I want to swap my current trim tab switch to this kind with the indicator lights on the sides. Does anyone know if it’s a simple plug in and swap? Or do the indicator lights require additional wiring?
What do you have now?
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I have the same design but without the indicator lights
If I remember correctly the actuators just plug into the back of the control.
Should be a power, ground and 2 plugs. Wiring should match your current switch.
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Check out the install document: https://bennetttrimtabs.com/installManuals/EIC5000-Installation-Shielded-Coil-WEB-052123.pdf
Looks like the actuator has to be swapped and there is a sensor rod. Part numbers are there so you should be able to cross check against what you have.
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I believe there is a control box that has to be installed as well. But as mentioned above, check out the install instructions as they should have that information included
I had those buttons on my 2018 Marquesa and have similar ones on my ProLine that also have ALL UP/DOWN buttons.
They’re 100% self contained with three wires for power +/- and auto retract, plus two plugs for the tabs.
The position indicator lights appear to work off how much time you hold down the buttons because there are only two wires going to each tab actuator. And there isn’t any sort of LVDT in the actuators.
Hells Bay didn’t install them on my 2023 Pro because they were having too many issues with them.
I had the ones on my ProLine go into what I called a “Vacuum Lock” condition. When the switch assembly is potted with sealant they don’t leave anyway for internal pressure to equalize. So over a period of time in the sun and heat of the day the internal pressure will vent through the wires. Then overnight the internal pressure drops and sucks the membrane down enough to activate the microswitc h beneath it. Fortunately I put the power for the tabs on a switch in that boat
I fixed mine by stabbing a hole through the membrane with the point of a filet knife. Haven’t had a problem since. I told Bennett what I did to fix my problem, and never heard from them again.
Personally I like the plain toggle switches on my Pro better than the Indicator switches on my ProLine.
https://bennetttrimtabs.com/product/integrated-helm-control-electric/
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Agree with this. I found the push button switches hard to know if they are working or not. When the electronics pad gets worn out, the contact doesn’t trigger the tabs as good. I like the toggle switch design - it’s simple, cheap to replace and less wiring.
Most panel-style switch plates I’ve seen have a control box as @MikeCockman mentioned. There is a harness that goes from the panel to the box, then the box has a harness to the tabs themselves. In the case of my Lenco tabs with toggles, each switch goes directly to the tab - no box in between.
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I’ve been running Bennets since the early nineties (but using the simpler basic switches that they sell… Every one of those switches over many years always came with a very detailed instructions. Pretty sure if you find them in a marine hardware store and take a quick look at the back of the package you’ll find all the info you need..
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Y’all know some stuff! Thanks boys
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