Outboard with no power trim question

jaygray65

Recruit
Joined
Apr 17, 2015
Messages
1
I have a question about a mid 80s 80hp mercury outboard motor. The motor is not equipped with power trim. The motor is in the up position for trailering and will be launched tomorrow and kept in a marina all season. Without the power trim (I've only operated a boat equipped with power trim) how do I find and set the motor at the appropriate angle. Is it dangerous to leave it in the down position. I don't believe there is a locking mechanism for the down position but I'm not sure. Just a few things I'm unsure of but want taken care of before its in the water
 

Alumarine

Captain
Joined
Feb 22, 2005
Messages
3,684
It will be trial and error to find the right angle.
You don't want the bow too high or too low when at cruising speed.
You also don't want the prop to cavitate.
There should be a removable Tilt Pin and a a number of holes that you can try.
You should have a normal load when trying it out.

As far as dangerous I'm not sure what you mean. Do you mean trailering?
If so it would depend on your trailer.
My trailer is a bit high so I leave my motor down when going down the road but usually tilt the motor up when launching.

You can buy used power trim/tilts for those motors quite easily.

Oh, and welcome.
 
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