K-planes & my 22C

[JustMercMe]

Got a shot at getting some k-planes for a good deal....What all is involved in changing from the stock bennet tabs I have to these? Is it worth the hassle? Do i have to replace the pump also?

Thanks guys.

[roadtrip se]

Got a shot at getting some k-planes for a good deal....What all is involved in changing from the stock bennet tabs I have to these? Is it worth the hassle? Do i have to replace the pump also?

Thanks guys.

I have looked at this, too, but I don't utilize the Bennetts much if at all, so it hasn't been a priority.

Is it worth it? Yes, if you use the Bennetts all the time, as they don't react quick enough for a performance boat in my opinion, so the additional speed to allow you to react more quickly to changing conditions is worth something.

They do require a new pump. It is identical to the Merc trim pump for your drive.

The biggest issue for me is the transom work necessary. To do it right, you are going to have to re-gel or re-paint the transom, because the Bennett rams mount higher than the plates for the K-planes. Trying to patch repair this doesn't really work, as it will stick out.

Finally, avoid buying 280s if you can. These boats simply don't need that much tab, a set of 150s will do very well. The longer jobs can introduce a whole new set of handling opportunties of their own.

[smokediver]

If they are 280's I have a set of the 150 plates that I am not using.They are interchangeable. You have to have a trim pump for each plane.

[MOP]

To me that is a lot of tab for a 2 the does well above average with no tab, I have tabs on mine for three things. Level the boat side to side adjusting for passengers when cruising. Keeping the boat on a dead straight course it tight quarters with out touching the wheel. Using them oft times use them to roll the hull a tad for better ride depending on the angle of chop/slop. Unless you are running real big power I think they are a waste, if you boat in salt they need constant attention.

[JustMercMe]

I have to use tabs the whole time unless I'm wide open. I've gotten pretty used to the operation of the bennets....Just heard the k-planes would make it ride like a larger boat in the rough stuff due to the length of them off the back. Just did'nt know if the benefit would outweigh the hassle of switching over. Did'nt really wanna have to do a bunch of patchwork and switching of pumps etc..... The planes are off of a 27 fountain. No idea what the number is on on em.

Thanks for the replies guys.

[RickSE]

If they are 280's I have a set of the 150 plates that I am not using.They are interchangeable...

Smoke, as I found out you gotta be a little bit careful on interchangability, Merc changed the mounting style in 2004 so you can't interchange pre-2004 tabs with post-2004 tabs. All the plate and cylinder mounts are different.

JustMercMe,

I've had both, Bennets on an 18 and K-Planes on a 22. If you can get the set-up for a good price and are willing to do the cosmetic work then it's deffinetly worth it. If you do it I'd also add indicators. My only gripe is that the pre-2004 K-Planes are not bonded very good and the trim pumps leak at the cap; other then that I'm very happy with the units.

[BlakeSullivan]

I have the K-planes with the 280 plates on my 22c and love them not only do they look and work great but they also act as a step to get back in the boat

[smokediver]

Good to know! I must have lucked out as I changed over to 280s on my boat.

[smokediver]

Good to know! I must have lucked out as I changed over to 280s on my boat.

[yeller]

To me that is a lot of tab for a 2 the does well above average with no tab..... Unless you are running real big power I think they are a waste, if you boat in salt they need constant attention.

MOP, the new boats handle differently than the old ones. Tabs are a necessity on the newer ones.

[GBond]

Installed 280's last year..What a big difference it made on my finicky 22c.

Blake, What are the two oval fixtures on the lower transom? I have an ideal/guess.

Thanks

[MOP]

MOP, the new boats handle differently than the old ones. Tabs are a necessity on the newer ones.

I know that from running with a few, they porpoise a lot more than the older models. Yes they do need tabs for just about everything, I wonder if their top end suffers or can you get the K's clear of the water flow @WOT?

[mrfixxall]

I have the K-planes with the 280 plates on my 22c and love them not only do they look and work great but they also act as a step to get back in the boat

Blake ? did you reinforce the inner transom before you installed them..

[BlakeSullivan]

Blake ? did you reinforce the inner transom before you installed them..

They were installed from the factory my 22c is a factory black hawk with no black hawk, I removed it, and the small ovals on the transom are underwater LED's

[thriller]

Just replaced my 150's with 280's..It made a Huge difference in my launch sequence to Outer Space... when I get into Big Water