Monterey 305 SS, Owner'S Manual

Page: 45 / 168

MONTEREY
BOATS
45
Helm Control Systems
4.4 Engine Power Tilt & Trim
All outboard engines have a tilt and trim feature.
Most outboard engines have tilt/trim switches built
into the engine shift and throttle controls that allow
the operator to control the position of the outboards
from the helm. Typically, a switch or switches on the
port control lever grip activates the tilt/trim for the
engines. Twin engine controls have two switches
on the cover that activate each engine tilt/trim
individually. If necessary, the maximum tilt angle
can be adjusted by your Monterey or engine dealer
by reprogramming the settings using the engine
manufacturer’s diagnostic system.
Moving the outboard closer to the boat transom is
called trimming “in” or “down.” Moving the outboard
further away from the boat transom is called trim-
ming “out” or “up.” In most cases, the boat will run
best with the outboard adjusted so the hull will run
at a 3 to 5 degree angle to the water.
The term “trim” generally refers to the adjustment
of the outboard within the first 20
o
range of travel.
This is the range used while operating your boat on
plane. The term “tilt” is generally used when refer-
ring to adjusting the outboard further up for shallow
water operation or trailering. For information on the
proper use and maintenance of the power tilt and
trim, refer to the engine owner’s manual.
CAUTION
ENGINE HOSES AND CABLES OR THE TRANSOM GEL
COAT CAN BE DAMAGED BY TILTING THE ENGINES TO THE
FULL UP POSITION WITH THE ENGINES TURNED TO THE
WRONG POSITION. MOST BOATS REQUIRE THE STEERING
WHEEL TO BE TURNED COMPLETELY TO STARBOARD
BEFORE TILTING THE ENGINES TO THE FULL UP POSITION.
YOU SHOULD MONITOR EACH ENGINE AS IT TILTS TO
DETERMINE BEST FULL TILT ENGINE POSITION FOR YOUR
BOAT.
CAUTION
SOME AUTOPILOTS HAVE ENGINE POSITION SENSORS THAT
ARE MOUNTED TO THE HYDRAULIC STEERING CYLINDER.
WITH THESE AUTOPILOTS, THE ENGINE POSITION SENSOR
BRACKET COULD HIT THE TRANSOM WHEN THE ENGINES
ARE TILTED TO THE FULL UP POSITION AND CAUSE
DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE RIGGING, THE AUTOPILOT OR
THE TRANSOM. IF YOU HAVE AN AUTOPILOT INSTALLED
ON YOUR BOAT, YOU SHOULD MONITOR THE LOCATION
OF THE ENGINE CABLES AND AUTOPILOT BRACKETS
AS THE ENGINES ARE TILTED TO DETERMINE THE BEST
ENGINE POSITION AND MAXIMUM ENGINE TILT FOR YOUR
APPLICATION.
Mercury Control Tilt & Trim Switches
Individual Engine Tilt & Trim Switches
WARNING
EXCESSIVE TRIM FOR THE OPERATING CONDITIONS, EITHER
TRIM UP OR DOWN, CAN CAUSE BOAT INSTABILITY, PROPELLER
CAVITATION, OR MAKE STEERING THE BOAT MORE DIFFICULT.
IF THE BOAT BEGINS TO FEEL UNSTABLE OR IS HARD TO
STEER, SLOW DOWN AND ADJUST THE TRIM ANGLE.