T-H Marine ATLAS FingerFlex Blinker Trim Control Single

The T-H Marine ATLAS FingerFlex Blinker Trim Control solves a specific ergonomic problem: stock outboard engine trim switches are typically mounted on the throttle handle (for engines with throttle-mounted trim) or on a separate dash panel button (for older or simpler engines), and both locations require the operator to take a hand off the steering wheel to operate the trim. On a fast-running boat in choppy water, taking a hand off the wheel even briefly is meaningful - it's a moment of reduced control when the operator is making a fine-tuning trim adjustment that doesn't require as much attention as the steering does. The FingerFlex puts the trim switch on the steering wheel bezel itself, so the operator's thumb (or index finger, depending on hand position) operates trim without the steering hand ever leaving the wheel.

Why blinker-style switches work better than push-buttons for trim control. "Blinker-style" refers to the same switch design used on car turn signal stalks - a flip-up/flip-down rocker that engages while pressed and disengages when released. Compared to push-button trim switches (where you have to press repeatedly to adjust trim), the blinker design lets you hold the switch in one direction for as long as the trim needs to move, then release. The motion is faster and more intuitive for fine-tuning trim continuously while running. Real-world result: trim adjustments are smoother and the boat planes more consistently because the operator can make fine corrections without disengaging from steering attention.

The Positive Clicking technology and why it matters. Cheap trim switches (and many OEM dash-mounted trim buttons) have soft tactile feedback - you press them and you're not sure they engaged until you see the boat's trim respond. By the time you see the response, you've often pressed the switch too long. The FingerFlex's Positive Clicking design provides distinct mechanical clicks at each switch position - you feel the engagement in your finger before you visually verify it. This matters for two reasons: (1) Reaction time improves because the operator's hand confirms operation immediately. (2) Operator confidence improves because there's no ambiguity about whether the switch engaged - you click it and you know it's working.

Hydraulic helm compatibility. Hydraulic steering systems (used on most center consoles, sportfish boats, and larger recreational boats) have a hydraulic cylinder at the helm that connects to the steering wheel via short connecting hardware. The FingerFlex's wrap-around bracket design accommodates the wheel bezel geometry of typical hydraulic helms - install around the bezel without disturbing the hydraulic connections. Cable steering systems and tilt steering systems are also compatible - the wrap-around bracket fits the bezel geometry on most common helm configurations.

Mount on right or left side of bezel. The single FingerFlex unit mounts on either the right side or the left side of the steering wheel bezel - install on whichever side fits your hand position best. Right-handed operators who keep their right hand at 3-o'clock on the wheel typically install on the right side. Left-handed operators or operators with non-standard hand positions install on the left side. For owners who want trim control under both hands (especially useful for trolling or for boats with passenger-side helm work), buy a second FingerFlex unit and mount on both sides for dual control.

Engine trim AND jack plate control. Many serious fishing boats (bass boats specifically, but also some center consoles) run a hydraulic jack plate in addition to the engine's tilt/trim system. The jack plate adjusts vertical engine height independent of the engine's trim angle - useful for optimizing prop depth for different running conditions. The FingerFlex can be wired to control the engine's trim circuit, the jack plate circuit, or with appropriate switching, alternate between the two. For a boat with both systems, install two FingerFlex units (one per side of the wheel) and wire one for trim, one for jack plate - both controls under your hands at the wheel.

Wrap-around bracket install with no wheel removal. The biggest install hassle on competing aftermarket trim switches is requiring removal of the steering wheel for installation - which means disconnecting the steering wheel from the helm, mounting the switch, then reconnecting and re-aligning the wheel. The FingerFlex avoids that entirely: the bracket is a wrap-around design that fits around the bezel below the wheel without disturbing the wheel itself. Install steps: wrap the bracket around the bezel, secure with two nuts and bolts, route the attached wire through the dash to the trim system wiring harness, connect, done. Total install time: 30 to 60 minutes for a competent DIY installer.

The wire routing detail. The FingerFlex ships with attached wire that routes from the switch through the dash interior to the engine trim wiring harness. The wire is appropriately gauged for the trim circuit current draw and is sealed at the switch entry point against water intrusion. For the harness connection, splice into the engine's existing trim wiring with marine-grade butt connectors and heat shrink. Most installs share trim circuit wiring with the existing dash-mounted trim button - so the dash button continues to work AND the FingerFlex works, giving the operator both control options.

Compatible with cable and tilt steering too. While the FingerFlex is primarily marketed for hydraulic helms (where the install advantage is greatest), it also works on cable steering systems (the older mechanical steering used on smaller outboard boats) and tilt steering systems (where the steering column tilts for operator preference). The wrap-around bracket fits the common bezel geometries on these systems too. Verify your specific helm's bezel design before purchase if you're unsure.

Versions for mechanical steering. For boats with non-standard mechanical steering systems where the standard wrap-around bracket doesn't fit, T-H Marine offers alternative FingerFlex variants designed for specific steering systems. If your boat has unusual helm geometry, check T-H Marine's product line for the appropriate FingerFlex variant before defaulting to this universal version.

Built by T-H Marine, the dominant US aftermarket boat accessory manufacturer. T-H Marine has been making aftermarket boat accessories for decades and their products are essentially industry standards in many categories (Aerator Hi-Flow, hatch hardware, transom savers, etc.). Field reliability on T-H Marine products is well-regarded across the recreational boating community. The FingerFlex specifically has been refined over multiple product generations - the current ATLAS-line version with Positive Clicking technology represents the latest engineering update.