Trailer/Trim switch ?

[Suthrn]

Sorry if this is a dumb question just don't want to tear anything up. Trying to figure out when I am doing the trailer trim and when I am doing regular trim. Is the trailer trim when you push in harder on the trim switch? I know that the switch has a point that if you push a little harder it will continue. I read the manual but it's not making sense to me. I guess I need it explained to me like I would my daughter. Also, when the boat is in the driveway where do you suggest leaving the drive, up or down? Could someone please explain this to me? Thanks for any help.

 

[shore]

The trim switch on the throttle is the trim you use when in the water with engine in gear running.It will only go so high as to avoid over stressing the u-joints while running.

The trailer switch is used when the boat engine is off mainly.It is for pulling the drive all the way up to pull out of the water.

With that being said, I have come into situations where I needed more up trim.These are idle only very shallow water times.Even then you should only use it a little more than the throttle trim switch.

I prefer to leave my drive full down when at all possible as to not stretch the bellows for any longer than needed.It also relieves the pressure on the trim rams/seals.

 

[Stray Cat]

If you overide the detent on the rocker switch, the drive raises (tilts) to the "trailer position". If your boat is in the water and you raise it to the trailer position (checking a prop), remember to return it to the lowest or near lowest position before cranking the engine. Starting or cranking the engine with the drive in the trailer position is a no-no. It places a tremendous strain on the drive U-joint...not a pretty sound.

When I parked the boat, I left the drive up. If you tilt it down to keep from someone getting tangled up in it, I'd make a sign that would say "Trim up the drive" and stick it in the trailer coupler as a reminder. I've heard of a lot of skegs getting torn off by forgetting to tilt it up before getting out of the driveway.

 

[Cincy Aquaholic]

Not sure if you have this control setup or not with a 496, but I can trim my boat in sync with the throttle trim button or individually with the rocker switches. To raise them to the trailer position, I have to use the rocker buttons by pressing them harder.