Want to add a trim gauge to a 2001 Bayliner Capri 1950 with Alpha One Outdrive

[rmcel123]

I just purchased a 2001 Bayliner Capri 1950 Classic and I would like to add a trim gauge if it is easily done. I am an electronics tech so the actual adding the gauge isn't the problem, it's where are the wires, etc. I have read in a few places on the net that Bayliners come prewired for trim gauges and that all I need to do is add the gauge and wire it up. Is this true?

I have an Alpha One outdrive paired to a Merc 3.0. I just corrected some minor electrical issues yesterday (fuses in wrong place) so I was under the dash and am familiar with what is under there.

Is there a pair of wires waiting for me under there? Colours? Would the Alpha One have the switch built in or would I need to add it?

Thanks in advance

Dave
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[Brentathon]

Service manual would probably be very useful.
FYI: Many people think the trim gauges are completely useless....I believe they are VERY innacurate, as the gauge doesn't precisely track outdrive posititon, and therefore most people simply rely on engine feel/sound to trim.

[lcmains1]

Many people think the trim gauges are completely useless....I believe they are VERY innacurate

True story, If there were not on mine already I would not install them. Waste of time in my opinion. I have the gauge and I still walk to the back and double check to be sure the drive is up before pullin out of the water.

[Don S]

If you want to install a trim gauge, there should be a brown/white wire under the dash that is for the gauge. The gauge sender is already installed on the outdrive, but may need adjusted.
You will probably have to make a purple and black wire for the gauge. Here is a wiring diagram to show how they are wired.

[rmcel123]

Thanks for the manual pic and info. Looks easy enough to do. I have used boats over the years but don't have enough time to truly trim up a boat perfectly. Having a gauge will give me a reference to start with and build from there. Won't hurt and for $25 it is worth it in my opinion.

Dave

[Brentathon]

Not sure what you mean by: "...don't have enough time to truly trim up a boat...".
Do you set your trim and just leave it there always?
I believe many people use there trim (multiple times) each time they use their boat; like I do. I always have it trimmed DOWN to get on plane, and then once on plane I trim UP so prop is parallel to incoming water flow (you feel and hear load on engine drop at that point).
And then there's always the cases of clearance to the bottom.....

[Grand Larsony]

Um, it's up to you of course... but why not just bottom out the drive before getting on plane and then trim up for 1, 2, or 3 seconds until it feels right. You can hear the trim pump change tone when it bottoms out, and you can easily feel when the boat is at optimal trim (which will differ due to fuel, # people, wind & sea conditions, etc.).

That's what just about everybody else does.

[rmcel123]

Thanks for the opinions. What I meant by my comment about not enough time was meant as I didn't really have lots of time in driving a boat in the past. A few hours a year fishing with the father in laws boat so never fully understood how to trim properly. I understand how to trim a boat, etc but it will take me practice to feel the boat out and get it right. Any tips on watching tach, etc. Will the tach go up when trimmed properly or should it go down?

Dave

[Brentathon]

Um, it's up to you of course... but why not just bottom out the drive before getting on plane and then trim up for 1, 2, or 3 seconds until it feels right....

That's what I attempted to explain.

On my 23' mid cabin, there is absolutely NO noticeable change in RPM when I go from trimmed all the way DOWN to trimmed UP properly......there is only a noticeable sound and engine vibration change (less "moaning"). And, I don't think there's much of a speed difference either.....maybe 1 mph....but that's hard to notice.

[rowlex]

hey guys. i am using this diagram to hook up my trim gauge. it is already installed but it does not seem to be working.

I have tried many different wire combinations including what the diagram shows.

here it is:


the black wire that goes to the spot under the bulb actually connects to a blue/purple wire. the other wire goes to a black wire which i think is ground... any suggestions?