Bennett Marine BOLT User manual

Owner's Manual with Instructions
For Trailered Boats 17-28ft. (5-9m)
TRIM TAB SYSTEM
ElectricBOLT

4 Congratulations on your purchase!
5 How to use your trim tabs
6 Special conditions and safety
7 Maintenance
8 System specifications
9 Parts list
10-11 BOLT Electric installation instructions
12 Wiring diagram for BCN & BCI
13 BOLT control options overview
14 BOLT Rocker Control (BRC) installation instructions
15 BOLT Control no indication (BCN) installation instructions
16 BOLT Control with indication (BCI) installation instructions
17 Troubleshooting
18 BOLT Warranty
19 Rocker Control and Upper Hinge templates
What's Inside...
TRIM TAB SYSTEM
ElectricBOLT

HOW TRIM TABS WORK
All of Bennett's trim tabs attach to the bottom edge of
the transom. When the helm control is pressed, the
trim tabs move into position. Water-force on the trim
tab creates upward pressure, raising the stern and
lowering the bow. Properly sized trim tabs improve the
performance of your boat in a wide range of weight,
weather and water conditions.
In general, trim tabs operate in
the reverse of what you may think.
The port (left) trim tab controls the
starboard (right) bow. Conversely, the
starboard (right) trim tab controls the
port (left) bow. The helm control is wired so that all you have to do is
press the control in the direction you want the bow to move. Don’t worry
about which trim tab is moving. The proper use of Bennett Trim Tabs
becomes second nature after a short time.
Congratulations on your investment in the most durable and reliable electric trim tab system
in the world! Putting a set of Bennett trim tabs on your boat will give you better visibility,
increased fuel efficiency, and a smoother, more comfortable ride for you and everyone
onboard.
Increase visibility for a safer ride - Keeping your bow down at reduced speeds is important,
especially in congested waters or foul weather. Bennett trim tabs enable you to plane at a
much lower speed, operating your boat more safely.
Save money with better fuel efficiency - Getting up on plane quicker means your boat
spends less time running inefficiently. Bennett trim tabs decrease engine laboring, dramatically
improving your fuel economy and prolonging the life of the engine.
Maximize performance while smoothing out the ride - Bennett trim tabs enhance the
operating economy of your boat by lifting the stern in proportion to speed, weight distribution,
and fuel load changes.
LEGENDARY CUSTOMER SERVICE CONTINUES
Need help? Bennett's legendary customer service and support is a priceless perk to your
new purchase! Our expert staff with over 50 years of trim tab experience is ready to assist
with your installation, help with troubleshooting, or answer any of your questions.
How to Contact Us: Call us at 1-954-427-1400, Email: [email protected],
or go to: www.bennetttrimtabs.com/contactus.php and fill out the online form. Please
allow 24 hours for online requests. Office hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST.
Get Bennett Onboard
and Adjust Your Attitude!
4

GETTING AND STAYING TRIMMED Most boats “break over” (get on plane) at a particular
speed. This speed is determined by weight distribution, water conditions, etc. Bennett's trim
tabs enable your boat to plane at speeds lower than natural planing speed. By pressing the
control to the BOW DOWN position, your trim tabs move down. This will raise your stern
and lower your bow, getting you up on plane faster, usually increasing your speed.
OPTIMUM ATTITUDE A good way to find your boat’s optimum attitude is to conduct this
test. Run the boat lightly loaded, at full speed on flat water. Notice the bow in relation to
the horizon. This should be your boat’s best running attitude. Properly sized trim tabs can
be used to recreate this ”optimum attitude” regardless of weight distribution, speed or water
conditions.
GETTING USED TO THE “FEEL” OF YOUR TABS When learning to use your tabs, begin
by pressing the helm control in half second bursts for gradual trimming. Be careful not to
over-trim your boat. An over-trimmed boat will “plow” or “bow-steer”.
If you over-trim the boat, simply press BOW UP and the bow of the boat will rise.
CORRECTING FOR A LIST
Bennett Trim Tabs may be operated individually so that you can correct for listing. Your
control is designed so that you can use it “intuitively.” Do not think about what the trim
tabs are doing, just concentrate on the bow. If the port bow is high, push the port side
BOW DOWN direction. If the starboard bow is high, push the starboard side BOW DOWN
direction. Press the control in half-second bursts to avoid over-trimming, allowing time
between corrections for the boat to react.
TRIM TABS WITH POWER TRIM –
GETTING OPTIMUM SPEED AND POWER
Using your trim tabs in conjunction with your power trim will give you increased speed and
power.
1. Adjust the trim tabs to achieve a planing attitude.
2. Use the power trim to position the prop path parallel to the water flow as indicated by
increased RPM / Speed.
3. If necessary, re-adjust the trim tabs to “fine tune” the trim of your boat. In other words, use
your trim tabs to trim the boat and your power trim to trim your prop.
How to Use Your Trim Tabs
5

Special Conditions and Safety
RUNNING IN ROUGH WATER
When running in a chop or heavy seas, press BOW DOWN on both tabs. This will bring the
“V” of the hull in contact with the waves rather than having the waves pound the hull and
your passengers.
FOLLOWING SEA
For maximum control and maneuverability in a following sea or when running in an inlet,
make sure the trim tabs are fully retracted by pressing BOW UP on both tabs. This brings up
the tabs, decreasing lift in the stern, allowing the bow to rise. If tabs are deployed, the bow
may dig.
WINDY CHOP
To raise the windward side of the boat press BOW UP on that side. If this is not sufficient,
press BOW DOWN on the leeward side of the boat. This allows the windward side of the
boat to rise and minimizes spray. Do not overtrim when attempting this.
SHALLOW WATER / HOLE SHOT
To lift the stern and lower the bow, lower both tabs completely down by pressing BOW
DOWN on both tabs. As you throttle up and speed increases, raise the tabs by pressing
BOW UP on both tabs.
PORPOISING
Porpoising is a condition more common in faster boats. As speed increases, the bow
repeatedly rises out of the water until gravity overcomes lift and the bow falls down. Press
“Bow Down” in half second bursts. As the trim tabs deflect, the porpoising subsides and
your speed should remain the same or decrease. Only a slight amount of trim tab deflection
should be necessary.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• Do not overtrim, particularly at high speeds as the bow will dig in and wave action may
cause the boat to veer.
• While operating trim tabs, use caution. Improper use of trim tabs may cause
accidents and/or injury.
• For best maneuverability, trim tabs should be fully retracted in a following sea, or when
running in an inlet.
Bennett 's trim tabs have a significant effect on the operation and versatility of your boat.
No one knows your boat better than you, so the best learning method is to spend time
getting familiar with your boat’s reaction to the trim tabs. Remember, practice makes
perfect! As your experience increases, so will your enjoyment. Always operate your boat
with safety first in mind.
6

Bringing 21st Century Technology
to the NEW BOLT Electric
OVERVIEW
Bennett Marine invented the electric trim tab in 1960 and now, Bennett leads the way with a
brand new electric trim tab system designed to outperform and outlast any electric system on
the market.
Compared to other electric systems using old technologies designed over twenty years ago,
the BOLT Electric combines cutting-edge technology with a robust and water-tight actuator.
This new "superior by design" technology resolves the issues that older systems have with
breaking apart and water intrusion caused by design flaws and marine growth.
What makes the BOLT Electric Better?
• Robust, water-tight, black nylon actuator provides trouble-free operation
• Main seal located high to protect against marine growth and water intrusion failures
• Installation is fast - no need to disassemble the upper hinge
• Wires are concealed and protected through the upper hinge - there are no wires
exposed to harsh environments.
• Quieter operation than any other systems on the market - no more scaring the
fish away!
MAINTENANCE
• Periodically, check electrical connections behind switch.
• Cold temperatures do not affect the trim tab system. No winterization is necessary.
• (SALTWATER ONLY) To deter electrolysis, a zinc anode should be attached to the top
of each trim tab. Zinc must make direct contact with stainless steel. Do not paint zinc.
Do not ground trim tabs to other underwater appendages.
• Paint trim tabs to discourage marine growth:
1. Clean surface of all grease, oil, dirt.
2. Apply two coats of epoxy metal primer.
3. Apply two coats of anti-fouling paint.
Actuator, including the piston, may be painted.
• Unpainted trim tabs may acquire an orange discoloration. THIS OXIDATION OF
SURFACE CARBON MOLECULES IS NORMAL. The integrity of the stainless steel is
not affected. Orange coating can be cleaned off, but may eventually return. Note: This
discoloration should not be confused with the pitting and corrosion of electrolysis.
SAFETY INFORMATION
• Take immediate action to correct any malfunction or failure of your trim tabs.
• Occasionally, check for loose or corroded wiring connections.
• Stepping on the trim tab may cause damage to the unit, or injury.
• Leaving the actuator extended when boat is not in use will not cause seal damage.
• REFER TO SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ON PAGE 6.
7

System Specifications
Trim Tab Planes & Mounting Plates: Trim tab sizes vary. Stainless Steel, 304.
Piano hinge, bottom mount, and transom mount available.
Actuators: Upper hinge material made of flexible nylon. Remainder of
actuator is made of high impact fiberglass-filled nylon.
Control Box: Two types of control boxes with diagnostics:
With ATR only, and with LED & ATR
Helm Control: Controls on 12 volt systems circuit breaker or use 20 amp
in-line fuse. (3 types of controls).
Wire Harness: Wire colors and their functions:
Yellow Motor reverse (retract)
Blue Motor forward (deploy)
Black Ground
Orange Power Lead - 12v
The inability to synchronize two electric motors is an inherent design failure
found in other systems. Therefore, we do not recommend installing two
electric actuators per tab.
Please note:
8

Parts List
4
1
6
2
3
5
7
89
PART PART NO.
Trim Plane Varies
Hinge Plate Varies
Backing Plate Varies
Complete Actuator BEA 2000
Actuator Lower Hinge A1113
Actuator Hinge Pin A1115
Actuator Upper Hinge Screws
(#14 x 1 1/2" screw)
H 1 174
Trim Tab Screws
(#10 x 1 1/4" screw)
EH1071
Actuator Lower Hinge Screws
(1/4-20 x 3/4" Phillips screw)
H1175
1
2
3
5
4
8
7
6
9
9

10
Standard “V” Hull Installation
Getting Started - Important Please Read
Be sure to check for any obstructions. Also, before starting installation and drill-
ing any holes, verify that there are no mounting restrictions inside or outside the
transom. Choose a location about 3-4” from the chine (side of the hull). Hold the
tab up to the very bottom of the transom (ush with hull bottom), and hold the
actuator on the trim tab. Then set the actuator upper hinge against the transom.
Verify this for both sides so that the actuators will not center on any obstruction.
If they do, reposition tabs slightly inboard or outboard.
You are now ready to install the BOLT Electromechanical Trim Tab System.
• Electric drill
• 5/32" 3/8” & 3/16"
drill bits
• Tape measure
• Phillips screwdriver
• Marine epoxy
• Straight edge
• Marking pencil
• 4’ (1.22 m) level
• 3M 5200 sealant
or equivalent
• 2” (5.08 cm) hole saw
(At least 8" from
centerline of
drive)
8"
Chine
3"- 4"
Tools and Materials List
Please read through the instructions prior to installation. If you have any questions
about your BOLT system, please contact: Bennett Client Services at 954-427-1400
(8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST) or Email: [e-mail].
Installation Instructions - BOLT Electric
You may mount tabs over
strakes if necessary

11
1. Position the Tab. Using the backing plate, choose a location 3-4" from the
chine. Maintain a minimum of 8" from the centerline of your drive unit to the
closest edge of the trim tab. Align the bottom of the backing plate, as per the
diagram 1 below (1/2" negative angle for 9" chord; 5/8" negative angle for
12" chord; 1" negative angle for 16" chord). The hole pattern on the backing
plate should be closer to the bottom edge of the backing plate.
2. Mark the Pilot Holes. Using the backing plate as a template, mark the pilot
hole locations. Make sure the tabs can be mounted in the same location on
both sides.
3. Drill the Mounting Plate Holes, using a 5/32" drill bit.
4. Install Tab and Hinge Assembly. Dip #10 x 1 1/4" screws in marine epoxy
before inserting into pilot holes. Run the screws in 3/4 of their length. Slide trim
tab between backing plate and hinge plate. Now, tighten the screws.
5. Attach Actuator to Trim Tab. Secure lower hinge with included 1/4-20 x ¾"
Phillips Head machine screws.
6. Set Final Actuator Position. Use a straight edge under the trim tab to make sure
the correct negative angle for your size of tab is achieved. This is important to
ensure correct actuator placement.
7. Mark Actuator Position on Transom. Using the template, mark the three upper
hinge hole centers and the center hole on the transom.
8. Drill Actuator Holes. Use a 3/16" drill bit to drill the three holes. Use a 3/4” drill
bit to drill the center hole.
9. Mount Actuator to Transom. Pass
through the yellow & blue wires,
removing any slack on the wire
through the hole. Apply marine
sealant in and around pilot holes.
Secure upper hinge to transom
with included #14 x 11 1/2” screws.
10. Repeat Steps 1 through 9 for the
opposite side of the boat.
Installation Instructions - BOLT Electric
Diagram 1
Upper Hinge is exible
to accommodate varying
transom angles

Wiring Diagram for BCN & BCI
12

BOLT Electric Rocker Switch/Controls
BOLT Rocker Control with Built-in
Diagnostics, Indication and ATR
The BOLT Control with Built-In Diagnostics,
Indication and Auto Tab Retraction combines
three features into one. It's water resistant,
highly accurate and features variable intensity
LEDs for day or night.
BOLT Rocker Control with
Built-in Diagnostics and
Auto Tab Retraction (ATR)
The basic operation of the rocker switch control
is based on the direction you want the bow to
move. To lower the starboard bow, press the
right (starboard) top portion of the rocker switch.
This lowers the port tab. To lower the port bow,
press the left (port) top portion of the rocker
switch. This lowers the starboard tab.
The BOLT Control with Built-in Diagnostics and
Auto Tab Retraction (ATR) is an upgrade to
the basic Rocker Switch Control. It combines
functionality with the auto tab retraction feature,
just turn off your ignition switch and your tabs
automatically retract.
Rocker Switch Control
BCN - BOLT Control - With No Indication
BCI - BOLT Control - With Indication
BRC - BOLT Rocker Switch Control
Lowers
Port Bow
Raises
Port Bow
Lowers
Starboard Bow
Raises
Starboard Bow
13

Installation Instructions - BRC
BRC
BOLT Rocker Control
1. Before you drill any holes, read the entire instructions.
2. Using the template on the last page, mark the
locations for the 3/16” holes and the 2" center hole.
3. Check carefully to make sure there are no obstructions behind the console
before drilling any holes.
4. Using a 2" hole-saw, cut the center hole. Use a 3/16" drill for the four mounting
stud holes.
5. Unsnap the bezel from the control plate.
6. Remove four (4) #8 screws from the hardware bag and insert into the holes on
each corner of the control plate.
7. Place the control plate onto the console, feeding the pre-connected wires
through the 2" center hole while inserting the screws into each of the four holes.
8. Once the control plate is properly seated, screw down the four (4) #8 screws
(do not over-tighten) and snap the bezel back onto the plate assembly.
9. Take the left (port) yellow/blue twisted cable with waterproof connector and
connect into the left (port) actuator yellow/blue 20 ft. twisted wiring harness with
waterproof connector. (If not long enough an extension can be ordered).
10. Take the right (starboard) yellow/blue twisted cable with waterproof connector
and connect into the right (starboard) actuator yellow/blue 20 ft. twisted wiring
harness with waterproof connector. (If not long enough an extension can be
ordered).
11. Plug the left (port) yellow/blue 20ft. twisted cable to the left (port) connector on
the BRC Rocker Control
12. Plug the right (starboard) yellow/blue 20ft. twisted cable to the right (starboard)
connector on the BRC Rocker Control
13. Connect the orange and black wires with waterproof connector to a 12v power
and ground source.
14

Installation Instructions - BCN
BCN
BOLT Control with No Indication
1. Before you drill any holes, read the entire instructions.
2. Using the template on the last page, mark the
locations for the 3/16” holes and the 2" center hole.
3. Check carefully to make sure there are no obstructions behind the console
before drilling any holes.
4. Using a 2" hole-saw, cut the center hole. Use a 3/16" drill for the four mounting
stud holes.
5. Use a small bead of sealant around perimeter of the display to seal. Place the
helm display keypad onto the console, feeding the pre-connected wires through
the 2" center hole while inserting the screws into each of the four holes.
6. Once the control plate is properly seated, use the 4 white nylon thumb nuts
provided to secure the display.
7. Mount the BCN Control Box under the helm using the mounting hardware (2
screws provided) to secure it in place.
8. Plug the 3 ft. wire harness on the display to the 3 ft. wire harness on to the
BCN - Control Box (If not long enough an extension can be ordered.)
9. Plug the (2) 20 ft. wire harnesses into the port and starboard actuators at one
end. Then plug the other end of the (2) 20 ft. wire harnesses to the port and
starboard plugs on the BCN Control Box. (If not long enough an extension can
be ordered).
10. Connect the orange wire with waterproof connector to power source at the helm.
Use care to avoid overtightening of boat's electronics or gauges.
11. Connect the purple wire to the ignition switch (or any 12V circuit that turns ON
and OFF with ignition) for auto tab retraction. This wire is used to initiate Auto
Tab Retraction (ATR) when the ignition is switched to the OFF position. If ATR is
not desired, this connection may be omitted.
12. Attach power cable and ground cable on the BCN Control Box. Attach the black
wire to 12V negative ground and the orange wire with an in-line 20 amp fuse to
12V positive source. Can be connected to a breaker or bus bar. Power source
must be capable of supporting 20 amps and properly fused.
15

Installation Instructions - BCI
BCI
BOLT Control with Indication
1. Before you drill any holes, read the entire instructions.
2. Using the template on the last page, mark the
locations for the 3/16” holes and the 2" center hole.
3. Check carefully to make sure there are no obstructions behind the console
before drilling any holes.
4. Using a 2" hole-saw, cut the center hole. Use a 3/16" drill for the four mounting
stud holes.
5. Use a small bead of sealant around perimeter of the display to seal. Place the
helm display keypad onto the console, feeding the pre-connected wires through
the 2" center hole while inserting the screws into each of the four holes.
6. Once the control plate is properly seated, use the 4 white nylon thumb nuts
provided to secure the display.
7. Mount the BCI Control Box under the helm using the mounting hardware
(2 screws provided) to secure it in place.
8. Plug the 3 ft. wire harness on the display to the 3 ft. wire harness on to the
BCI - Control Box (If not long enough an extension can be ordered.)
9. Plug the (2) 20 ft. wire harnesses into the port and starboard actuators at one
end. Then plug the other end of the (2) 20 ft. wire harnesses to the port and
starboard plugs on the BCI Control Box. (If not long enough an extension can
be ordered).
10. Connect the orange wire with waterproof connector to power source at the helm.
Use care to avoid overtightening of boat's electronics or gauges.
11. Connect the purple wire to the ignition switch (or any 12V circuit that turns ON
and OFF with ignition) for auto tab retraction. This wire is used to initiate Auto
Tab Retraction (ATR) when the ignition is switched to the OFF position. If ATR is
not desired, this connection may be omitted.
12. Attach power cable and ground cable on the BCI Control Box. Attach the black
wire to 12V negative ground and the orange wire with an in-line 20 amp fuse to
12V positive source. Can be connected to a breaker or bus bar. Power source
must be capable of supporting 20 amps and properly fused.
16

The BOLT Electric Trim Tab system is built with the same rigid quality standards
as all of the other Bennett product lines. Bennett stands behind its products,
providing exceptional customer service and support.
Please feel free to call Bennett at [phone] for assistance in troubleshooting
your particular issue. Bennett Marine Customer Service is available Monday
through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Below are some useful tips, for troubleshooting the BOLT Electric BCN and BCI
systems:
1. If trim tabs do nothing … no movement:
• Inspect for blown fuse at the fuse panel. 20 amp fuse should be used.
• Make sure that the control assembly has a solid ground.
• Inspect for disconnected or corroded connections on the wires and wire
connectors if helm key pad has no lights.
2. If one trim tab operates and the other one does not:
• Inspect for disconnected or corroded yellow or blue wire connections for the
side that is not working.
3. If trim tabs go down but will not retract:
• Inspect for low voltage of the battery
•Inspect for disconnected or corroded connections.
4. If the green light on the control diagnostics box is NOT lit:
• Inspect connection between helm keypad and control box.
5. If the red light on the control diagnostics box is NOT lit:
• Inspect connection between power source and control box.
6. If the blue light (port or starboard) on the control diagnostics box is NOT lit:
• Inspect connection between the actuator and the control box for the side that
is not working.
7. If the yellow light (port or starboard) on the control diagnostics box is NOT lit:
• Inspect connection between the actuator and the control box for the side that
is not working.
If the actuators still do not operate after following any of the steps above - STOP
and call Bennett for further assistance at [phone], Monday through
Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). Or email us
anytime at [e-mail].
Troubleshooting - BOLT Electric
17

Bennett Marine, Inc.
550 Jim Moran Boulevard
Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442 USA
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.BennettTrimTabs.com
Bennett's BOLT Actuator Systems in the United States carry a
five (5) year limited warranty against manufacturing defects.
Bennett BOLT electronic controls carry a three (3) year limited
warranty against manufacturing and workmanship defects.
PLEASE NOTE: Damage to the trim tabs due to electrolysis and damage to the electropolish
finish of the trim tabs are not covered by warranty. No labor costs of replacement, haulout, or
miscellaneous charges are covered. Contacting Bennett Marine first may save considerable
time, trouble, and expense.
The foregoing is in lieu of any and all other
warranties, expressed or implied, including any
warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular
purpose. There are no other warranties which extend
beyond that set forth above.
Warranty Return Procedure: We recommend that you contact us
first to troubleshoot your system and determine the best solution.
We take great pride in providing the best Customer Service
possible to our customers and many issues are resolved over the
phone. Simply call [phone] Monday through Friday, 8
a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) or send an email to
[e-mail].
Return Procedure for U.S. Customers: A Product Return
Form must be filled out and returned with the faulty part. Go
to www.BennettTrimTabs.com/warranty.php and download the
form. Parts covered under warranty will be repaired or replaced
without charge.
Return Procedure for Customers Outside the U.S.: Please
contact your local Bennett Marine distributor for warranty
and return procedures in your respective country.
Bennett Marine "No-Hassle" Warranty
18

2
2
3/16"
2 "
13
16
"
2
13
16
"
1
8
"
2
1
8
"
Upper Hinge Template
Rocker
Control Template
9
32
"
2 3
8
"
1 1
4
"
7
16
"
1 11
16
" REF
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16
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19

Bennett Marine, Inc.
550 Jim Moran Boulevard, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, USA
954-427-1400
M-F 8am to 5pm (EST)
954-480-2897
FAX
BennettTrimTabs.com
[e-mail]