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MV Wanderlust · 04-11-2016, 11:29

The diver service that cleans our hull just sent this email:

The starboard trim tab bolts have broken off inside where the ram attaches to the trim tab. The trim tab is hanging down, and is attached to the boat only by the part it hinges from (mounted to the transom).

I’m not sure of the best way to fix this, since the bolts have broken off. We could probably remove it.

Well, buggers. It's always something, right?

We typically don't use our trim tabs so I told them to go ahead and remove it for now. How would we go about having this fixed? Is this something that can be done in the water or would it need to be hauled out?

Thanks.

John

Comogene · 04-11-2016, 12:43

If the trim tabs are Bennetts, and if they are transom mounted, it is a simple fix and yes the boat needs to be hauled. The plastic ram is threaded to receive two stainless machine screws that pass through the trim tab brace. If the screws disintegrated or broke-off in the ram, all you need to do is drill them out and install new machine screws with nylon locking nuts. Now if the base the ram is broke, you will have to replace the ram.

Contact Bennett. They have a great customer service department. I believe your 42 Chris is the old Uniflite hull mold and I'm willing to bet they are Bennetts.

Gene

MV Wanderlust · 04-11-2016, 12:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Comogene

If the trim tabs are Bennetts, and if they are transom mounted, it is a simple fix and yes the boat needs to be hauled. The plastic ram is threaded to receive two stainless machine screws that pass through the trim tab brace. If the screws disintegrated or broke-off in the ram, all you need to do is drill them out and install new machine screws with nylon locking nuts. Now if the base the ram is broke, you will have to replace the ram.

Contact Bennett. They have a great customer service department. I believe your 42 Chris is the old Uniflite hull mold and I'm willing to bet they are Bennetts.

Gene

Interesting! There are so many helpful people on this forum. Thanks, Gene. We'll know more after we go to the boat this weekend.

jphillips · 16-11-2016, 15:21

No need to pull the boat. Stainless steel threaded into plastic can easily be backed out and replaced in the water. May even reach it from a dinghy. Easy repair don't be fooled into spending big money for a no brainer !

MV Wanderlust · 17-11-2016, 05:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by jphillips

No need to pull the boat. Stainless steel threaded into plastic can easily be backed out and replaced in the water. May even reach it from a dinghy. Easy repair don't be fooled into spending big money for a no brainer !

Thanks, jphillips. I've contacted Bennett to see if they are, indeed, the manufacturer and what repair process they recommend.

MV Wanderlust · 28-11-2016, 09:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by jphillips

No need to pull the boat. Stainless steel threaded into plastic can easily be backed out and replaced in the water. May even reach it from a dinghy. Easy repair don't be fooled into spending big money for a no brainer !

Follow up: Definitely Bennett trim tabs. Parts ordered. Thanks for the advice.

jphillips · 28-11-2016, 11:24

Welcome. Hope the repair goes well.

Comogene · 02-12-2016, 17:24

John:

Just curious. What part did you find broken upon close inspection? Was it just the stainless machine screw or was the plastic tab broken?

Gene

MV Wanderlust · 02-12-2016, 17:31

Hi Gene,

The diver service said the machine screws were what actually broke. I contacted Bennett and they gave me the part numbers for the hinge, pin, and screws. They'll be here soon.

John