Guide to Trim Tabs and Hydrofoils

Trim Tabs and Hydrofoils

Getting your boat on plane is one task that every boater struggles with. Many boaters feel like they can only putt around the lake or go full throttle. Every boat no matter the size can benefit from a system that helps them get on plane faster. These systems can help you get better hole shot, improve the boats overall performance, and add safety to your boating experience. There are several products to help relieve this situation. These product ranges from whale tales & hydrofoils to more complex trim tab systems.

Hydrofoils and Whaletales - The most basic systems includes hydrofoils and whale tales. According to Stingray, Hydrofoils are designed to create a higher water pressure on the underside of the hydrofoil surface, which creates lift to bring the stern up and force the bow down. These products can reduce porpoising, cavitating and can increase top speed and fuel savings in most applications.

Products Include: Whaletales, Stingray Hydrofoil Stabilizer, Stingray Junior Hydrofoil Stabilizer, Stingray XRIII 500 Hydrofoil Stabilizer

Trim Tabs- Trim tabs usually consist of two adjustable plates that are mounted at the transom of the boat. These plates are usually made of Stainless Steel but they can also be made of plastic. These plates are either automatic or controlled by a hydraulic or electric power unit that the captain has control over. The trim tabs work essentially by creating lift to compensate for bow rise. With the use of trim tabs the boater can compensate for weight distribution, speed, and water conditions to get the boat on plane faster than ever before.

There are three forms of trim tabs:

Smart Tabs- The first is the smart tab system from Nauticus. This system is fully automatic with no control needed from you. They start at a (deployed) downward angle to maximize lift at slow speeds which minimizes bow rise, and allows the boat to plane quickly. Once the water pressure exceeds the actuator load the plates retract upward to a horizontal position eliminating any drag.

Bennett Trim Tabs- The second type of trim tab system is Bennett's Hydraulic Trim Tabs. Bennett Trim Tabs us a hydraulic actuator to recreate your ideal running attitude, even on a rough day. These tabs are fully controlled by the captain. There are two plates mounted on the transom of the boat. One plate will be mounted on the stern side and one plate will be mounted on the port side. Each plate can be accessed individually. This means that the captain can level each side of the boat individually depending on weight distribution. When it isn't necessary, the captain can choose to not use the tabs at all. These Tabs create less drag and engine aboring, which translate into increased performance, greater speed, and reduced fuel consumption. They also reduced pounding, which means greater comfort. Bennett trim tabs can also give you greater visibility, which increases safety.

Lenco Trim Tabs- Lenco's electric trim tabs are the third form of trim tabs we offer. Lenco Trim Tabs use an electric actuator to level the boat to an optimal riding level. The captain has full control over these tabs at his/her fingertips. There are two total tabs that the boater will mount to the transom of the boat. One tab will be mounted on the stern side and one tab will be mounted on the port side. Each tab has independent controls and can be activated to level the boat depending where passengers are sitting. With these tabs, the captain has complete control to level the boat at any degree or not at all. Lenco trim tabs make your boat ride smoother, drier, faster and with increased safety on all types of boats. Lenco tabs also boast that they like being oil-free and environmentally conscious.