Imagine this: you’re out on your boat on a gloriously sunny day, the water as still as glass. The perfect time for a leisurely cruise. But then you notice a bit of a wobble at lower speeds, a bit of a bounce at higher speeds, and that you’re also guzzling fuel. What a waste!
Take your boating experience to the next level with trim tabs. And not just any trim tabs, but the advanced, automatic systems from the renowned Zipwake brand. We’d love to explain what trim tabs are, what benefits they offer, and why Zipwake’s are particularly interesting.
What are trim tabs and why do you need them?
Trim tabs are also known as trim plates. They are flat plates of metal or plastic that you mount to the underside of the transom (the back of your boat). They improve the trim, which is the angle of the boat relative to the water’s surface.
Thanks to trim tabs, your boat will be more stable, easier to control, ride more smoothly, and consume less fuel. The tabs keep the boat balanced, whether you’re sailing alone, with passengers, or with heavy gear on one side of the boat. They are particularly effective on fast-planing boats like RIBs, centre console boats, or sporty tenders.
Lower fuel consumption
A boat that’s listing or has its bow too high, glides less efficiently through the water. This means more fuel consumption. Properly adjusted trim tabs resolve this problem. Especially at higher speeds or on longer trips with a planing boat, you’ll really see the difference in fuel consumption, particularly with current fuel prices.
More control and stability
A boat quickly loses balance. Trim tabs correct leaning caused by wind, waves, or uneven weight distribution. This makes steering easier and the boat more stable, noticeably improving safety and comfort.
Get on plane quicker
Do you like fast boating? Then it’s ideal to get on plane quicker. The hull comes out of the water, and then the speed suddenly increases significantly. Trim tabs help to get the boat on plane faster. You get up to speed sooner, manoeuvre more easily, and glide smoothly over the water, even with extra passengers on board. Zipwake automatically corrects both pitch (bow up/down) and roll (side-to-side tilt), which provides noticeably more comfort, especially in choppy water.
Smoother ride
Steering boats without trim tabs can sometimes be a choppier, more lurching, and bumpier affair. Especially at lower speeds and in rougher waters, you don’t always feel in complete control. Trim tabs provide smooth lines. This makes long trips a lot more pleasant.
Even load on the engine and parts.
Trim tabs provide the ideal angle between the engine, the boat’s transom, and the water’s surface. Because everything runs smoother, the outboard engine, cylinders, and hull are also less stressed. Everything works well together and lasts longer.
Zipwake versus traditional trim tabs
Anyone who’s sailed with trim tabs before will know you have to adjust them manually. This requires experience: you need to sense when the bow needs to go up or down and what the right angle is for optimal balance. It’s not always straightforward, especially in changing conditions or with heavier loads.
Zipwake takes a different approach. This system uses sensors to measure the boat’s trim in real-time, and automatically adjusts the tabs for you, no input required. This makes the system ideal for both novice and experienced boaters alike.
Electric trim tabsn
The complete Zipwake system uses sensors to constantly monitor the boat’s trim. It automatically adjusts the position of the patented smart tabs to achieve the ideal ride. This means you won’t have to faff about with buttons, nor will you need years of experience to know how to set the smart tabs.
Zipwake makes trimming a doddle, especially if your boat is well-balanced weight-wise. It’s a lifesaver, particularly in changing conditions, such as when moving from a canal to a lake. The system adjusts in a jiffy, keeping the boat perfectly level without you lifting a finger.
Easy assembly
Zipwake’s smart tabs also guarantee easy installation. The Zipwake interceptors mount compactly to the underside of the transom, and they work with vertical slats instead of horizontal plates. The construction is compact, and the wiring is easy to conceal. This means the system is soon up and running.
For handy boat owners, installation is quite doable. Those who prefer to have it installed can also outsource it, but the fitting is fundamentally simpler than with some traditional hydraulic systems.
Sleek control panel
Fancy a manual override after all? That’s also an option. This way, you still have complete control over the system yourself, should you prefer not to rely on the automatic function. With a clear control panel featuring straightforward buttons, you can set everything according to your preferences.
The control panel provides you with key figures and also shows the current status of the patented smart tabs. It’s always good fun to have a play around with the settings yourself. Therefore, a control panel isn’t strictly essential, but opting for the full package might be a nice touch.
Less drag, more speed
Because Zipwake operates faster than traditional tabs, there’s hardly a moment when your boat isn’t perfectly balanced on the water. This means less drag and more efficiency. The electric trim tabs make every boat trip sportier and safer.
Patented smart tabs
Zipwake’s technology is patented. It’s also resistant to saltwater, high pressure, and frequent use. Typically, Zipwake’s systems last significantly longer than the competition’s, especially if you opt for Zipwake’s complete product set.
Zipwake PRO Series
In 2026 Zipwake launched the PRO series, the faster successor to the well-known Zipwake system. The PRO interceptors switch five times faster than the standard version and move from 0 to 30 or 60 mm in 0.3 seconds. This higher response speed means the system corrects your boat’s trim almost continuously, even when conditions change rapidly.
In practice, you’ll notice this most at those moments when ordinary trim tabs are just too slow. A heavily loaded boat gets onto the plane faster and more easily. A boat ploughing through the water will have its bow actively pushed down. And in crosswinds or choppy seas, the PRO series stabilises the hull before the wobbling really sets in.
What makes the PRO series different
The standard Zipwake already responds faster than classic trim tabs, but the PRO series goes a step further. The interceptors simultaneously correct pitch (the bow moving up and down) and roll (leaning to the side), and do so in milliseconds. The faster the system corrects, the less time your boat is out of balance, and the less drag and fuel that costs.
S PRO or E PRO: which is right for your boat
The PRO series comes in two versions, linked to the length and weight of your boat:
- Zipwake S PRO for boats up to 15 metres (50 feet). The S PRO has a 30 mm blade stroke and a compact design, ideal when space on the transom is limited.
- Zipwake E PRO for boats up to 30 metres (100 feet). The E PRO has a 60 mm blade stroke and delivers extra lift, useful for larger boats or for smaller but heavier hulls.
Still unsure which size is right for your hull and weight? At the bottom of the product page you’ll find a calculation chart to help you.
Already have a Zipwake system? Then you can upgrade
Already have a Zipwake system onboard, then you don’t need to replace everything. For both the S series and E series, there are upgrade kits with which you can convert your existing system to the PRO interceptors. This way, you benefit from faster correction without purchasing a completely new system.
Browse the full range on the Zipwake PRO page.
When to switch to Zipwake?
If you’re looking to have a smoother ride, use less fuel, and love optimising your boat, then Zipwake’s trim tabs are highly recommended. They make a world of difference to all sailing characteristics, especially on more powerful boats or vessels with a heavier hull.
Do you already have experience with trim tabs, but not yet with Zipwake’s? Then a whole new world will open up for you with this automatic system. You no longer must constantly make adjustments yourself and can keep your attention on other things. This brings peace and quiet on board.
Trim tabs: feel free to get in touch with us
Fancy a smoother ride, saving fuel, and getting more enjoyment out of every boat trip? You can easily and quickly order Zipwake’s patented smart tabs from AB Marine Service. Still have questions? Don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re happy to help you make the right choice.
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