Trim tabs?

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by spoggy

What do I really gain though? I mean over engine trim? Is it yaw, pitch or roll?

You're out with a few friends.. One of them is 350lbs and sits on the same side as you... the other is 145 soaking wet.. and sits on the port side. Your boat has a list to the Starboard side. You can push a button at speed and make the list go away.
You're in some heavy seas, and your bow is porpoising thru waves coming at you from your starboard fore-quarter. You push a button and force your bow a little deeper into the waves, add a little port-side trim and now your ride is smooth and stable as you cut through the waves instead of going up and over them..

They simply give you better control over your boat's port and starboard and fore and aft trim. Much more than your engine trim does.

No, they are not a necessity. Yes, they are well worth the cost.