Mercury 2.8 Diesel, Operation & Maintenance Manual

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Section 1 - Getting to Know Your Power Package
Page 10 90-8M0113987
eng
DECEMBER 2015
Control handles
. The shift and throttle are controlled by the movement of the control handle. Push the control handle forward
from neutral with a quick, firm motion to the first detent for forward gear and continue pushing forward to increase speed. Pull
the control handle back from neutral with a quick, firm motion to the first detent for reverse gear and continue pushing back to
increase speed.
Control handle tension adjustment screw (not visible)
. This screw is used to adjust the effort required to move the remote
control handle. Refer to the instructions provided with the remote control for complete adjustment instructions.
Power trim switch
. See the
Power Trim
section for detailed power trim operating procedures.
Trailer switch
. Used to raise the sterndrive for trailering, launching, beaching, or shallow water operation. See
Power Trim
for
detailed trailer switch operation.
Power Trim
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 for trailering, beaching,
launching, low‑speed (below 1200 RPM engine speed), and shallow water operation.
!
WARNING
Excessive trim can cause serious injury or death at high speeds, and single‑ram trim systems do not provide a trim‑out
limiting device or trim indicator. Use caution when trimming with a single‑ram trim system and never trim out beyond the unit's
side support flanges while the boat is underway or at engine speeds above 1200 RPM.
For best performance, trim the sterndrive so that the boat bottom is at a 3–5° angle to the water.
3 - 5
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Trimming the sterndrive up (out) can:
•
Generally increase top speed
• Increase clearance over submerged objects or a shallow bottom
• Cause the boat to accelerate and plane off slower
• In excess, cause boat porpoising (bouncing) or propeller ventilation
• Cause engine overheating if trimmed up (out) to a point where any cooling water intake holes are above the water line
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Trimming the sterndrive down (in) can:
•
Help the boat accelerate and plane off quicker
• Generally improve the ride in choppy water
• In most cases, reduce boat speed