Bennett Trim Tabs & Accessories

What Are Trim Tabs and Why Do They Matter?

Trim tabs are among the most impactful upgrades a boater can make. Mounted to the transom, these adjustable plates control the running angle — or attitude — of your hull as it moves through the water. By managing how the bow and stern relate to the surface, trim tabs reduce bow rise, minimize porpoising, correct listing caused by uneven loads, improve visibility over the bow, and help your boat get on plane faster and stay there at lower speeds. The result is a smoother, drier, safer ride and, in many cases, meaningful gains in fuel economy.

Whether you run a compact skiff on calm inland water or push a large offshore sportfisher through heavy seas, the right trim tab system transforms the way your boat handles. Systems range from simple self-leveling tabs that require no wiring or operator input, to sophisticated electric and hydraulic systems with integrated automatic leveling, NMEA 2000 connectivity, and joystick controls.

Key Considerations When Shopping for Trim Tabs

• Tab size: Span (width) is the most critical dimension — a general rule is at least one inch of span per foot of boat length, though hull weight and transom layout also matter.
• Actuation type: Hydraulic systems are powerful and time-tested, especially on larger or heavier boats. Electric systems offer instant response, sealed maintenance-free actuators, and no hydraulic fluid to manage.
• Automatic vs. manual: Manual systems give the operator full control from the helm. Automatic systems use gas actuators or electronic sensors to self-adjust on the fly, ideal for boaters who prefer a hands-off approach.
• Accessories: Helm control switches, auto-retractors, wire harnesses, replacement actuators, and hydraulic power units are all important parts of a complete trim tab ecosystem.

Top Trim Tab Brands

Bennett Marine is the category's defining name. Charles Bennett invented the first adjustable trim tab, and the company has spent over half a century refining both hydraulic and electric systems for vessels of every size. Bennett is notably the only manufacturer that offers both hydraulic and electric trim tab systems, and their product lineup spans the BOLT electric system, classic and premier hydraulic systems, self-leveling tabs for smaller boats, and a full range of control switches and accessories. Boat builders around the world specify Bennett as original equipment, and owners regularly report that Bennett tabs outlast every other system on the boat.

Nauticus pioneered the automatic self-adjusting trim tab with their patented Smart Tabs system. Using nitrogen gas actuators that react to water pressure, boat speed, and payload — with no electric or hydraulic hardware required — Nauticus Smart Tabs are renowned for their simplicity, maintenance-free operation, and ease of installation. They are an especially popular choice for smaller and mid-sized powerboats where hands-free performance is a priority.

Lenco Marine has been developing marine electrical technology since 1986 and is well known for championing the all-electric trim tab design. Their ball screw electric actuators are fully submersible and maintenance-free, with an instant response and a self-locking mechanism that prevents drift — even when backing down. Lenco's lineup covers boats from compact skiffs to large offshore vessels, and their Pro Control Auto system delivers industry-leading automatic leveling at the helm.

Lectrotab offers electromechanical trim tab systems engineered for both the leisure and commercial marine markets. Their Smart Tabs II series brings automatic gas-actuator technology to larger vessels, while their electric systems are recognized for precise, repeatable adjustments in a wide range of sea conditions.

Quicksilver rounds out the category with trim tab accessories and components that pair well with Mercury Marine power systems, making them a natural fit for boaters already running Quicksilver or Mercury equipment.