Trim Controls

What Are Marine Trim Controls?

Marine trim controls are one of the most impactful upgrades a boater can make for on-water performance. Trim tabs are adjustable plates mounted to the bottom of a boat's transom 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 — from calm inland lakes to rough offshore seas.

Unlike engine trim, which adjusts the thrust angle of the drive or outboard, trim controls fine-tune the hull's balance both side-to-side (lateral trim) and front-to-back (longitudinal trim). The two systems work together: use your tabs to set the boat's running attitude, then dial in your engine trim for maximum propeller efficiency.

Why Trim Controls Matter

Proper trim is about more than comfort — it directly affects safety, fuel economy, and visibility. An untrimmed boat running bow-high wastes fuel, reduces forward sightlines, and produces a rougher ride for passengers. With the right trim control system, you can:

• Get on plane faster — reducing bow rise during acceleration and lowering engine strain
• Correct listing — independently adjusting port and starboard tabs to compensate for uneven passenger or gear weight
• Improve fuel efficiency — optimizing the hull's running angle reduces drag and engine load
• Reduce pounding in rough water — lowering both tabs slightly keeps the bow down and smooths out chop
• Eliminate porpoising — short bursts of bow-down input calm the rhythmic bouncing that plagues fast hulls

Choosing the Right Trim System

Trim control systems come in three main types. Hydraulic systems use a pump and cylinders for strong, smooth actuation — ideal for larger or heavier vessels. Electric (electromechanical) systems use self-contained actuators that are easier to install since they require no hydraulic hoses or fluid. Automatic or self-leveling tabs react to changing conditions without driver input, making them a great choice for smaller, fast-moving boats. Sizing matters too: choose tab plates proportional to your boat's length and transom width to achieve the right amount of lift without excessive drag.

Top Trim Control Brands

Bennett Marine is the category's dominant force — a brand with roots going back to 1959 when Charles Bennett invented the first adjustable trim tab system. Today, Bennett offers hydraulic, electric BOLT, and self-leveling SLT systems for boats of virtually every size, and their products are trusted by leading boat builders worldwide as standard equipment.

Lectrotab has built a loyal following with premium electromechanical trim tab systems designed for both leisure and commercial marine applications. Their stainless steel tab plates are fabricated with a continuous rolled-and-pinned hinge that eliminates the need for welding, and all Lectrotab actuators are backed by a worldwide lifetime warranty.

Lenco Marine has spent over three decades engineering electric trim tab systems known for durability and ease of installation. Their lineup spans boats from 14 to 42 feet, with electro-polished tab options for added corrosion protection in saltwater environments.

Uflex rounds out the category with a range of marine control products that complement trim tab installations, offering boaters reliable options for helm-side control components and associated steering hardware.