Bennett Marine BOLT129 Operation manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS: Read and save all instructions. This manual may periodically
be subject to change, for the most current version visit BennettTrimTabs.com/BoltManual.
Installation & User's Guide

Congrats!
Making an investment in Bennett Marine's durable and dependable
spectrum of products will keep you enjoying the boating experience
all the more. We've been a trusted name in the industry for over half a
century with exceptional products built to perform, and to last.
Get Bennett on board and enjoy the ride!
Behind You For The Distance
Bennett’s legendary customer service and support is a priceless perk to your new
purchase! Our expert sta with over 50 years of trim tab experience is ready to
assist with your installation, help with troubleshooting, or answer any other of
your questions along the way.
How to Contact Us
Call us at 1-954-427-1400, email [e-mail], or go to
BennettTrimTabs.com/Contact and ll out the online form. Please allow 24 hours
for online requests. Our oce hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.
to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time).
The Benets of Trim Tabs
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 Eciency: Getting up on plane quicker means
your boat spends less time running ineciently. Bennett trim tabs decrease engine
laboring, dramatically improving your fuel economy and prolonging the life of
the engine.
Maximize Performance While Smoothing Out e 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.

Contents
Contacting Us .............................................................................................................. 2
Parts List & Specications
BOLT Trim Tab System Parts List .................................................................... 4
System Specications ....................................................................................... 5
Trim Tab Overview & Operation
How Trim Tabs Work ....................................................................................... 6
Special Conditions & Safety ........................................................................... 8
Installation Instructions
Actuator & Trim Tab Installation ..................................................................... 10
Helm Control Installation ................................................................................ 17
Relay Module Installation ............................................................................... 21
Extension Cable Installation ............................................................................. 22
Control Testing & Diagnostics ....................................................................... 23
System Wiring Diagrams & Installation Templates .......................................... 24
General Maintenance & Safety Precautions ...................................................... 32
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................... 33
Warranty
Limited Warranty ............................................................................................ 38
Warranty Period ............................................................................................... 39

Bennett Marine | Bolt Electric Trim Tab System
4
BOLT Electric Trim Tab System Parts
PART PART NO. QTY.
Items 1,2, & 3 make up a "Trim Plane Assembly" (TPA). TPA's are available for BOLT sets in the
standard sets listed above. Part numbers correspond to the tab size. Ex.TPA129, or TPA1212.
1Trim Plane 2
2Hinge Plate 2
3Backing Plate 2
4Complete Actuators 2
Standard Bolt sets include BEA2000 xed upper hinge actuators. BEA3000 adjustable upper
hinge actuators are available upon request.
5Actuator Lower Hinge A1113 2
6Actuator Hinge Pin A1115 2
7Actuator Upper Hinge Screws
(#14 x 1-1/2")
H1174 6
8Trim Tab Screws (#10 x 1-1/4") EH1071 Varies
9Actuator Lower Hinge Screws
(1/4-20 x 3/4" Phillips)
H1175 4
Helm controls sold separately. See page 17 for more information .
Standard Sets
• BOLT129
(12"x9"Tabs)
• BOLT189
(18"x9"Tabs)
• BOLT249
(24"x9"Tabs)
• BOLT1212
(12"x12"Tabs)
• BOLT1812
(18"x12" Tabs)
• BOLT2412
(24"x12"Tabs) 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
89

Bennett Marine | Bolt Electric Trim Tab System 5
System Specifications
Trim Planes
& Mounting Plates
Trim tab sizes vary. Stainless Steel, 304. Piano
hinge, bottom mount, and transom mount
available.
Actuators 2 models available:
BEA2000 Fixed Upper Hinge model:
Upper hinge material made of exible nylon.
Remainder of actuator is made of high impact
berglass-lled nylon. (12V or 24V)
BEA3000 Adjustable Upper Hinge model:
Made of high impact berglass-lled nylon.
Remainder of actuator is made of high impact
berglass-lled nylon. (12V or 24V)
Relay Module
Two types of relay modules with diagnostics
are available. (With ATR only, or with LED &
ATR, 12V or 24V).
Helm Control
Controls on 12 volt systems circuit breaker or
use 20 amp in-line fuse. (3 types of controls,
see page 18).
Communications
Junction Box
Used only for dual station and/or dual actuator
applications.
Helm controls sold separately. See page 17 for more information .

Bennett Marine | Bolt Electric Trim Tab System
6
How Trim Tabs Work
Bennett trim tabs most often attach to the bottom edge of the transom (although
other mounting variations are available). When the helm control is pressed,
the trim tabs move up or down. Water-force on the trim tab creates an 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 reverse of what you may think (Figure 1). e port
(left) trim tab controls the starboard (right) bow. Conversely, the starboard (right)
trim tab controls the port (left) bow. e 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. e proper use of Bennett Trim Tabs becomes
second nature after a short time.
PORT
DOWN DOWN
UPUP
STBD
Stbd.
Tab
Port
Tab
Port Bow Stbd.Bow
Stbd.
Tab
When the port tab is lowered individually, an upward
force at the port stern of the boat is created. The
inverse applies when lowering the stbd. tab individually.
Figure 1 Lowers
Starboard
Bow
Raises
Starboard
Bow
Lowers
Port
Bow
Raises
Port
Bow
Pitch Correction
Roll Correction
Port
Tab
Controls the brightness of
the helm display LEDS
LEDs indicate
position of tabs

Bennett Marine | Bolt Electric Trim Tab System 7
continued How Trim Tabs Work
Getting and staying trimmed
Most boats break over (get on plane) at a particular speed. is speed is determined
by weight distribution, and water conditions, etc.. Bennett trim tabs enable your
boat to plane at speeds lower than the natural planing speed. By pressing the control
to the BOW DOWN position, your trim tabs move down. is will raise your stern
and lower your bow, getting you up on plane faster.
Optimum Attitude
A good way to nd your boat’s optimum attitude is to conduct a simple test.
Run the boat lightly loaded, at full speed on at water. Notice the bow in relation
to the horizon. is 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 Trim 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.
Without trim tabs With trim tabs deployed

Bennett Marine | Bolt Electric Trim Tab System
8
Trim Tab Overview & Operation continued
Special Conditions & Safety Precautions
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.
Using In Conjunction With Outboard Trim/Tilt
Using your trim tabs in conjunction with your engine’s 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 ow as
indicated by increased RPM / Speed.
3. If necessary, re-adjust the trim tabs to ne 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.
Running In Rough Water
When running in a chop or heavy seas, press BOW DOWN on both tabs. is 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. is 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
sucient, press BOW DOWN on the leeward side of the boat. is allows the
windward side of the boat to rise and minimizes spray. Do not overtrim when
attempting this.

Bennett Marine | Bolt Electric Trim Tab System 9
continued Trim Tab Overview & Operation
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 deect, the
porpoising subsides and your speed should remain the same or decrease. Only a
slight amount of trim tab deection should be necessary.
Safety Precautions
Bennett trim tabs have a signicant eect 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 rst in mind.
• Do not over-trim, 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 Marine | Bolt Electric Trim Tab System
10
Actuator & Tab Installation
Getting Started
• e actuator and tab installation must be done when the vessel is out of the
water. Do not attempt to install the actuators while the vessel is in the water as
the actuators and tabs are mounted below the water line.
• Before performing any electrical work on a vessel, disconnect the battery by
removing the positive (+) cable or if equipped, turn the battery disconnect
switch to the OFF position.
• Be sure to check for any obstructions: Before starting installation and drilling
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 (1/8" from the hull bottom), and
hold the actuator on the trim tab. en 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.
Standard “V” Hull Installation
(At least 8" from
centerline of drive)
8"
3"- 4"
Tabs can be mounted
over strakes if necessary
• Electric drill
• 5/32", 9/16", 7/64"
& 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" (6.35 cm) or
1" (2.54 cm) hole saw
(See pg. 28 & 29)
Tools and Materials List
Chine
Figure 1

Bennett Marine | Bolt Electric Trim Tab System 11
continued Actuator & Tab Installation
Installing the Trim Tabs
If your set came with adjustable upper hinge actuators (BEA3000), follow the
“Installing the Trim Tabs” instructions in this section, until instructed to skip ahead.
Position the tab: Using the backing plate, choose a location 3-4" from the chine
(see gure 1 on page 10). 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 gure 2. e hole pattern on the backing plate should be closer to the
bottom edge of the backing plate.
• Mark the pilot holes using the backing plate as a template. Make sure the tabs
can be mounted in the same location on both sides.
Verify that there are no mounting restrictions inside or outside the transom.
• Drill the mounting plate holes, using a 5/32" drill bit.
1/2" for
9" Chord
Mount the
backing plate
1/8" to 1/4" from
the hull bottom
1/8"
Fixed upper hinge is flexible
to accomodate varying transom angles
5/8" for
12" Chord
Straight Edge
Transom
Figure 2

Bennett Marine | Bolt Electric Trim Tab System
12
Actuator & Tab Installation continued
Installing the Actuators
• Install the lower hinge to the
actuator using the supplied
stainless steel pin.
• Attach the actuator to the
Trim Tab: Secure the lower hinge
with the supplied 1/4-20 x 3/4"
Phillips Head machine screws.
• Install Tab and Hinge Assembly:
Coat the threads of the #10 x 1-1/4"
screws in 3M 5200 sealant (or
equivalent) before inserting into the
backing plate pilot holes. Install the
screws in 3/4 of their length. Slide
the trim tab between backing plate
and hinge plate. Tighten the screws.
• 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
(Refer to Figure 2 on page 11)
is is important to ensure correct
actuator placement (1/2" negative
angle for 9" chord; 5/8" negative
angle for 12" chord; 1" negative
angle for 16" chord).
• Fold wires down, placing the
actuator template (Pg. 30-31)
under the actuator. Align the
outside of the template with the
perimiter of the upper hinge. Tape
the template in place.
• Mark Actuator Position on the
Transom: Using the installation
drilling templates on page 30-31,
mark the three upper hinge hole
centers and the center hole on the
transom.
• Drill Actuator Holes: Using the
drilling templates on page 30-31,
drill the center hole, and three
mounting holes. Be sure to verify
whether your actuators have xed
or adjustable upper hinges as center
hole sizes are dierent for each.
• Repeat the previous steps for the
opposite side of the boat.
If your Bolt set came with adjustable
upper hinge actuators (BEA3000), please
skip to page 14 “Mounting Adjustable
Upper Hinge Actuators (BEA3000) to the
Transom.”

Bennett Marine | Bolt Electric Trim Tab System 13
continued Actuator & Tab Installation
Mounting Fixed Upper
Hinge Actuators (BEA2000)
to the Transom.
• Temporarily detach the actuator
from the lower hinge by
unscrewing the 1/4-20 x 3/4 screws.
• Carefully insert the end of the
electrical wires though the
wire hole in the transom.
• Apply 3M 5200 waterproof sealant
on the mounting surface and
around the wiring of the new
actuator.
• Mount the upper hinge of the new
actuator to the transom using the
supplied #14 x1- 1/2" screws with a
#3 Phillips head screw driver.
• Re-install the lower hinge mount to
the trim tab using the (2) supplied
1/4-20 x 3/4" and a #3 Phillips
head screwdriver.
Do not use a power screw driver.
• On the inside of the transom,
install the wiring connector onto
the wires:
»Insert the white wire into
location pin #1, insert the
black wire into location pin #2
into the back of the connector
until the pin locks into place.
»Install the orange wedge into
the front of the connector.
»Ensure the proper wire color
is on the correct side of the
connector.
»For help with connectors visit
BennettTrimTabs.com/
ConnectorHelp.
White(#1)
Black(#2)

Bennett Marine | Bolt Electric Trim Tab System
14
Actuator & Tab Installation continued
Mounting Adjustable Upper
Hinge Actuators (BEA3000)
to the Transom
• Temporarily detach the actuator
from the lower hinge by
unscrewing the 1/4-20 x 3/4 screws.
• Carefully insert end of the electrical
cable through the adjustable upper
hinge mount and install the sealing
grommet onto the cable.
• Pull the cable through the upper
hinge mount until the mount is
about 8" from the actuator.
• Insert the end of the cable through
the transom hole.
• Temporarily mount the actuator to
the adjustable upper hinge using
the supplied 5/16-18 bolt and lock
nut to set the cable length.
• Temporarily mount the upper
hinge of the new actuator to the
transom using (2) of the supplied
#14 x 1-1/2" screws in the lower
mounting positions, leaving a gap
of 1/4" between the upper hinge
and the transom. Pull the excess
cable though the transom leaving
enough cable to prevent the
actuator from binding during its
normal movement.
• Ensure that the cable sealing
grommet is moved down the cable
to its seat on the upper hinge.
grommet with
small end toward
the upper hinge
mount
Lower Mounting Positions
No screw for top hole
#14 x
1-1/2"
screws
1/4" gap
Slack

Bennett Marine | Bolt Electric Trim Tab System 15
continued Actuator & Tab Installation
• Swing the actuator through its
maximum range of motion to
ensure there is the proper amount
of cable to allow movement
without binding.
• Unscrew the two #14 x 1-1/2"
screws holding the adjustable
upper hinge and pull back from
the transom making sure the cable
length does not change.
• Apply 3M 5200 waterproof sealant
on the mounting surface and
around the wiring of the actuator.
• Screw the adjustable upper hinge to
the transom using (2) of the
supplied #14 x 1-1/2" screws in the
lower 2 mounting positions.
• Remove the BOLT actuator from
the upper hinge allowing the
actuator to hang.
• Install the remaining (1) #14 x
1-1/2" screw into the top position
of the hinge.
• Install the BOLT actuator to the
upper hinge using the supplied
5/16-18 bolt and nut. Make sure
not to over-tighten as the actuator
needs to rotate within the hinge.
Over-tightening will cause the
actuator to bind. Do not collapse
upper hinge mount uprights.
• Tighten until the bolt and nut
contact the anges of the upper
hinge. ere should be a gap
between the uprights of the upper
hinge mount and the anges on the
actuator.

Actuator & Tab Installation continued
• Re-install the lower hinge mount to
the trim tab using the (2) supplied
1/4-20 x 3/4" screws and a #3
Phillips head screwdriver.
• Do not use a power screw driver.
Install the wiring connector
onto the wires:
»Insert the white wire into
location pin #1, and the black
wire into location pin #2 into
the back of the connector until
the pin locks into place.
»Ensure the proper wire color
is on the correct side of the
connector. e black actuator
wire should match the black
extension cable wire, and the
white actuator wire should
match the white wire
harness wire.
»Install the orange plastic
wedge retainer into the front
of the connector.
»For help with connectors
visit BennettTrimTabs.com/
ConnectorHelp.
White (#1)
Black(#2)
Bennett Marine | Bolt Electric Trim Tab System
16

Helm Control Overview
BRC – BOLT Rocker
Switch Control (BRC4000)
e 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. is lowers the port
tab. To lower the port bow, press the left
(port) top portion of the rocker switch.
is lowers the starboard tab. Installation
is simple plug n' play – no relay module
required.
BCN – BOLT Control
(BCN6000)
e waterproof, silicone soft-touch 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 o your ignition switch and
your tabs automatically retract. is control
requires a relay module. (See Pg. 21)
BCI – BOLT Control
With Indication (BCI8000)
e waterproof, silicone soft-touch
BOLT control with built-In diagnostics,
Indication and Auto Tab Retraction
(ATR) combines three features into one.
e control features variable intensity
LEDs for day or night. is control
requires a relay module. (See Pg. 21)
Refer to wiring diagrams and
installation templates beginning
on page 24.
Lowers
Port Bow
Raises
Port Bow
Lowers
Starboard
Bow
Raises
Starboard
Bow
Raises
Port Bow
Lowers
Starboard Bow
Raises
Starboard Bow
Lowers
Port Bow
Red LEDs
indicate
the tab position.
All red LEDs
illuminated
indicate that the
tabs are fully
deployed (down)
Raises
Port Bow
Lowers
Starboard Bow
Raises
Starboard Bow
Lowers
Port Bow
Dims
LEDs
Brightens
LEDs
Bennett Marine | Bolt Electric Trim Tab System 17

continued Helm Control Installation
BRC BOLT Rocker Control (BRC4000)
Refer to wiring diagrams and installation templates
beginning on page 24. e relay module installation on
(page 21) is not required when using this control option.
• Before drilling any holes, read the entire
instructions. Before performing any electrical work
on a vessel, disconnect the battery by removing the
positive (+) cable or if equipped, turn the battery
disconnect switch to the OFF position.
• Using the included template (Pg. 28), mark
the locations for the 7/64" mounting holes
and the 2.5" center hole.
• Check carefully ensure there are no obstructions behind the console before drilling.
• Using a 2.5" diameter hole-saw, drill the center hole. Use a 7/64" drill for the four
mounting stud holes.
• Unsnap the bezel from the control plate.
• Remove the four (4) #8 screws from the hardware bag and insert into the holes on
each corner of the control plate.
• Place the control plate onto the console, feeding the pre-connected wires through
the 2.5" center hole while inserting the screws into each of the four holes.
• 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.
• e port cable on the rocker switch is marked with a red band. e starboard
cable on the rocker switch is marked with a green band. Note: After the actuators
are installed, the port cable (red band) will be connected to the extension cable
coming from the port actuator, conversely the starboard cable (green band) will be
connected to the extension cable coming from the starboard actuator.
• Plug the port black/white 20ft. extension cable
(PN# BAW20XX) to the port connector on the BRC Rocker Control.
• Plug the starboard black/white 20ft. extension cable
(PN# BAW20XX) to the starboard connector on the BRC Rocker Control.
• Connect the orange wire from the rocker switch to (+) 12V (20A) power and black
wire to ground. Turn the battery on.
• For troubleshooting, see page 33
Bennett Marine | Bolt Electric Trim Tab System
18

Helm Control Installation continued
BCN BOLT Control (BCN6000)
See wiring diagrams and installation templates
starting on page 24.
• Before drilling any holes, read the
entire instructions. Before performing any electrical
work on a vessel, disconnect the battery by
removing the positive (+) cable or if equipped, turn
the battery disconnect switch to the OFF position.
• Using the included template (Pg. 29),
mark the locations for the 3/16" holes and
the 1" center hole.
• Check carefully to ensure there are no obstructions behind the console before
drilling any holes.
• Using a 1" diameter hole-saw, drill the center hole. Use a 3/16" drill for the four
mounting stud holes.
• Place the helm display keypad onto the console, feeding the pre-connected wires
through the 1" center hole while inserting the screws into each of the four holes.
• Once the control plate is properly seated, use the 4 white nylon thumb nuts
provided to secure the display.
• Connect the orange wire to the power source for the gauges at the helm. is
will power the control with all other dash devices.
• Connect the purple wire to the ignition switch (or any 12V circuit that turns
ON and OFF with ignition) for auto tab retraction. is 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.
• Relay Module is required (see page 21).
• Turn the battery on.
• For troubleshooting, see page 34
Bennett Marine | Bolt Electric Trim Tab System 19

continued Helm Control Installation
BCI BOLT Control
with Indication (BCI8000)
See wiring diagrams and installation templates
starting on page 24.
• Before drilling any holes, read the
entire instructions. Before performing any electrical
work on a vessel, disconnect the battery by
removing the positive (+) cable or if equipped, turn
the battery disconnect switch to the OFF position
• Using the included template (Pg. 29), mark the
locations for the 3/16" holes and the 1"
center hole.
• Check carefully to ensure there are no obstructions behind the console before
drilling any holes.
• Using a 1" diameter hole-saw, drill the center hole.
Use a 3/16" drill for the four mounting stud holes.
• Place the helm display keypad onto the console, feeding the
pre-connected wires through the 1" center hole while inserting the screws into
each of the four holes.
• Once the control plate is properly seated, use the 4 white nylon thumb nuts
provided to secure the display.
• Connect the orange wire to the power source for the gauges at the helm. is
will power the control with all other dash devices.
• Connect the purple wire to the ignition switch (or any 12V circuit that turns
ON and OFF with ignition) for auto tab retraction. is 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.
• Relay module is required (see page 21)
• Turn the battery on . For troubleshooting, see page 35
Bennett Marine | Bolt Electric Trim Tab System
20