Many a beginner boatie has asked the question – what on earth are Trim Tabs, what do they do, and why do I need them?

Trim tabs are the Stainless Steel plates next to the Hull bottom, at the base of the Transom. Activated by a hydraulic power unit, the tabs can move up and down when activated by the boater, controlling the Trim angle of the Boat when at speed – a bit like the wings on an aeroplane. The Trim Tabs provide lift in order to compensate for changes in speed, weight distribution, and water conditions – allowing you to adjust the ride of your Boat, ensuring a much smoother ride.

When the tabs are turned downwards, the water force on the tab creates upward pressure, raising the Stern and reducing Hull resistance. The surface area of the tab, the angle it's turned to, and the speed of the Boat all work together to provide greater lift.

A key tip to get the best out of your Trim Tabs is to use them in short, half-second bursts and see how your Boat reacts before making further adjustments.

In this Way, Trim Tabs improve your boat's fuel efficiency, increase speed, accelerate shallow water Planing, and eliminate porpoising.

When might you typically need Trim tabs?

During take-off, a boat's Hull pushes water forward before Planing out. The Bow rides high, causing the Stern to Drag in the water. This means your boat's engine has to work harder than it needs to to move forward. Trim Tabs allow the Boat to plane faster and at much lower speeds to help improve fuel economy. As the Boat achieves plane, the tabs can be raised until the Boat is level.

Your Boat may also become rocky for several other reasons:

• Uneven load distribution: Passengers or equipment might move to one side of the Boat, causing the Boat to lean to one side. This can cause your Boat to 'porpoise' and bounce in the water, making for a rough ride.

• Head sea: We all know conditions can and will get rough, but when they do, Trim Tabs will make handling your Boat a LOT easier. Typically in a >Head sea, the Boat speed must be reduced, causing to Bow to rise.

• Beam sea or wind: To reduce or eliminate the spray caused by waves or wind hitting the Boat, the windward side Trim tab can be deployed to raise the windward side of the Boat. Retracting the >Leeward tab side may also help.

In these scenarios, having Trim Tabs and deploying them a few degrees on the same side that the Boat is leaning will help to steady and level out your Boat.

We have a great Range of Trim Tabs available here at CH Smith Marine - check them out in our 'related products' pane to the right.

For more info on Trim Tabs, read our guide to selecting a Trim Tab.