Bennett One Box Indication Unit for BOLT Electric Trim Tabs

The Bennett OBI9000-E One Box Indication Unit (model OBI9000-E) is the all-in-one keypad helm control for Bennett BOLT electric trim tab systems. The functionality and the control electronics that other systems split between a control box and a separate keypad are integrated into one keypad in this design, which means you only have one piece of hardware to install at the helm and no separate hidden control box behind the dash. The right helm control for boats running Bennett BOLT electric tab actuators that want a clean, single-piece installation with full position-feedback indication.

What this control replaces. Most trim tab systems use a two-piece architecture: a keypad at the helm for operator input, plus a separate control unit hidden behind the dash that handles the actual switching and position management. The two-piece design works fine but means you have two pieces to install, two pieces to wire, and two pieces that can fail independently. The OBI9000-E integrates both functions into the keypad itself, with no separate control box required. Less hardware, faster install, fewer connections to fail.

The All-Up and All-Down buttons are the convenience features that make daily trim tab use much easier. All-Down deploys both tabs simultaneously to the same position for fast bow-down attitude during plane-up. All-Up retracts both tabs simultaneously to fully stowed for the run home or for the run after the boat is on plane. With per-tab rocker switches, you'd press both rockers down or up at the same time and hope you got equal travel. with All-Up and All-Down, the system handles the simultaneous timing automatically.

The trim tab position LEDs are the indication feature that the unit's name calls out. A column of LEDs for each tab shows the current trim tab position from fully retracted at the top to fully deployed at the bottom. Glance at the keypad and you know exactly where each tab is without needing to deploy or retract to confirm. Useful for setting trim tabs to a known starting position before plane-up, and for confirming that auto-retraction actually retracted the tabs when the ignition was switched off.

Automatic tab retraction when the ignition is switched off is the small feature that prevents the most common trim tab embarrassment. Most boats arrive at the dock with the tabs still partially deployed from the run home, and many owners don't think to retract the tabs before tying up. Tabs left deployed at the dock are the leading cause of trim tab damage from impact with the dock, the trailer, and other boats. The OBI9000-E retracts both tabs to the fully-up position automatically when you turn the ignition off, every time, without you having to think about it.

Single lock nut install is the install convenience that makes the OBI9000-E one of the fastest helm-control installs in the segment. Drill a single round hole in the dash sized for the keypad's threaded barrel. Slide the keypad through the hole from the front. Thread the lock nut on from behind the dash. Tighten. Done. No multi-screw mounting bracket, no panel cutout for a square keypad, no fabricating a custom mount. The lock nut handles all the holding force, and the install takes about 5 minutes once the hole is drilled.

Compatibility. Designed specifically for the Bennett BOLT electric trim tab system. Plug-and-play connection to BOLT actuators with the included wiring harness. Not compatible with Bennett hydraulic trim tab systems (which use different actuators and a different control architecture). for hydraulic systems, look at the Bennett hydraulic helm controls. Not compatible with non-Bennett trim tab systems without potentially adapting the connector wiring.

Reduce bow rise, plane faster, correct list: the standard trim tab benefits that any helm control delivers, including this one. The OBI9000-E doesn't add new trim tab capabilities. it adds a more convenient and visible way to operate the existing trim tab system. For boats that already have BOLT tabs and want better helm control, this is the upgrade.

The build is the standard Bennett quality. The keypad housing is sealed against marine helm exposure (rain, splash, washdown). The internal electronics are protected against the typical marine moisture and humidity. The buttons and the LED windows are designed for years of operation in the marine environment without fading or wearing out.

Mount style. Standard helm panel mount through a single round drilled hole. The keypad face is the visible front-panel surface. the threaded barrel and lock nut are behind the dash. Most installs put the keypad somewhere on the helm dash where the operator can reach it from the steering position without taking eyes too far off the water.

Wiring. The OBI9000-E plugs into the BOLT trim tab system harness via the included connectors. No cutting wires, no soldering, no crimping. The single harness connection handles all the signals between the control unit and the BOLT actuators (power, ground, command signals, position feedback). Run the harness from the keypad behind the dash through to wherever the BOLT actuators are wired (typically routing through the boat's existing wire chase).

What this isn't. It is not a hydraulic trim tab control (Bennett makes a separate control for hydraulic systems with different connectors). It is not a complete trim tab system (you need the BOLT electric actuators and tabs separately if you're doing a fresh install). It is not the joystick control variant (the JOY1000 joystick is a separate Bennett product with stick-style operation instead of button keypad).

Note: this product may not be returned to the original point of purchase per Bennett's policy. Contact Bennett Marine directly with any warranty or service issues. Limited Bennett Marine warranty.