NC895 trim tab control relocation

[lynnardm]

The one poorly placed control on the 895 (mine is a 2019) is the Lenco trim tab control. It’s location requires bending over and looking down at knee height to see the control and I never got comfortable operating the it at this odd location.
I’ve moved it up to the flat area fwd of the throttle and to the right of the cup holder. It’s now very easy to see and operate and the indications of up/down are now intuitive. If anyone wants do this let me know and I’ll provide directions and a few pics.

Capt’n lynn

[gia2019]

Good day Capt'n Lynn. There are the few upgrades I plan to do on my new NC895. And I would like to do the same, until my boat is not on water yet. Is any way you can post a picture ?

[lynnardm]

www.23hq.com/lynnardm/photo/51855152/original


www.23hq.com/lynnardm/photo/51855156/original

www.23hq.com/lynnardm/photo/51855158/original

Here are 3 pictures of my relocated trim tab control. Picture 1 shows the new location. Its on the flat area to the right and a bit aft of the center line of the cup holder.  This is a great location on my boat but note that I have the single F300 which has one throttle.  This single throttle is a bit narrower than with twins so if you relocate it here assure that its a comfortable position to reach.  In my case its great to see and reach and is a comfortable position to rest my wrist as I'm touching the controls. 

In picture 2 I'm pointing to the underside of the trim tab control after reinstallation.  I should mention that before removing it from the existing location disconnect the connector that is on the cable between the trim tab control and its black box.  The area where I move the trimtab control had one item in the way that had to be moved.  Interesting enough its the black box for the trim tabs.  It was fastened with screws to 2 wooden blocks glued to the fiberglass.  I removed it and determined that I had plenty of room to install the trim tab control.  Spend time to be assured that the specific spot you choose for the control has plenty of edge margin and is in a flat area (on the under side).  I'm hesitant to give dimensions where I located mine as boats may differ.  I suggest that once you determine the desired location and assure the area is clear underneath drill a pilot hole and check its location and edge margin underneath before drilling the 2 1/8" diameter with a hole saw from above.  If need be, after drilling the pilot hole, you could still choose to move it (the pilot hole) and use that new pilot hole as long as you don't move it to far.  Then the 2 1/8" diameter hole would encompass the previous pilot hole and no harm done.  One surprise when drilling the  2 1/8" hole is the material thickness.  It was about 3/4" thick.  Take your time and allow your hole saw to cool.  Clean and install the control, and hand tightening the large nut from below.

I chose to reinstall the black box 2" directly below where it was previously mounted.  In picture 3 I'm pointing to the fwd custom made U shaped bracket. I made the brackets about 2" in height which lowers the black box 2".  Pre-drill holes for mounting screws in the top and bottom of the legs of the U.   The aft bracket can just barely be seen in the picture as it's mostly on the other side of the trim tab control.  Its the other shiny piece of metal in the picture.  The wooden block where this second bracket is attached is not parallel to the surface as the other one is.  Instead it is angled, perhaps 20 degrees.  No problem just bend that bracket leg to match.  You can't see this bend in the picture as its behind the trim tab control.  For installation, I first screwed the brackets into the wooden block using the same holes where the black box was initially mounted.  I used slightly longer screws which in my case were 1/2" long.  I couldn't go any longer as the wood blocks are 1/2" thick.  You can see this screw in the aft bracket.  After installing both brackets I reconnected and reconfigured and re-secured the wires for the trim tab control and the black box.  They tucked in real nice between the control and the black box and made a cleaner installation than the original.   Next secure the black box to the bottom of each bracket using 1/2" long 8/32 screws and lock nuts.  This is the most difficult part, in particular the aft bracket that can barely be seen in the pictures.  If you are not good at working is tight places this is where you might have difficulty. 

Good luck.  This for me was well worth the effort and now makes it easier, more intuitive, and safer for using the trim tabs.

Capt'n Lynn

[gia2019]

I think, this is a great idea. I forwarded all pictures and your comments to my dealer. Will share with you as soon they reply and comment on it.