1998 SeaRay 290 twin 4.3 Mercruiser 190hp Trim Tabs and Outdrive Trim

Herrickjde

Member
Jul 28, 2019
68
Jacksonville, FL
Boat Info
SeaRay 290 Sundancer 1998
Engines
2 Mercruiser 5.7 350 EFI 310 HP - Drive - Alpha 1 / Gen 2
I have confirmed my Bennett trim tabs are working. I have a 88688A23 DUAL HANDLE TRIM CONTROL installed, but the trim switch seems to be intermittent (see picture) on the bottom. I can hit the trailer up switch a few times and then the throttle switch will work. Could this be the switch or something else the switch is talking to by the out-drive. It takes a lot to get the boat to plain but if I hold the O/D trim down it finally reacts. It is like it moves, but if that is the case the force of the forward motions would keep the O/D's down. maybe these 190's don't have the kick. Thanks
throttle.JPG
 
Try cleaning the connection and lugs on the solenoids in the bilge. I tend to have wire brush mine at the beginning of the season before the work.
 
I normally cruise with my engines tucked and only ever use the trim when I want to do a "let's see what she can do" on smooth water. I also only use enough tab to level out the boat when the loads change from water, fuel, septic..... or passengers.

On my 98 290 I know my engine trim works pretty smooth but the dash indicators are flakey.
 
I had same issue. Replaced my trim switches in throttle and did not fix anything. Was the trim limit switch i installed on drives. They are flakey and if not set properly they will not let drives go up. Get a second person to work switches and play with the limit switch on each drive. If not replacing atleast take off and clean contacts
 
Thanks for all the feedback and I wonder if 190hp engines are big enough. I see that little ducky has 5.0L engines. I bought the 190's as they are burning around 19 to 20 gph, verses bigger engines. save on gas, but lacking on performance.
 

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