Lenco 12x12 Edge Mount Trim Tab Kit w/Pro Control Auto

The Lenco 12x12 Edge Mount Trim Tab Kit with Pro Control Auto is a complete electric trim tab system bundle for boats 17-30 feet. The defining feature is the Pro Control Auto control module - the auto-leveling capability automatically adjusts the trim tabs to maintain optimum boat running attitude without continuous operator intervention.

What trim tabs do for your boat. Trim tabs are small adjustable horizontal plates that mount at the rear of your hull just above the waterline. When tilted down via the dash switch, water pressure on the angled tab pushes the stern up, which trims the boat's running attitude (bow drops, boat sits flatter on the water). Practical effects: (1) Faster planing - boat reaches plane faster and at lower speed, saving fuel and reducing bow-high transitional period. (2) Smoother ride through chop - flatter running attitude slices through waves instead of pounding bow-first. (3) Side-to-side trim correction - independent port / starboard adjustment corrects for uneven weight distribution. (4) Better fuel economy at cruise - optimum running attitude burns 10-20 percent less fuel at any given speed. For 17-30 ft boats, properly-tuned trim tabs are typically the difference between an uncomfortable / inefficient ride and a smooth / efficient one.

What makes Pro Control Auto different. Traditional manual trim tab control requires the operator to constantly press the trim switches to fine-tune the boat's running attitude as conditions change. The operator has to watch the boat's attitude, judge when adjustment is needed, and press the appropriate switches. Practical impact: tab adjustment becomes another workload during cruising, and many operators set their tabs once at the beginning of a run and don't adjust them as conditions change - resulting in sub-optimum running for much of the trip. The Pro Control Auto module solves this by automating trim tab control: continuously monitors boat attitude using built-in sensors, calculates the optimum tab positions for current running conditions, and automatically adjusts the tabs to maintain level running. The operator just drives the boat. Auto mode is selectable - flip the switch to manual when you want direct control (docking, specific maneuvers), back to auto for cruising.

17-30 ft boat range with 12x12 tabs. The 12-inch by 12-inch tab dimension is sized for boats 17-30 ft - covers typical bay boats, runabouts, center consoles, and small cruisers. Tab sizing matters: too-small tabs don't provide enough trim authority for the boat (the tabs reach their full deflection without achieving the desired attitude change). too-large tabs over-control (small adjustments produce excessive attitude changes that feel jerky). The 12x12 dimension is the sweet spot for the 17-30 ft size range. For smaller boats (under 17 ft), the Lenco 9x9 is the appropriate sizing. For larger boats (30+ ft), the 12x18 (rectangular) or larger tabs deliver more trim authority for the bigger hull.

Edge-mount vs bottom-mount. The 'Edge Mount' designation refers to the tab attachment style. Two main styles in the marine trim tab market: (1) Edge Mount (this kit) - tabs attach to the rear edge of the transom. The tab hinges at the rear edge and folds down into the water. Appropriate for boats with the necessary transom configuration. (2) Bottom Mount - tabs attach to the underside of the transom at the bottom edge. The tab hinges at the bottom edge and pivots into the water. Appropriate for boats where edge mounting isn't practical (specific transom shapes, jack plate installations). Both styles deliver equivalent trim performance. the choice depends on your boat's specific transom configuration. Edge mount is more common and typically simpler to install. Verify your boat's transom configuration before ordering - some boats accept either, others only one.

Electric actuators - reliability. The kit's electric actuators are sealed waterproof units designed for marine service. Electric actuators have several advantages over hydraulic systems: (1) Simpler install - no hydraulic lines to route through the boat, no hydraulic fluid concerns, no possibility of hydraulic leaks. (2) Lower cost than equivalent hydraulic systems. (3) Easier maintenance / troubleshooting - electric systems have fewer failure points. (4) Quieter operation than older electric systems (modern actuators are well-engineered). Trade-off: electric actuators are slower than hydraulic - take 6-10 seconds for full tab range vs 2-4 seconds for hydraulic. For typical recreational cruising, the speed difference doesn't matter. For performance applications where instant tab response matters, hydraulic may be preferred.

Pro Control Auto module - what it does. The Pro Control module includes: (1) Built-in boat attitude sensors that continuously monitor pitch and roll. (2) Auto-leveling algorithm that calculates the optimum tab positions based on current attitude vs target level position. (3) Switch operation interface for both auto and manual modes. (4) Indicator LEDs showing current tab positions and mode status. (5) Dash mounting for installation near the helm. Configuration is straightforward - install per the included instructions and the system learns your boat's response characteristics during initial operation.

2-inch hinge height. The 2-inch hinge height is the standard for 12x12 edge-mount trim tabs - matches the typical transom configuration of 17-30 ft boats. Verify your transom dimensions before mounting to ensure the hinge clears any existing transom features (transducers, swim platform brackets, etc.).

What's NOT included. The kit includes: two trim tabs with mounting hinges, two electric actuators, Pro Control Auto control module, wiring harness for the actuators and control module. NOT included: mounting hardware (use stainless 1/4 inch bolts appropriate for your transom thickness, sized per the included template), marine sealant for the bolt holes (3M 4200 or similar marine adhesive sealant), 12V power source / fuse (typically a 15A fuse from the dash panel or auxiliary breaker), dash control hardware beyond what comes with the Pro Control module. Plan to source these items separately or have them on hand before starting the install.

Install. Plan for 3-6 hours for an experienced installer. Tasks: (1) Position the tabs on the transom per the included instructions - position dimensions matter for proper trim performance, follow the template carefully. (2) Mark and drill the mounting holes through the transom. (3) Seal the mounting holes with marine adhesive sealant. (4) Mount the trim tabs using stainless 1/4 inch bolts. (5) Mount the electric actuators above each tab. (6) Run the wiring harness from the actuators forward through the boat to the helm. (7) Mount the Pro Control Auto module at the dash position. (8) Connect 12V power through a 15A fuse. (9) Test full tab range in manual mode before launching. (10) On the water, verify Auto mode operation and let the system learn your boat's response characteristics.

Warranty. Lenco standard limited warranty applies. Save the receipt and the original packaging. Warranty service runs through Lenco's authorized service network. Most field failures Lenco sees in the trim tab line are install-related (improper sealing causing water intrusion, undersized fastener backing causing transom damage) rather than tab / actuator defects - careful install delivers many years of reliable service. Lenco is the standard reference brand for marine electric trim tabs with decades of field-proven product reliability.