How to set the proper trim

[Phil Miller]

I have to manually set the trim on my boat using an adjustable pin beneath the motor. How do you determine the proper trim angle for your boat/motor? Is there any science to this? <br />Lenny

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: How to set the proper trim

You don't say what engine your working with here, but generally from true vertical, to a slight amount of tilt back. It's easy to experiment here. Just set it where it performs the best. Boat, motor, prop, and load are all a factor here.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: How to set the proper trim

Lenny.... Ditto on R.Johnson's reply. In addition, the usual angle can be found by looking at the rig on a trailer from a side view.<br /><br />The cavitation plate (just above the prop) should usually be on a parallel with the bottom of the boat..... a good starting point anyway.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: How to set the proper trim

When you think about it, you want the prop to push you forward, not waste its energy pushing you either up or down. So any up or down angle is inefficient. Theory says adjust so that the prop's at right angles to the water surface, regardless of transom angle. <br /><br />Easier said than done - and of course this is a variable, depending on the load, the speed, the hull shape and the angle of the boat in the water.<br /><br />The one certainty is that this is a variable!<br /><br />But so is life, ennit?<br /><br />Ciao

 

[Phil Miller]

Re: How to set the proper trim

Thanks guys,<br />Lenny