Trim Controls

What Are Marine Trim Controls?

Trim controls are one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to a powerboat's handling and efficiency. Trim tabs are adjustable plates mounted on the transom of a boat that change the hull's running angle in the water. By creating lift at the stern, trim tabs help boats plane faster, stay level, and operate more efficiently across a wide range of conditions.

When you press the helm-mounted controls, a hydraulic or electric actuator moves the trim tab plates, creating lift at the stern, lowering the bow, and improving efficiency during acceleration and cruising. Each tab operates independently, allowing you to fine-tune balance both side-to-side (lateral trim) and front-to-back (longitudinal trim).

Why Trim Controls Matter

Without properly adjusted trim, a boat can suffer from excessive bow rise, listing to one side, porpoising at speed, or sluggish planing — all of which rob performance and comfort. Properly sized trim tabs can significantly reduce the time needed to get up on plane and allow a boat to stay on plane at lower speeds. For rough water running, adjusting trim tabs down slightly reduces hull pounding and keeps the ride smoother for everyone on board.

Trim controls also work hand-in-hand with your engine's power trim — use your trim tabs to dial in the boat's running attitude, and power trim to optimize propeller angle. These systems complement each other for maximum efficiency.

Hydraulic vs. Electric Trim Tab Systems

The two most common types of trim control systems are hydraulic and electric. Electric trim tabs use motorized actuators that respond instantly to helm controls, offer precise positioning, and generally require no hydraulic lines inside the boat — making them popular for boats under 30–36 feet. Hydraulic systems use a pump and hydraulic cylinders, offering excellent strength and durability, making them well-suited for larger vessels or those that frequently navigate heavy seas.

Top Trim Control Brands

Lectrotab is renowned for its premium electromechanical trim tab systems built for both leisure and commercial marine markets. With a worldwide lifetime warranty on all actuators and a patented design that eliminates exposed metal parts to resist corrosion, Lectrotab is a top choice for boaters who demand durability and long-term reliability.

Bennett Marine is one of the most trusted names in trim tabs, with more than five decades of experience serving boatbuilders and boat owners worldwide. Bennett offers a complete lineup including spring-loaded, electric, and hydraulic systems — with options ranging from small jon boats to high-performance vessels and mega-yachts.

Lenco Marine has led the way in trim tab design for three decades, offering robust actuators and electro-polished trim tab plates built to withstand the harshest marine environments. Lenco's systems are available in standard and heavy-duty configurations for boats ranging from 14 to 42 feet.

Uflex brings decades of marine engineering experience to the trim controls category, offering quality components known for smooth, reliable helm-side operation and compatibility with a broad range of vessel types.

Choosing the Right Trim Control System

• Boat size: Smaller boats typically benefit from electric systems; larger or heavier vessels often call for hydraulic power.
• Tab sizing: A general rule is at least 1 inch of tab width per foot of boat length — properly sized tabs maximize lift with minimal drag.
• Control type: Options range from basic rocker switches to advanced LED indicator panels and fully automatic leveling systems that adjust tabs in real time.
• Material: Stainless steel tabs offer maximum corrosion resistance; marine-grade aluminum alloy tabs are a strong, economical alternative, especially for aluminum-hulled boats.