tilt/trim drive questions

[billandamy]

This from my Merc manual: Power trim allows the operator to adjust the sterndrive angle while underway, to provide the ideal boat angle for varying load and water conditions. Also, the trailering feature allows the operator to raise and lower the sterndrive unit for trailering, beaching, launching and low speed(below 1200 rpm engine speed), shallow water operation.

Hmmmm...not having it near me, for some reason I am remembering that you never engage while in full up trailering position. The rest of what you wrote was, again from what I remember, when trimmed up all of the way (but OUT of trailering position)

I will need to look again at my manual. My boat specs are below, and alpha one drive. Maybe it is different for certain engine/drive combos.

Either way, I aint taking a chance! It makes sense that the wear on an extended joint is greater than one that is not extended.

 

[Woody]

Double check your Merc manuals. I think you'll find this topic in two locations.

Chuck, I'm suspecting that now you have brought the transom trailer switch into the fray. Could you get the publication # off your Merc Operation, Maintenance & Warranty Manual. It would be interesting to compare with mine. Neither SR or Merc updates their manuals on annual basis. I wouldn't doubt we have the same one.

 

[chuck1]

Copied from the PDF file.​

Owner’s Manual Part Number: MRP 1806424​

Sea Ray
Owner’s
Manual​

240 Sundeck
Owner’s Manual Part Number: MRP 1806424
8. Description of Major Controls ............................... 2.8
A. Gear Shift and Throttle Control ..................... 2.8
B. Power Trim Unit and Gauge .......................... 2.8​

 

[VTSeaRay]

Every boat is different when it comes to trim position.
Trim at 1/4 on boat "A" does not mean trim at 1/4 on boat "B" will produce the same results.
You have to learn to "feel" the proper trim position (for your boat) through trial and error.
Unless the limits have be changed you cannot over trim (harm the lower unit) using the buttons (not trailer) on the throttle.
Your boat will tell you when you have went to far.
The prop will blow out (cavitate) or it will start to porpoise.
Listen to the motor, watch the tach and speedo it will all smooth out when it's right.
Less boat in the water equals less drag, more speed, better economy (unless at WOT), less spray.
I routinely run the trim to 3/4 (upper limit) on smooth water.
Almost always at 1/4 (even rough water) unless pulling skiers up or tubing.
Using trim tabs is a huge benefit also.
Its a dynamic thing you cannot Set It and Forget It.

I agree, I monitor the tach/speedo and trim based on what they say or what conditions require. If taking off, I start with it all down, then bring it up as I come up on plane.

 

[Woody]

Copied from the PDF file.​

Owner’s Manual Part Number: MRP 1806424​

Didn't you get any Mercruiser manuals with your boat? Those are the ones I'm referring to. It is after all Mercruiser that you ultimately have to satisfy in a warranty situation that involves their drives. IMO it is their manuals that should be followed.

 

[chuck1]

Woody,
Yep I got the Mercruiser Manuals - but they are on the boat. Do you know if there is a PDF format of the Mercruiser manuals?

 

[gruz1]

Ok so I dug out the manual, this is the operational and maintenance manual for gas engine and alpha drive 1997.
"Also the Power Trim system "trailering" feature allows the operator to raise and lower the drive unit for trailering,beaching,launching and low speed(below 1200 RPM engine speed), shallow water operation"
caution
Never trim drive unit up/out using trailer switch while boat is underway at engine speeds above 1200 RPM. Use extreme caution while operating with drive unit raised. Severe damage to the drive may result if unit is raised beyond the gimbal ring support flanges at engine speeds above 1200 RPM.
I could try another landing but this one is only 2 miles from my house and other than shallow water to launch is a great landing. Not real busy, easy to launch ramp, and centrally located to all the places we can go.

 

[billandamy]

:smt021 Forgot to look in the manual last night...too involved with everyone's balls.

 

[brian2001ss]

Once again guys, great info!!

 

[Beer Thirty]

Interesting info. as I've been playing with my trim a bit lately too.

As for trailer mode, I've been using it all summer for leaving/returning to the dock. I've got about 30 feet to where i need the trailer mode to keep from turning up muck. Its a pain in the ass when i forget to put it in trailer mode when docking. I'll let the boat coast to the dock, the out drive grabs the muck and the bow swings away from the dock. It gets aggravating when your just about to have the dock at your finger tips then next thing you know your 3 feet away lol.