Re: Looking for some help with trim level indicator
You need an indicator on an 18 foot boat to do this?
Where do I get one-seems a lot easier than the following
How to Trim an Outboard Boat Motor
1. Step 1
Boat Trim Problems and Causes
Determine how the vessel is riding in the water after all passengers and "stuff" is aboard by using a torpedo level placed along the center line of the boat on one of the seats of the boat, or on the deck. If the bubble moves toward the bow, the stern is higher than the bow (trimmed by the bow); if the bubble moves toward the stern, the bow is higher than the stern. Outboard motors are designed to push the hull of a boat through the water in a position as close to level as possible. Maintaining this near-level condition will provide optimum performance and stability.
2. Step 2
Trim Angle Adjusting Rod
Locate the trim angle adjusting rod on the bottom of the clamp which secures the motor to the transom of the boat on smaller outboard motors.
3. Step 3
Too Little Angle Buries the Bow
Move the adjusting rod forward into a hole closer to the bow, increasing the angle between the mounting bracket and the transom. This will cause the thrust from the propeller to raise the bow slightly when making way through the water and help prevent sluggish handling or an unsafe condition: in extreme cases, the bow of the boat will try to bury itself in the water.
4. Step 4
Too Great an Angle Swamps the Stern
Move the adjusting rod aft into a hole farther from the bow to lower the bow and raise the stern slightly by decreasing the angle between the mounting bracket and the transom. This will prevent the stern of the boat from trying to dive underwater when power is applied, a condition called "squatting."
5. Step 5
Trim larger outboard motors by using the trim switch which is remotely operated and usually located on the boat's instrument and control panel.
