Trim tab options between bennett and kplanes? Lenco trim tabs?

My bennett trim tab pump/motor unit has failed at 20 years old. I'm looking for better alternatives before I pay to replace it.

The bennett system is quite reliable (lasted 20 years without issues) but I find the tabs a bit slow to respond (I have the sport tab model which has two hydraulic cylinders per tab, but with the bennett sport tab system it Y-s the hydraulic line off from the standard pump to the two cylinders; result: the tabs go up and down half as fast as a standard single-cylinder model.) It's fine, but doesn't "wow" me in how it feels. The next size tab (12" to 16") or a plate extension would likely make me happier in the responsiveness / feel of hitting the trim button, but I should consider what other options are out there before planning that work.

I don't have the budget for k-planes.

Is there anything in-between?

Has anyone run Lenco tabs for a while? I like the look. The writeup sounds good. But I hesitate to go electric after hydraulic. Hydraulic would seem more reliable around and under the water (my boat will be in the water full time seasonally so the fully sealed motors of the lenco would spend their lives underwater.)

 

Depending on the application, the QL (Volvo) Interceptors may be an option worth considering.

 

We used Lenco for a long time, very reliable (low warranty) and fast responding (too fast sometimes!)
You may find that Bennet will replace the motor for free........let them know that after 20 yrs it finally gave up....

 

If you're looking for "similar to a k-plane" Dana Marine makes a 1/2" aluminum tab with the same basic setup, 12 x 15, 12 x 17, 12 x 24, or 12 x 30.

http://www.danamarineproducts.com/G...=4ec3c87-186465ce-6542-41a5-aa8b-a2a627caba17

The Dana Marine tabs retail for $2200 as a complete kit with two oildyne pumps, lines, wiring or about 2/3 the retail cost of k-planes.

No experience with them myself however and you might find a discount source for k-planes too since they're more common.

 

Eddie Marine is also selling a $1700 variation of the k-plane out of 1/2" billet 6061-T6 aluminum they say first anodized and then with two coats of 'fusioncoating' http://www.eddiemarine.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=12441&c=37 - I believe these are also using the common oildyne pumps, one per tab.
http://www.eddiemarine.com/techsupport/assets/500-78_Trim_Tab_Instructions1.jpg
http://www.eddiemarine.com/techsupport/assets/500-78_Dimensions2.jpg
I might prefer if the mounting holes were spaced a bit differently
http://www.eddiemarine.com/techsupport/assets/500_78drill_template3.pdf

 

We love the Lemco's. They were installed in 94 and just had to replace a cyclinder this year. $150 usd and took 15 minutes. No complanints.