New boaters often have questions about how trim affects their boats. In this video, we'll show how both fore and aft and lateral changes in trim change the way a twin outboard boat rides. Using trim tabs as opposed to outboard trim has the same result, so don't worry if you own a boat with inboard engines.


As Lenny says, the most important thing for you to do as captain, now that you understand the results of trimming your boat, is to try different trim settings in different sea conditions. Every boat is different, and will react to trim changes differently in varying conditions. Efficiency, speed, and the smoothness of the boat's ride are all at stake - so make sure you get your boat's trim right.

How to trim a powerboat

New boaters often have questions about how trim affects their boats.

Written by: Lenny Rudow
With over two decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to publications including YachtWorld, boats.com, Boating Magazine, Marlin Magazine, Boating World, Saltwater Sportsman, Texas Fish & Game, and many others. Lenny is a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and he has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.