adjusting trim position to improve performance while driving

[captainmont]

I have a 1998 40hp mercury outboard deep-v 17ft tracker. How should I adjust it while breaking plane for maximum efficiency and after breaking plane do I raise motor a little/how much? :facepalm::facepalm: I never knew I was supposed to touch trim while driving I always kept it all the way down unless in the shallows

 

[QC]

Re: adjusting trim position to improve performance while driving

Generally you should trim down (in) to get on plane, and then trim up (out) until you reach the maximum speed for that particular throttle setting once on plane . . .

There are different trim settings for different water conditions and different loads and different speeds. You have to play with it, but the idea is to get good leverage for planing by keeping the bow from going too high and almost the opposite once you're going. You want the bow up for maximum speed. If she porpoises, or RPM begins to rise with no increase in speed then you have trimmed too high.

 

[JB]

Re: adjusting trim position to improve performance while driving

Please check out rule #13, Capt. Posting the same post in different places is very bad manners.

 

[bassman284]

Re: adjusting trim position to improve performance while driving

Didn't see the other post, so I'll respond here. Guy who taught me said trim out until you quit getting spray off the antivent plate. After that if you want, trim out a little more for more speed untl it cavitates or the high temp alarm comes on.

 

[captainmont]

Re: adjusting trim position to improve performance while driving

Please check out rule #13, Capt. Posting the same post in different places is very bad manners.

Im very sorry did not think first one went through wont happen again sir

 

[jigngrub]

Re: adjusting trim position to improve performance while driving

I have a 17' Tracker Deep V with a 50 hp. What I do is:

Trim all the way down on take off and WOT, when boat is on plane and top speed start bumping the UP button. You'll see the bow wake start to recede to the rear of the boat as the boat is lifted out of the water and then the RPM's will pick up. I usually quit as soon as the RPM's pick up.

As posted above, if the boat starts Porpoising or starts getting "squirrely" trim back down.

Also, trim back down when you get close to your destination and before you cut the throttle... this way you won't try to take off with the motor trimmed up and "pop a wheelie".