To read more about trim tabs and what boaters think, check these links and search under trim tabs.

The Hull Truth: The world's largest online boating and fishing forum.
Boater Ed: An extremely popular moderated site with a broad range of forums.
Allcoast Sport Fishing: Based in California, the "Boaters Technical Information" forum at this site is outstanding.
Bayliner Owners Club: Just what it says. One of the most informative owner's sites we have come across.
Fish the Classic:Got a Shamrock boat? This is the place for you. Dedicated "Shammie" owners discuss all aspects of owning a classic!
Florida Sportsman:The Boating Forum at Florida Sportsman is a particularly good place to hear opinions on boats and gear.

Product Review: Trim Tab Systems
Electric vs. Hydraulic

By Tom McGow, Director of OEM Sales

Click here to see how trim tabs can improve the performance of any boat

Overview

What Trim Tabs Do
Trim Tabs usually consist of two independently adjustable stainless steel trim planes mounted on the transom of the boat. They provide lift in order to compensate for changes in speed, weight distribution, and water conditions. When deflected downward, the water force on the trim tab creates upward pressure, raising the stern and reducing hull resistance. The surface area of the tab, the angle of deflection and the speed of the boat all contribute to greater lift.

Hydraulic vs. Electromechanical
There are two major types of Trim Tab systems on the market, hydraulic and electromechanical. Bennett Marine manufactures the leading hydraulic system and Lenco Marine is currently the most recognized electromechanical system. Both types of systems accomplish the same basic purpose in much the same way. (There are other systems; hydrofoils, manually adjusted trim planes, or gas-assist tabs, but these are mainly for the budget conscious boater.)

Durability

This is the primary difference between Hydraulic and Electric systems. Electric trim tabs install faster because the electric motor is inside the actuator. If the o-rings fail, water will flood the actuator. With hydraulic systems, the motor is inside the boat, yielding a longer lasting system. Hydraulic systems commonly last 15 years or more.

Bennett Warranty: Five (5) years and transferable. No proof of purchase required. Bennett policy is to send the replacement part first without requiring a credit card.

Lenco Warranty: Three (3) years and proof of purchase is required, and is not transferable. Credit card number is required before the parts are shipped. The warranty does not cover damage resulting from growth on the actuator when the tabs are left in the down position.

Separating Important Facts from Marketing Hype

Speed of Trim Tabs: HYPE: Electric trim tabs move a bit faster, but all tabs on the market move from full up to full down within a few seconds of each other. With that said, if the tabs move too fast, it becomes difficult to make precise adjustments, especially at high speeds.

Strength (Lifting Power): HYPE: While hydraulic systems, by nature, are very powerful, in reality, all trim tabs on the market are strong enough to trim the boat.

Precision: HYPE: There is no difference in the precision of trimming between brands. All start and stop instantaneously. None "drift" nor do they lock up unless there is some sort of mechanical failure.

Electric Installs Faster: FACT: With all systems, the trim planes, actuators (rams), wiring, and control switch have to be installed. With hydraulic trim tabs, a pump must be installed inside the boat. It is a self-bleeding system, and takes about 30 minutes longer to install.

Hydraulic Requires More Maintenance: HYPE: Neither electric nor hydraulic require a maintenance routine.

Electric Trim Tabs "Sealed For Life": HYPE: Don't confuse "Sealed For Life" with a lifetime warranty. The warranty is three years.