proper use of tilt/trim

[Spotszilla]

I have 1990 Four Winns 220 Horizon (new to me) With a 5.7 Cobra. I've had other boats but never one with the trim feature. I'm not sure of the proper use. I pretty much put the outdrive all the way down and leave it that way unless I get in shallow water. It planes just fine. what is the proper way to set your trim. Thanks

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: proper use of tilt/trim

I have 1990 Four Winns 220 Horizon (new to me) With a 5.7 Cobra. I've had other boats but never one with the trim feature. I'm not sure of the proper use. I pretty much put the outdrive all the way down and leave it that way unless I get in shallow water. It planes just fine. what is the proper way to set your trim. Thanks

Howdy,

generally, you will want to start out with the drive nearly all the way DWN/IN. Then as you get it on the step (plane), "bump" the UP/OUT switch on your throttle (if the switch is located there) in short bursts, (without changing your throttle setting) to determine the most efficient drive-trim position.

Depending on your fuel load, pax load, and or equipment (total weight) The "sweet-spot" will be different for every speed.

DO NOT just leave the drive "all the way IN"

Also, run it back all the way back DWN/IN prior to starting out again.


If it's all the way DWN/IN at high speed, you are increasing drag and using a LOT more fuel. If it's too high (OUT/UP) the boat will "porpoise" and you possibly cause cavitation .


Just experiment with different positions at different speeds and loads. Even when people move from the back to the front, you'll need to adjust your drive position a little!

DON'T rely on the gage. Do it ALL by "feel" and sound......The gage is really only good indicating the trailering position or the DWN/IN position...... you cannot really use it it running (besides you should be looking out for traffic!!)


Regards,


Rick

 

[jersigsel22]

Re: proper use of tilt/trim

I definatly agree with doing it by sound and feel. Once im on plane i trim all the way up till i can hear the exhaust get a little louder then trim back down just a touch so the loudness goes away. then when i go through waves i just trim down a little more to absorb the bumps better. then back to the sweet spot. I always figured that at a set throttle position the most rpms you can get out of it by trimming should be the optimum trim angle for that speed. Right?
You'll get the hang of it.

 

[mysweetone]

Re: proper use of tilt/trim

I definatly agree with doing it by sound and feel. Once im on plane i trim all the way up till i can hear the exhaust get a little louder then trim back down just a touch so the loudness goes away. then when i go through waves i just trim down a little more to absorb the bumps better. then back to the sweet spot. I always figured that at a set throttle position the most rpms you can get out of it by trimming should be the optimum trim angle for that speed. Right?
You'll get the hang of it.

I too am new to running a boat. I have an 89 21' wellcraft eclipse with the 5.7 lyric engine. What is the higher rpm that would b considered safe.... a friend told me between 3,000 and 3,200 Max. Do u all AGREE?

 

[jersigsel22]

Re: proper use of tilt/trim

What do you mean by safe???

 

[ziggy]

Re: proper use of tilt/trim

maybe this will help explain proper trim..
try google too. there are other explanations too.. some w/ videos..

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: proper use of tilt/trim

Max rpm is determined by the prop/outdrive gear ratio. For most V8's, the max rpm should fall around 4500rpms or so, +- 200 rpms. In any case, I wouldn't run continuously at more than about 75% throttle just because it's harder on the engine and sucks fuel like crazy.

 

[mysweetone]

Re: proper use of tilt/trim

What do you mean by safe???

"Safe" as in not to blow the motor. How do I determine the pitch of my prop and gear ratio of drive? Boat was bought used. Any help would b great. I hate being a newby...brings back the days of when I first snowmobiling and was on those forums....now I can answer most any questions regarding my winter past time.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: proper use of tilt/trim

Run the boat flat out at wide open throttle and trim up until the boat begins to porpoise, then trim down a bit. That is likely the point of maximum speed and rpms that you can attain. Note the RPM's you were at then compare it to the recommended max rpm range for your engine. That rpm will tell you if your prop/outdrive are geared correctly. The prop size/pitch can usually be found stamped into the metal near the collar if you need it.

 

[Piece715]

Re: proper use of tilt/trim

Haulnazz hit the nail on the head... Gauges have mixed reviews... some love em some hate em... Its like driving a standard transmission... its all feel

 

[mysweetone]

Re: proper use of tilt/trim

Great information and help guys....one last question and I can take it from here. How would I determine my Max rpm range for my engine? (Original Mercruiser 5.7ltr in a 1989 Wellcraft Elclipse 215)

 

[marcoalza]

Re: proper use of tilt/trim

I always figured that at a set throttle position the most rpms you can get out of it by trimming should be the optimum trim angle for that speed..

I agree with jersigsel22

I trim to get the highest RPM at set throttle then back down for comfort if the boat starts porpoising which it will if trimmed too high.

 

[Bondo]

Re: proper use of tilt/trim

Great information and help guys....one last question and I can take it from here. How would I determine my Max rpm range for my engine? (Original Mercruiser 5.7ltr in a 1989 Wellcraft Elclipse 215)

Ayuh,... 4400 to 4800 rpms at Wot...

 

[mysweetone]

Re: proper use of tilt/trim

Ayuh,... 4400 to 4800 rpms at Wot...

Thank you for your help everyone. Excellent first experience with this forum. Fast and consistant responses. I am here to stay!

 

[marcoalza]

Re: proper use of tilt/trim

Thank you for your help everyone. Excellent first experience with this forum. Fast and consistant responses. I am here to stay!

It's great isn't it. I knew nothing until I joined iBoats and now even I am giving advice!

Great to have you join the family.

 

[emoney]

Re: proper use of tilt/trim

I too am new to running a boat. I have an 89 21' wellcraft eclipse with the 5.7 lyric engine. What is the higher rpm that would b considered safe.... a friend told me between 3,000 and 3,200 Max. Do u all AGREE?

Your friend is probably talking about "cruising speed", because you can definitely get more WOT (wide open throttle) RPMs from that pkg. Usually, and each boat is a little different, we get what we call a 'sweet spot' that produces the most power at the lowest RPM and the lowest fuel consumption. I'd imagine that's what he intended with the 3-3200 range. You'll find your own based on usage and yes, the trim will play into that.

 

[jersigsel22]

Re: proper use of tilt/trim

Its most likely different for each boat but I was told 2700 to 2900 RPM is best for fuel economy.

 

[weareallnuts]

Re: proper use of tilt/trim

I agree with Rick below. Watch your tach compared to the speedo. Changes in trim will affect the ride and speed. I also like the hydrofoil tail; on my old Cobia, it made all the difference in the world in the ride, keeping the nose down when starting, getting the boat up on plane quicker at slower speed/rpm.

Peter in SC