Trim Tab - Uses in Boats

Uses in Boats

Boats with outboard engines will often have trim tabs attached to the lower unit of the engine. These are used to adjust the pitch attitude of the boat while underway. Changes in boat speed or weight placement will usually require the trim tabs to be adjusted to keep the boat at a comfortable and efficient pitch attitude. This reduces the work of the helmsman by reducing the amount of manual control necessary, as well as providing for greater efficiency by keeping the ship in the ideal orientation for the conditions.

Trim tabs are most found on cruisers, sport fishing boats and center console boats ranging from 20 feet and up.

In some sailboats, the trailing edge of the keel has a trim tab which is used to null out rudder forces (lee or weather helm).