Bennett Trim Tabs & Accessories

What Are Boat Trim Tabs and Why Do They Matter?

Bennett trim tabs are one of the most impactful upgrades any powerboat owner can make. Trim tabs are adjustable plates mounted to the transom of a boat that change the hull's running angle in the water. By creating lift at the stern, they help boats plane faster, stay level, and operate more efficiently across a wide range of conditions. Each tab works independently, giving boaters precise control over both side-to-side (lateral) and front-to-back (longitudinal) trim.

Without trim tabs, unequal weight distribution — whether from passengers, gear, or fuel load — can cause a boat to list, porpoise, or struggle to get on plane. Trim tabs correct all of these problems with a simple adjustment at the helm. They also help reduce hull pounding in choppy seas, improve forward visibility, and reduce the load on the engine, which can translate to meaningful fuel savings over time.

A Legacy of Innovation: Bennett Marine

Bennett Marine is the undisputed pioneer of the modern trim tab system. In 1959, Charles Bennett invented the first adjustable trim tab, dramatically improving a boat's performance across a wide range of conditions. That founding innovation launched a brand that has spent more than half a century refining and advancing trim tab technology. Today, Bennett is recognized as the largest manufacturer of hydraulic and electric trim tab systems in the world, with millions of units installed on boats across the globe.

What sets Bennett apart is the breadth of their lineup. Whether you're outfitting a small skiff or a high-performance offshore vessel, there's a Bennett system designed specifically for your application. Their product range includes classic hydraulic trim tab kits, the BOLT Electric Trim Tab System — which conceals wiring inside the upper hinge for a clean, corrosion-resistant installation — self-leveling (SLT) tabs ideal for smaller boats, and the intelligent AutoTrim Pro, which functions like cruise control for your trim tabs. For anglers and cruisers alike, these systems provide the kind of on-the-water control that makes every trip more enjoyable.

Choosing the Right Trim Tab System

Selecting the right trim tabs involves a few key considerations:

• Boat size and speed: As a general rule, choose at least one inch of trim tab span per side for every foot of boat length for vessels with a max speed under 40 mph. Higher-performance boats typically benefit from premium or high-performance trim tab lines.
• Hydraulic vs. electric: Hydraulic systems are proven, powerful, and well-suited to larger or heavier vessels. Electric systems like Bennett's BOLT offer simpler installation, clean wiring, and reliable corrosion resistance.
• Accessories and controls: Helm control switches, replacement actuators, hydraulic power units, and wiring harnesses all play a role in long-term system performance. Bennett's full accessories lineup ensures you can maintain, upgrade, or customize your system over time.

Bennett trim tabs are standard equipment on many of the world's best production boats — a testament to their durability, precision engineering, and the confidence that leading boat builders place in the brand. Whether you're upgrading an older vessel or replacing worn components, Bennett's trim tab systems and accessories deliver the performance and reliability that serious boaters demand.