96 253 convincer

[darrinw1]

shopping around for trim-tabs for 96 253 convincerl looking for help for the right set up for my boat. style, size,brand ,etc. Also boat runs at 5200rpm wide open throttle has 7.4 (454) rpm range seems high. thanks Darrin

 

[lt133]

Darrin,

I'm running a set of K-planes, 280S, which work great on my boat (1987 251 Convincor) K-Planes are great, kind of an industry standard, but they are pricey. Several other companies make some good tabs, Trick Marine, Dana Marine, Etc. Eddie Marine has thier own "K-Plane style" tabs which can be had for about $1,800 for complete set up. Shop around and get your best deal. They make a world of difference.

 

[darrinw1]

253 convincer

lt133,
iam actually looking at tabs from eddie marine and dana marine and your right they get costly but performance dos'nt come cheap.thanks for the info
darrin

 

[darrinw1]

253 convincer

lt133
i mean k-planes not tabs

 

[vinny p.]

I have a set of Dana Marine HP-1000's on my Convincor. They work great.

 

[lt133]

Vinny,

I know this is a ridiculous question, I understand how anal you are but do you have indicators for your tabs? Mechanical and what type? I'm usually driving by feel but I would like to install some indicators to let me know where i'm at. Yeah, more money on top of what I'm already dishing out his spring. Mechanical set up on my boat looks to be a pain in the a*s if I'm going to add it but might as well run the 33c same time as the hydraulics you convinced me to go with!!

 

[vinny p.]

yes, I do have Livorsi mechanical indicators. Yes, it was alot of work to get them in there. Yes, it is worth it. MORE $$$$$$$$.


http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-11/889345/dash.jpg


http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-11/889345/transom.jpg

 

[lt133]

Nice, clean install Vinny! Looks great. I have the older K-Planes, really only one type of actuator kit for the indicators. Good thing is there are two untapped bolt holes in the backing plates which drill out for a nice clean install. I swear, I'll be looking for a cheap apartment and good divorce lawyer by summer!!!

 

[lt133]

Actually Vinny, now that I look at your helm, mine appears to be much more accesible for the helm unit of the hydraulic steering than yours. Your newer boat has a much better, cleaner looking helm but I think my older one is going to be much more accessible for the install, at least I hope.

 

[vinny p.]

Actually, I think mine is easier. Checkmate thought of giving this boat a good sized dash board access panel in the cabin. If I open it up, I can see all the guages and most of the wiring. The Imco helm just fit through the hole.

 

[lt133]

I have the outer cockpit panel under the dash and the inner panel in the cabin, both come out with a few screws and it's wide open. We'll see. Anyway, Darrin, sorry to hijack your thread. Bottom line I can give you is that I am happy with the Merc K-Planes. They are the most expensive tabs you will buy but not necessarily the best (they were on the boat when I purchased-make no mistake I'm thrilled with them) but you can get better deals. The Dana's Vinny are talking about are excellent and are approximately 5" longer and 3" wider than my K-Planes and about half the price. I would take a close look at them and at Eddie Marine. Either way you can't go wrong.

 

[darrinw1]

253 convincer

vinny
i think I will order the hp1000's from dana marine,the dash on my 96 looks the same as yours ,your switch and indacators look great i like the mechanical indacators what model are they? I also like that i can get them
powder coated purple to match graphics.nice job!

 

[darrinw1]

no problem lt133 received good info on that conversation hope to have some pics soon as weather breaks of the finished install. darrin

 

[vinny p.]

They are Livorsi ultra thin. At the time,those are the only ones that were narrow enough to fit. Now, Livorsi makes those nice looking pop up indicators. The bezels come in just about any color you would want. No need to get them custom powder coated.