The faster you go, the more important it is that you have both hands on the steering wheel as much of the time as possible. That’s where steering-wheel-mounted or column-mounted trim switches come in. While they are more popular with outboard-powered boats, they can also be used with sterndrives.
SeaStar Solutions Pro-Trim
The Level: Pro-Trim is popular among bass boaters and drivers of other outboard-powered performance boats. You can get it as a single lever or twins with one on each side of the column. It can control motors, trim tabs and jack plates. There are no cords to tangle when the wheel is turned, and installation is straightforward.
The Dive: It can only be used with SeaStar Solutions steering systems.
Price: $70.87; seastarsolutions.com
Uflex USA Paddle Trim System
The Level: Resembling the paddle shifters in a Formula One car, Uflex USA’s Paddle Trim system can be used to control outboards, drives, trim tabs, jack plates and even Power-Pole shallow-water anchors. It’s available with single or twin paddles and is suitable for use with any kind of steering wheel up to a maximum diameter of 15.7 inches.
The Dive: It’s not inexpensive.
Price: $170.95 for a single-paddle system; ultraflexgroup.com
TH Marine Steering Trim Control Unit
The Level: The most recognizable steering-wheel-mounted trim system is the dual-push-button-style model from TH Marine. Each one has up and down buttons labeled in white. The unit mounts to the steering-wheel spokes and can be used with a jack plate as well. The unit is protected in weatherproof rubber-booted switches and has a urethane cord.
The Dive: The cord can potentially wrap around the steering column.
Price: $99.99; thmarine.com
