Bennett Marine Bolt Electric

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Summary

Customer Service and Contact

How to Contact Bennett

Provides contact information for Bennett customer service and support for inquiries.

How to Use Your Trim Tabs

Getting and Staying Trimmed

Explains how trim tabs help achieve planing speed and improve boat performance.

Optimum Attitude

Describes how to find and maintain the boat's optimal running attitude using trim tabs.

Getting Used to Tab Feel

Offers guidance on gradually learning to use trim tabs and avoiding over-trimming.

Correcting for a List

Details how to use individual trim tabs to correct boat lists or uneven trim.

Trim Tabs with Power Trim

Explains how to use trim tabs in conjunction with power trim for optimal speed and power.

Special Conditions and Safety

Running in Rough Water

Instructions for using trim tabs when operating in choppy or heavy seas.

Following Sea Operations

Guidance on trim tab use for control and maneuverability in following seas or inlets.

Windy Chop Handling

Techniques for using trim tabs to counteract wind effects and minimize spray.

Shallow Water; Hole Shot

How to use trim tabs to lift the stern and lower the bow for improved hole shots.

Porpoising Correction

Method for using trim tabs to correct and eliminate porpoising in faster boats.

General Safety Precautions

Important safety warnings and best practices for operating trim tabs.

Product Overview and Features

What Makes BOLT Electric Better?

Highlights the key advantages and features of the BOLT Electric trim tab system.

System Specifications

Trim Tab Planes & Mounting Plates

Details specifications for trim tab planes and various mounting plate options.

Actuators Specifications

Technical specifications for the BOLT Electric actuators, including materials.

Control Box Specifications

Information on the types of control boxes available for the system, including diagnostics.

Helm Control Specifications

Specifications for the helm controls and power requirements for 12-volt systems.

Wire Harness Details

Details wire colors and their functions within the system's wiring harness.

BOLT Electric Installation Instructions

Standard V Hull Installation

Specific guidance for installing the BOLT Electric trim tab system on a standard 'V' hull.

Tools and Materials List

Lists all necessary tools and materials required for the installation process.

Important Pre-Installation Guidance

Crucial pre-installation advice and important notes before beginning the installation.

BOLT Electric Control Options

BRC Rocker Switch Control

Explains the basic operation of the standard BOLT Rocker Switch Control.

BCN Control - No Indication

Details the BOLT Control with Built-in Diagnostics and Auto Tab Retraction (ATR).

BCI Control - With Indication

Describes the BOLT Control with Built-in Diagnostics, Indication, and Auto Tab Retraction.

Bennett Marine Warranty Information

The provided document is an owner's manual for the Bennett BOLT Electric Trim Tab System. This system is designed for trailered boats ranging from 17-28 feet (5-9 meters) and aims to improve boat performance, visibility, and fuel efficiency.

Function Description

The Bennett BOLT Electric Trim Tab System consists of trim tabs that attach to the bottom edge of the boat's transom and are controlled by an actuator. When the helm control is pressed, the trim tabs move into position, creating upward pressure from the water. This action raises the stern and lowers the bow of the boat. This adjustment allows the boat to:

Increase visibility for a safer ride: By keeping the bow down at reduced speeds, especially in congested waters or foul weather, the system enables the boat to plane at a much lower speed, enhancing safety.
Save money with better fuel efficiency: Getting on plane quicker reduces the time the boat runs inefficiently, decreases engine laboring, and improves fuel economy, thereby prolonging engine life.
Maximize performance and smooth out the ride: The trim tabs enhance operating economy by lifting the stern in proportion to changes in speed, weight distribution, and fuel load.

The system operates intuitively: pressing the control in the direction you want the bow to move will adjust the corresponding trim tab. For example, if the port bow is high, pressing the port side BOW DOWN direction will lower the starboard trim tab, raising the port bow. The system allows for individual tab operation to correct for listing (when the boat leans to one side).

The BOLT Electric system is designed to be a modern alternative to older electric systems, focusing on durability, water-tightness, and ease of installation.

Important Technical Specifications

Trim Tab Planes & Mounting Plates:
- Sizes vary.
- Material: Stainless Steel, 304.
- Available in piano hinge, bottom mount, and transom mount configurations.
Actuators:
- Upper hinge material: Flexible nylon.
- Remainder of actuator material: High impact fiberglass-filled nylon.
- Model: BEA 2000.
- Actuator Lower Hinge: A1113.
- Actuator Hinge Pin: A1115.
- Actuator Upper Hinge Screws: H1174 (#14 x 1 1/2" screw).
- Actuator Lower Hinge Screws: H1175 (1/4-20 x 3/4" Phillips screw).
Control Box:
- Two types available: With ATR (Auto Tab Retraction) only, and with LED & ATR.
Helm Control:
- Operates on 12-volt systems.
- Requires a circuit breaker or a 20 amp in-line fuse.
- Three types of controls available: BRC (Rocker Control), BCN (Control no indication), and BCI (Control with indication).
Wire Harness:
- Standard length: 20 ft. (custom lengths available).
- Wire colors and functions:
  - Yellow: Motor reverse (retract).
  - Blue: Motor forward (deploy).
  - Black: Ground.
  - Orange: Power Lead - 12V.
Trim Tab Screws: EH1071 (#10 x 1 1/4" screw).
Power Source: 12V DC, capable of supporting 20 amps, properly fused.

Usage Features

Getting on Plane: Press the control to the BOW DOWN position to move trim tabs down, raising the stern and lowering the bow, allowing the boat to plane faster at lower speeds.
Optimum Attitude: Users can find their boat's best running attitude (optimum attitude) by running lightly loaded at full speed on flat water and observing the bow's relation to the horizon. Trim tabs can then be used to recreate this attitude regardless of load or water conditions.
Correcting for a List: Trim tabs can be operated individually to correct for listing. The control is intuitive; users simply press the side of the control corresponding to the high bow to bring it down.
Using with Power Trim: The system can be used in conjunction with power trim to achieve increased speed and power. Trim tabs adjust the boat's planing attitude, while power trim positions the prop path for optimal RPM/Speed.
Rough Water: Press BOW DOWN on both tabs to bring the hull's "V" in contact with waves, reducing pounding.
Following Sea/Inlet: Fully retract trim tabs (BOW UP on both) for maximum control and maneuverability, preventing the bow from digging in.
Windy Chop: Raise the windward side of the boat (BOW UP on that side) or lower the leeward side (BOW DOWN on that side) to minimize spray and raise the windward side.
Shallow Water/Hole Shot: Lower both tabs completely (BOW DOWN) to lift the stern and lower the bow for a quicker hole shot, then raise them as speed increases.
Porpoising Correction: Press "Bow Down" in half-second bursts to deflect trim tabs slightly, which should subside porpoising without significant speed loss.
Control Options:
- BRC (BOLT Rocker Switch Control): Basic control based on desired bow movement.
- BCN (BOLT Control - With No Indication): Includes Built-in Diagnostics and Auto Tab Retraction (ATR). Tabs automatically retract when the ignition is turned off.
- BCI (BOLT Control - With Indication): Combines Built-In Diagnostics, Indication (with variable intensity LEDs for day/night), and Auto Tab Retraction (ATR). Water-resistant and highly accurate.

Maintenance Features

Electrical Connections: Periodically check electrical connections behind the switch.
Cold Temperatures: The system is unaffected by cold temperatures; no winterization is necessary.
Saltwater Use (Electrolysis Deterrence):
- Attach a zinc anode to the top of each trim tab.
- Zinc must make direct contact with stainless steel.
- Do not paint the zinc anode.
- Do not ground trim tabs to other underwater appendages.
Marine Growth Prevention:
- Clean surfaces of grease, oil, dirt.
- Apply two coats of epoxy metal primer.
- Apply two coats of anti-fouling paint.
- The actuator, including the piston, may be painted.
Oxidation: Unpainted trim tabs may develop an orange discoloration due to the oxidation of surface carbon molecules, which is normal and does not affect stainless steel integrity. This should not be confused with pitting and corrosion from electrolysis.
Safety Checks:
- Take immediate action to correct any malfunction.
- Occasionally check for loose or corroded wiring connections.
- Avoid stepping on the trim tab to prevent damage or injury.
- Leaving the actuator extended when the boat is not in use will not cause seal damage.

The manual emphasizes that Bennett Marine provides customer service for installation, troubleshooting, and general inquiries, available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. The BOLT Actuator Systems come with a five (5) year limited warranty against manufacturing defects, and BOLT electronic controls have a three (3) year limited warranty against manufacturing and workmanship defects.