Lenco 9 x 12 inch Standard Trim Tab Kit + Double Rocker Switch 12V
Lenco 9 x 12 inch Standard Trim Tab Kit + Double Rocker Switch 12V — Product description
The Lenco 9 by 12 inch Standard Trim Tab Kit with Double Rocker Switch is the complete electric trim tab system for 16 to 25 foot boats. Two 9 by 12 inch 12-gauge 304 stainless steel tab blades, two fast-response 12V ballscrew actuators with 6-foot leads and waterproof Deutsch plug-and-play connectors, the Double Rocker switch with sealed keypad and control box, and the 36-inch pigtail. Drop-in install kit, no separate components to source, and the trim tabs that smooth out the ride for the rest of the boat's life.
The Lenco 9 by 12 inch Standard Trim Tab Kit with Double Rocker Switch (model 15101-104) is the complete drop-in electric trim tab kit for boats in the 16 to 25 foot range. Two 12-gauge 304 stainless steel trim tab blades sized 9 inches long by 12 inches wide, two fast-response 12V Lenco ballscrew actuators with 6-foot pre-attached leads and waterproof Deutsch plug-and-play connectors, the Lenco Double Rocker switch with sealed-keypad helm switch and control box, and the 36-inch pigtail harness that ties everything together. One part number, complete install kit. The right trim tab kit for owners installing tabs for the first time who don't want to assemble components from separate part numbers.
What trim tabs actually do for a boat. They control the running attitude of the hull at planing speed. Without trim tabs, the boat planes at whatever attitude the hull design and weight distribution dictate, which is usually bow-up enough to hurt visibility, fuel economy, and ride quality. With trim tabs, you adjust the bow attitude on the fly: deploy the tabs to push the bow down for cleaner planing attitude, retract for the natural attitude. Independent port and starboard control lets you correct list (one side sitting low) caused by uneven passenger weight, wind pressure, or water in the bilge. The result is smoother ride, drier ride, faster planing, better fuel economy, and the ability to put the bow exactly where you want it.
The Lenco ballscrew actuator is the design feature that separates these tabs from competing hydraulic-actuated systems. Hydraulic actuators use pressurized fluid in cylinders to move the tab. they leak over time, the cylinders corrode, and replacement parts are expensive. The Lenco ballscrew actuator uses an electric motor driving a precision ballscrew, which is fully sealed against water (rated submersible), has no fluid to leak, and delivers instant response: press the helm switch and the tab moves immediately, no lag for hydraulic pressure to build. Faster response, longer service life, lower maintenance.
The 12-gauge 304 stainless steel trim tab blades are the right specification for the recommended boat-length range. 304 grade stainless gives long-term corrosion resistance in saltwater and freshwater. 12-gauge thickness is rigid enough to resist deflection at planing speeds while staying light enough to keep the actuator load reasonable. The 5/8-inch flared trailing edge improves water flow off the back of the tab without creating excessive drag. The 1/8-inch diameter hinge pin handles the cyclic load from tab actuation over years of use without wearing out.
The 9 by 12 inch tab size is sized for the 16 to 25 foot boat range. Length (9 inches) is the dimension that controls how much trim authority the tab provides. Width (12 inches) is what fits the typical transom space on boats in this length range. For larger boats over 25 feet, Lenco makes 12 by 12 inch and larger tab kits with the same actuator and switch architecture. For smaller boats under 16 feet, the smaller 9 by 9 inch kit is more cost-effective.
The Double Rocker switch is the helm control. Two rocker switches: one for the port tab (rocker up to retract, rocker down to deploy), one for the starboard tab. Press both rockers down together to deploy both tabs simultaneously for bow-down attitude. Press one rocker down to deploy just that tab for list correction. Sealed keypad construction means the switch is fully waterproof and tactile (you can feel the rocker positions without looking). The included control box handles the electrical interface between the helm switch and the actuators.
The plug-and-play Deutsch connectors are the install convenience that makes this a real one-day install. Deutsch connectors are the marine-grade waterproof connectors used across the marine and automotive industries. Each actuator comes pre-attached to its 6-foot lead with the Deutsch connector already on the end. The control box has matching Deutsch connectors. Plug, click, done. No cutting wires, no soldering, no crimping marine-grade terminals. The connectors are also fully reversible, so if you need to remove an actuator for service later, just unplug it.
Installation. Pick the tab mounting location on the transom (consult the install instructions for proper placement, typically on the bottom edge of the transom about a third of the way in from each chine). Bolt the tab to the transom with the included 5/16 inch stainless steel bolts and the supplied backing plates inside the transom. Mount the actuators on the upper edge of each tab and bolt to the transom above. Plug the actuator leads into the control box. Mount the control box in a dry area below deck. Run the helm switch wires forward to the dash and mount the rocker switch. Connect 12V power. Total install time for an experienced installer is about 4 to 6 hours.
Fully submersible actuators is the durability spec that owners notice over years of use. The actuators sit at the bottom edge of the trim tab, which means they're below the waterline whenever the tabs are deployed and they get splashed and submerged whenever the boat is on plane. Cheaper actuators that aren't fully submersible eventually fail from internal corrosion. The Lenco actuators are sealed against immersion and are designed to live in the water for the lifetime of the boat.
CE certified for international use. The kit is sold worldwide and meets the European CE marking requirements for electrical accessories. Suggested boat length 16 to 25 feet covers the typical recreational center console, runabout, and small cruiser market. The fuel-efficient class designation reflects the well-established fuel savings that proper trim tab use delivers (typically 5 to 15 percent fuel savings on a planing-hull boat at cruise speed).
What's in the box. Two 9 by 12 inch 304 stainless steel trim tab blades, two 12V Lenco ballscrew actuators with 6-foot leads and Deutsch connectors, the Double Rocker helm switch with sealed keypad and control box, the 36-inch pigtail harness, the 5/16-inch stainless steel mounting bolts and hardware, and the install instructions. Wiring from the control box to the helm switch and from the control box to the boat's 12V battery is sized to your install (consult the install manual for recommended wire AWG).
What this isn't. It is not a hydraulic trim tab kit (Lenco is electric ballscrew). It is not the larger 12 by 12 or 12 by 18 inch tab sizes (those are sized for boats over 25 feet). It is not the auto-leveling or LED-indicator switch upgrades (those are higher-end Lenco kits with the same tabs and actuators but more capable switches). For boats in the 16 to 25 foot range that want a complete proven trim tab kit at reasonable cost, this is the right purchase.
Key Features
- Complete drop-in electric trim tab kit for 16 to 25 foot boats
- Two 9-inch length by 12-inch width trim tabs (12-gauge 304 stainless steel)
- Two 12V Lenco ballscrew actuators with 6-foot leads (fully submersible, sealed against water)
- Plug-and-play waterproof Deutsch connectors throughout (no cutting, soldering, or crimping)
- Double Rocker helm switch with sealed-keypad construction and tactile feel
- Control box and 36-inch pigtail harness included
- Lenco ballscrew actuators deliver instant response (no hydraulic pressure lag)
- 5/8-inch flared trailing edge on tabs for clean water flow
- 1/8-inch diameter hinge pin sized for years of cyclic actuation
- 5/16-inch stainless steel mounting bolts included
- CE Certified for international compliance
- Limited Lenco warranty
Why Buy from NVN Marine
- Authorized reseller, full manufacturer warranty
- NMEA member and ABYC certified, advice from real boat techs
- Same-day shipping before 3 PM ET on in-stock items
- NY headquarters and Fort Lauderdale flagship retail store
Technical specifications
| Title | Lenco 9 inch by 12 inch Standard Mount Electric Trim Tab Kit with Double Rocker Switch, 12V |
|---|---|
| Brand | Lenco Marine |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 15101-104 |
| UPC | 874847006170 |
| Type | Complete Electric Trim Tab Kit |
| Tab Length | 9 inches |
| Tab Width | 12 inches |
| Suggested Boat Length | 16 to 25 feet |
| Voltage | 12V |
| Mount Style | Standard |
| Tab Material | 304 Stainless Steel, 12-gauge |
| Tab Trailing Edge | 5/8 inch flared |
| Hinge Pin | 1/8 inch diameter |
| Actuator Type | Lenco Ballscrew (electric, fully submersible) |
| Actuator Leads | 6 feet (with pre-attached Deutsch connectors) |
| Switch Style | Double Rocker, sealed keypad |
| Control Box | Included |
| Pigtail Harness | 36 inches |
| Connector Type | Waterproof Deutsch (plug and play) |
| Mounting Hardware | 5/16 inch stainless steel bolts and backing plates |
| Compliance | CE Certified |
| Class | Fuel Efficient |
| Weight | 17.63 lb |
| Package Dimensions (L x W x H) | 14.25 x 13.30 x 5.40 inches |
| Warranty | Limited Lenco |
| Prop 65 Warning | Yes (DEHP exposure) |
Frequently asked questions
What size boat is this kit for?
16 to 25 feet. The 9 by 12 inch tab size is the right authority for boats in this range. For larger boats over 25 feet, Lenco makes 12 by 12 and larger tab kits with the same actuator and switch architecture. For smaller boats under 16 feet, the 9 by 9 inch kit is more cost-effective.
Why electric ballscrew instead of hydraulic?
Hydraulic actuators use pressurized fluid in cylinders that eventually leak, corrode, and need expensive parts replacement. The Lenco ballscrew actuator uses an electric motor driving a precision ballscrew, fully sealed against water, no fluid to leak, instant response. Press the helm switch and the tab moves immediately. The ballscrew design has been the marine standard for two decades because it just works longer with less maintenance.
What are Deutsch connectors and why does it matter?
Deutsch connectors are the marine-grade waterproof connectors used across the marine and automotive industries. They snap together positively, seal against water, and don't need to be cut and crimped during install. The trim tab kit comes with all Deutsch connectors pre-attached: actuator leads, control box ports, and switch harness. Plug, click, done. No soldering, no crimping, no marine-grade terminals to source separately.
How long does the install take?
For an experienced marine installer, about 4 to 6 hours including drilling the transom mount holes, bolting the tabs and actuators to the transom, running the wiring, mounting the helm switch, and testing. For a DIY owner with reasonable mechanical skill, plan a long weekend day. The plug-and-play Deutsch connectors save significant time vs. older trim tab kits that required cutting and crimping wires.
Where on the transom do I mount the tabs?
On the bottom edge of the transom, typically about a third of the way in from each chine (the corner where the transom meets the side of the hull). Detailed mounting position depends on the specific hull shape. consult the install manual for the bolt pattern and position recommendations for your boat type. The included 5/16-inch stainless steel bolts go through the transom with backing plates on the inside.
Do I need backing plates inside the transom?
Yes. The kit includes backing plates for the transom mount. The bolts go through the transom from outside, through the tab hinge, through the transom, and through the backing plate on the inside, with stainless steel washers and nylock nuts. The backing plates spread the load and prevent the bolts from pulling through the transom under cyclic load.
Is the actuator really submersible?
Yes. Lenco actuators are fully sealed against immersion and are designed to live in the water for the lifetime of the boat. The actuators sit at the bottom edge of the trim tab, below the waterline whenever the tabs are deployed and submerged whenever the boat is on plane. The sealed design has been a Lenco signature for years and is the main reason Lenco has the long-term durability reputation in the segment.
What's the difference between standard mount and sport mount tabs?
Standard mount tabs (this kit) are designed for boats with a flat or near-flat transom (most production fiberglass and aluminum boats). Sport mount tabs have a different hinge geometry designed for boats with a stepped transom or other non-standard transom shape. For most recreational boats, standard mount is the right choice. If your boat has a stepped or unusual transom, consult Lenco or your dealer to determine which mount style fits.
Will it improve my fuel economy?
Yes, typically 5 to 15 percent fuel savings at cruise speed on a planing-hull boat. Trim tabs let the boat plane at cleaner attitude with less hull surface dragging through the water. Less drag equals less throttle to maintain cruise speed equals less fuel burned. The fuel savings alone usually pay back the trim tab kit cost within a season or two of regular boating.
What does the Double Rocker switch do?
Two rocker switches at the helm. Each rocker controls one trim tab independently (port rocker for the port tab, starboard rocker for the starboard tab). Press both rockers down together to deploy both tabs simultaneously for bow-down attitude. Press one rocker down to deploy just that tab for list correction. The sealed-keypad construction means the switch is fully waterproof and tactile.
How do I match this unit to my boat?
Size by interior volume and insulation: roughly 1,000 BTU per 100 cubic feet for well-insulated cabins, 1,500 BTU for older boats with limited insulation, and bump up further for boats kept in tropical climates or with large glass areas. Confirm the existing AC mounting footprint and ducting layout match before ordering, and verify breaker amperage on the panel side. Your installer can size the system in 15 minutes from boat dimensions and location.
What's in the box?
Two 9 by 12 inch 304 stainless steel trim tab blades, two 12V Lenco ballscrew actuators with 6-foot leads and Deutsch connectors, the Double Rocker helm switch with sealed keypad, the control box, the 36-inch pigtail harness, the 5/16-inch stainless steel mounting bolts and hardware, the backing plates, and the install instructions.
