Replacing Lenco trim tab switches with plain old rocker switches?

andyd

I have the trim switches with LEDs and the rubber cover and the separate control box. The connector on the back is the tiny ten-pin Molex type which attaches directly to the circuit board. Horribly flawed design in my opinion. One of these switches works intermittently. Has anyone swapped this type for the simple rocker-style switches? I actually don't care if I lose the auto retract feature or even the LED lights if I can get reliability.

Andy

YYZRC

The new generation has the electronics built into the switch. No separate box. About $200

skennelly

I don't see a reason why you couldn't use simple rocker switches.  The Lenco is just a smart switch

LaRea

I would not want to lose the information provided by the position LEDs.

davidbrooks

x2 on what @LaRea said.  Plus the new ones automatically put the tabs back up when you restart the engine if you left them down.  This was a selling point for me when mine was getting flaky.  I wouldn't use a rocker switch for this.

mattie

AndyD - as per above I wouldn't change them out. See if you can replace switch with new.

My last 2 Rinkers had the Lenco LED switches & auto retract. Our current Four Winns does not. Just rocker switches. Hate them to be honest.

Really miss the auto-retract & the LED's for a quick glance. Part of my shut down procedure is to be sure tabs are retracted before the Rack & Launch guys fork the boat out. Don't know how many times I have gone back & rechecked those things....huge PIA.

If/when a trim tab does get ripped off - I'll def go back to Lenco.

aero3113

Yes, the new integrated switch assembly doesn’t use the control box. I had rockers on my 242, couldn’t wait to get a boat with LED indicators!! 

YYZRC

My issue was that water got into the control box and it shorted. The small connector on the switch was not an issue for me. The new style looks much more robust but time will tell. 

Spyderweb

I really like the LED indicators.  Problem is I can’t see them on a sunny day.  Wish they were brighter. 

Handymans342

You would need a momentary on 2 way rocker

YYZRC

Is there a way to calibrate the LEDs? Mine show fully down on the LEDs but they’re not...

skennelly

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfanCCLxUlI

YYZRC

skennelly said:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfanCCLxUlI

That’s for Bennett tabs - the Lenco are electric and don’t have a hydraulic pump. 

andyd

I just ordered the Lenco 15169-001 standard integrated tactile switches, illustrated in the post by YYZRC above. I also ordered the wiring for both tabs with Deutsch connectors. I believe I can do without the LEDs and auto retract because of these factors:

1) My boat is never trailered so leaving the tabs down isn't a problem.

2) I can't see the LEDs that well in bright sunlight.

3) When trimming out the boat level, I'm looking at the bow while pushing the switch, not the helm.

4) Same with going up on plane and retracting, fingers on switches, eyes on the bow.

I may find out something I'm not aware of, I realize that.

I'm looking forward to tidying up this rat's nest. Corrosion has eaten away two connectors for the port tab completely.

BTW, Lisa at Lenco is very helpful, she sent me a set of wiring diagrams.

Andy

YYZRC

I had the same rats nest - very disappointing wiring in these boats. Seems like minimal extra effort when assembling would have resulted in fewer problems down the road but what do I know?!

What was the price difference between the basic switches and the auto tabs with LED indicators?

andyd

On Amazon:

Lenco 15170-01 LED integrated tactile switch is $300

Lenco 15169-01 integrated tactile switch is $136.

Lenco 10222-211D rocker switches w/out control box is $80.

So I have the same tactile-type momentary switches, new integrated control box, just no LED position indicator and auto retract, saved $164. That comes in handy going towards paying for my new steering cable.

By the way, the four Phillips head screws holding my current control box together literally rusted away to dust. Salt air is just a killer of metals.

Andy

andyd

Update/correction. I've installed the new Lenco 15169-01 integrated tactile switch. I did not think it had auto retract, but I hooked up the orange wire and it indeed does.

Next I am replacing the starboard actuator, which has been flaky. Boat yard quoted $280 for the part, found it on Amazon for $180. I'm working in swim trunks, snorkel and mask just below the water line because I don't want to haul the boat. What fun.

Andy

YYZRC

Sounds like a good boat challenge!

raybo3

Just wondering why would you need auto retract when your tabs should be all the way up when docking?..... just say'n 

reneechris14

Ray some of us old dudes forget to retract the tabs so it is nice when you trun the key off they come up. Like the sticker in my car that says put me in park.lol

andyd

As I originally stated, personally, auto retract isn't that important to me, but I still have it which is fine. I could put a switch on the orange wire and have the either-or option. Usually retracting the tabs is part of my mental check list entering harbor, along with deploying the fenders.

One thing I'm changing is the routing of the wire through the upper actuator bracket, which is underwater, and instead rerouting the cable ingress 2" above the water. I'm using a Blue Sea Systems Cable Clam to make this water tight. This is my only alternative without hauling the boat. Shipyard haul out rates are getting ridiculous, $360 for the lift, plus $140/day to work on your own boat in the DIY area they offer? Err, no thanks.

Andy.

raybo3

IMO its a must to raise the tabs while docking. Boat does not handle well at all with them down while backing up............. Just say'n

andyd

@raybo3 Agreed!

Andy