for the LED indicator by the helm then 2 holes through the transom for the attachment cable to the tabs. Cutting through the gel at the helm would stop me from trying it and cutting through the transom would definitely be my stopping point.

The holes at the helm don't bother me, it's the transom that makes me super nervous. I'll end up calling around when I actually get serious about it. Just feelin it out for now.

 

[Marine Industries West]

You have two options, the path of least resistance will be to buy the bennnett indicator kit. The kit comes with new upper cylinder caps that includes the internal electronic sensors. You then run the wiring thru the transom where the fluid transfer is. This method does not require remote transom holes and cable thru hulls. The dash unit is very manageable. It's roughly 3X3 in size so mounting is pretty easy. That kit would be considered a plug and plug installation. That doesnt mean it'll be easy. Install will vary from boat to boat and it's difficulty level will be based heavily on accessibility. Your original thought of using a livorsi led dash unit would be far more complex. Not impossible, but more work, more rigging and far more money just in parts. The livorsi unit will not directly interface with a Bennett electronic cylinder, which you currently do not have anyways. You would have to go mechanical thru the boat then buy livosi's electronic conversion kit. Those are all parts you can buy, not cheap, but available. You will have to figure out a way to attach a 33C cable to your existing plastic trim cylinder. Could be as crude as being hose clamped into place, seen that before. But parts are not available off the shelf to do it. So long story short, just go with the Bennett system and be done with it.

 

[dntnosht]

http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/product/electronic-indicator-control-kit/

Easy install

 

[Sbarry]

You have two options, the path of least resistance will be to buy the bennnett indicator kit. The kit comes with new upper cylinder caps that includes the internal electronic sensors. You then run the wiring thru the transom where the fluid transfer is. This method does not require remote transom holes and cable thru hulls. The dash unit is very manageable. It's roughly 3X3 in size so mounting is pretty easy. That kit would be considered a plug and plug installation. That doesnt mean it'll be easy. Install will vary from boat to boat and it's difficulty level will be based heavily on accessibility. Your original thought of using a livorsi led dash unit would be far more complex. Not impossible, but more work, more rigging and far more money just in parts. The livorsi unit will not directly interface with a Bennett electronic cylinder, which you currently do not have anyways. You would have to go mechanical thru the boat then buy livosi's electronic conversion kit. Those are all parts you can buy, not cheap, but available. You will have to figure out a way to attach a 33C cable to your existing plastic trim cylinder. Could be as crude as being hose clamped into place, seen that before. But parts are not available off the shelf to do it. So long story short, just go with the Bennett system and be done with it.

Awesome post! That's exactly what I was looking for. Thanks [emoji106]🏼

 

[JJK94]

I believe when I changed my sensor there was another hole in addition to the hydraulics which I used 3M to seal as it is still behind the flange that mounts to transom.

 

[underpressure]

Had a similar "issue" when I upgraded my drive from the Imco SC to the SCX...

Had an electronic trim indicator dial on the dash (standard Livorsi Merc Bravo dealio) and wanted to use that. Jeremy at J&J Performance figured out a way to install the sender from an ITP set up to the SCX drive and walla, works like a charm! A "one off" deal, but awesome.