These actuators come with an integral 30 ft cable which - when connected to a trim tab control panel with "position indicator" capability or any NMEA 2000 compatible multi-function display, chartplotter or sonar - allow the helmsman to see at-a-glance the position of each trim tab for easy balancing.
NOTE — These assemblies used to come with color coded red or green cables and were designated "port" and "starboard".
Now, they both come with gray cables and each assembly comes with a red "port" label and a green "starboard" label.
The actuator and coil assemblies still retain their legacy port and starboard part numbers, but each of these assemblies is identical to the other.
This "short" size actuator is 11-3/4" long when compressed, has 2-1/2" of extension, and is suitable for short transom applications, or where the "standard" actuator height of 13-3/4" makes installation difficult.
Short size actuator bodies are identified by having only 3 rings at the lower end of the cylinder.
Short Actuators are not recommended for use on trim tabs with a span over 24", nor for performance applications.
Actuators are strong nylon and fiberglass hydraulic cylinders with piston-like arms that push the trim tabs into position and hold them there.
Hydraulic fluid is pumped in and out of the actuator cylinder via hydraulic tubing inside the boat which connects to a metal "through-transom" fitting that screws into a concealed connection port on the back of the upper (transom-mounted) actuator hinge - creating a "clean" appearance and eliminating hoses on the outside of the boat which could be subject to damage.
Click here for instructions for replacing an Actuator, and here for an Actuator blow-up diagram as well as examples and explanations for non-standard Actuator installations.