Tournament Tab Installation Instructions

Note: These installation instructions are Bennett BT810 and BT1012 Tournament Tab kits only. Contact Bennett Marine for installation
instructions for other Bennett Trim Tab kits. Instructions are also available online at www.bennetttrimtabs.com/install.htm.

Tools and Materials List:
7/16", 1/2" Wrench	Small Funnel
Electric Drill	Wire Stripper
Two Foot Straightedge	1 1/8" Hole Saw
Marine Grade Sealant	Tape Measure
Masking Tape	Wire Cutters
9/64", 3/32", 5/32", 3/16", and 3/4" Drill Bits	#2 and 3 Phillips Head Screwdriver
Automatic Transmission Fluid	Regular Flat Head Screwdriver

Step 1 - Position the trim tabs against the transom and check to see that the upper mounts of the hydraulic actuators do not center on an inside obstruction. If they do, reposition the tabs slightly outboard. The further outboard the tabs are mounted the greater the lateral (side to side) control. Position tabs 3 to 4 inches from the chine, and a minimum of 8" from the centerline of the outboard or sterndrive unit (see Figure 1). Note: If the inside of the transom is inaccessible due to a fuel tank, flotation, or other obstruction, call Bennett Marine for alternate installation options at (954) 427-1400. (1" shorter actuators are also available.) Click here to see images of alternate mounting options.

Step 2 - Attach the mounting plates and trim plane with #14 x 1-1/2" stainless steel screws 1/4" above the hull bottom (see Figure 2). Using the backing plate as a template, mark screw hole locations. Drill 3/16" pilot holes for mounting screws. Test to see how the screws fit. Enlarge with 5/32" drill if needed. Assemble mounting plates and tap, dip screws in marine epoxy before tightening them. Slide trim tab between backing plate and hinge plate before running screws tight. Snug screws down to secure mounting plates and trim tab to transom. Aluminum boats should use machine screws and nuts (not included) instead of the enclosed #14 self-tapping screws.

Step 3 - Secure the lower hinge of the actuator to the port trim tab using 1/4-20 x 3/4" machine screws. Using a straightedge under the trim tab and hull bottom, set the corner of the tab trailing edge to 5/8" negative (see Figure 2). With the tab set at this 5/8" negative angle, position the upper mount of the actuator against the transom. Slide the actuator template behind the upper mount, align and tape to the transom. It is not necessary that the upper mounts lie flat against the transom as the actuator neck has the ability to flex far more than necessary (see Figure 3). The straightedge may now be removed. Drill holes accurately as indicated on templates. Drilling a small pilot hole first helps you locate accurate centers. Repeat for the starboard side.

Step 4 - Screw brass fitting with attached tubing into the upper mount of the actuator. Tighten the fitting only snug with a 7/16" wrench. Do not attempt to "bottom out" the fitting (Figure 4).

Step 5 - Resecure lower hinges of actuators to trim tabs using 1/4-20 x 3/4" machine screws.

Step 6 - Feed the taped end of the tubing through the 3/4" hole in transom. Apply sealant on the mounting surface of the actuators and around the brass fitting. Secure the actuator upper mounts to transom with #14 x 1-1/2 " screws

Step 7 - Install Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU) in a convenient location with a dry environment. Important: The HPU must be mounted in a dry enough location to avoid submersion and drenching. Allow some space above the HPU so that is may be slid into its mounting bracket (about 3"). Lay out upper holes on HPU mounting bracket 4-5/8" apart and start #10 x 1" screws using 5/32" pilot holes. Then drill 5/32" pilot holes for the lower screws and mounting bracket. Slide HPU into bracket.

Step 8 - Run hydraulic tubing along hullside or bulkheads to HPU. When facing HPU, the brass fitting on the left side of the pump face connects with tubing from the port actuator, and the fitting on the right connects to the starboard actuator. These fittings are marked "P" and "S" for port and starboard. To connect tubing to the pump, insert tubing in the fitting and tighten nut finger tight, then one full turn with a 1/2" wrench. NO MORE. Use tube bending clips at desired 90 degree bends in tubing to prevent kinking.

Step 10 - Plug connector of Interrupter Relay to HPU plug. Attach black ground wire ring terminal to either the stud on the back of the HPU motor or to any convenient ground. Mount Interrupter Relay. Plug other connector into the 4-color wire harness plug. Run the other end of wire harness to desired location of trim tab control switch. Secure wire harness with plastic hangers and cut to length. Install control switch according to "RS1000 Rocker Switch Installation Instructions".

Step 11 - Connect fused (20 amp) orange power lead from Rocker Switch to 12 volt power source.

Step 12 - Fill HPU reservoir with any type of automatic transmission fluid (ATF).

Step 13 - Using the Rocker Switch Control, press the "Bow Down" position for 15 seconds, then "Bow Up" for 15-20 seconds. Repeat 3 times. This will purge any air from the system. No bleeding is necessary.

Step 14 - Place both trim tabs in the "full down" position and check the hydraulic system for leaks. Bring the tabs to the full up position and check fluid level. Add ATF if necessary.