Damaged trim tabs

[geost]

I have a G-W 283 Release. The boat is rack stored. For the third time tabs have been bent and actuators broken by fork lift operators that "pinch-in" to the hull once the lift's forks make contact wit the hull.
On the second occasion the tab was driven into the hull at the stern causing a significant leak once the boat was in the water. Part of the problem is that the factory installed Bennett tabs on this boat have an edge that extends down along the length rear of the tab. The "forks" catch the tab edge when pinched in.

Anyone else encountering this problem? any fix?

Thanks, Geost

 

[DennisG01]

Sounds like the first fix (for the future) is for the forklift driver to adjust the skids properly.

You have downturned "fins" running the length of each tab (the right and left side)? Those are there to help with planing, but you could replace them with upturned (I don't know... maybe you can just flip them... I'm not looking at a set right now to say for sure) fins. That will retain the integrity of the plane and nothing will be sticking below the actual flat part of the plane. They just won't be "quite" as effective.

I assume the marina is covering everything, but you may also want to check with Tom at Bennett. He is GREAT to deal with. He might have another (better) idea.

 

[grady23]

Contact "TabMan" --- Rep for Bennett ---- Probably find him on thier website or go on the Boat U.S. site --- He is on that site frequently. hey are GREAT for their customer service.

 

[Tabman]

Actually I am here! Grady designed those Trim Tabs and we manufactured them to their specifications. The key is to have the operators not adjust the forks side to side when the weight of the boat is being supported.

You can't flip them over and I don't think they would fit under the boat with the fins facing up.

I will check to see if Grady has made and changes to the Trim Tabs. To help me can you tell me the dimensions of them?

Thanks,
Tom McGow
Bennett Marine

 

[DennisG01]

Thanks, Tom. I just looked at a picture of the 283. I did not realize that these tabs were tucked under the hull in a purpose-built cavity. I was under the impression that they were mounted the typical way. I'm sure you're right - no way to use upturned fins. And, yeah, I don't know what I was thinking - obviously they can't be flipped port to starboard :-|

I still think the best solution is to have someone driving the lift who's more concerned with the boat owner's property (who, by the way, is ultimately paying their salary) than how "quickly" they can get boats in the water compared to other workers.

 

[mboyatt]

I have lost faith in people taking pride in their work these days. The fact that the lift operators did this THREE times is just beyond me. They either don't give a crap, or they are just too ignorant to realize what they are doing to your boat. Either way, isn't it time to have a come to Jesus meeting with them?? I feel your frustration. I would be very upset about this. They have to know how much these boats cost. Complete lack of respect. :cry: