PURSUIT C238, Owner'S Manual

Page: 17 / 118

Helm Systems
2-3
Section 2
C238
2.6 Steering System
The steering system is hydraulic and made
of two main components: the helm assembly
and the hydraulic cylinder. The helm unit
acts as both a fluid reservoir and pump.
Turning of the helm, or steering wheel,
pumps the fluid in the hydraulic hoses and
activates the hydraulic cylinder causing the
motors to turn. A slight clicking sound may
be heard as the wheel is turned. This sound
is the opening and closing of valves in the
helm unit and is normal. Refer to the steer-
ing manufacturer owner’s manual for spe-
cific information on the steering system.
Tilt Helm
A tilt helm, steering wheel may be installed
on your boat. To tilt the helm, depress the
lever located in the base of the helm and
lock into position. DO NOT adjust when the
boat is underway.
2.7 Trim Tabs
The trim tabs are recessed into the hull on
the transom. Switches are used to control
the trim tabs. The switches are labeled to
indicate the reaction of the bow of the boat.
They control starboard and port up and
down movements. Bow up and bow down
will control the hull planning attitude, while
port and starboard up and down provide
control for the hull trim side to side.
Before leaving the dock, make sure that the
tabs are in the full “UP” position by holding
the control in the bow "UP" position for ten
seconds. Do not continue to operate the
switch when the tabs are fully up or down.
Establish the intended heading and cruise
speed before attempting to adjust the hull
attitude with the trim tabs. Always make
slight adjustments to reduce over adjust-
ments. After stabilizing speed and direction,
move the trim tabs to achieve a level side to
side running attitude being careful not to
over trim.
After depressing a trim tab switch, always
wait a few seconds for the change in the trim
plane to take effect.
Avoid depressing the switch while awaiting
the trim plane reaction. By the time the effect
is noticeable the trim tab plane will have
moved too far and the boat will be in an
overcompensated position.
When running at a speed that will result in
the boat falling off plane, lowering the tabs
slightly, bow down, will improve the running
angle and operating efficiency. Too much
bow down tabs can reduce operating effi-
ciency and cause difficult steering and han-
dling.
When running at high speeds, make sure
the tabs are in the full “UP” position. Only
enough trim plane action should be used to
compensate for any listing. Trim tabs are
more sensitive at higher speeds. Adjust for
this and be prepared to slow down if difficul-
ties arise.
Be extremely careful when operating in a fol-
lowing sea. The effect of trim tabs is ampli-
fied under these conditions. Difficulty in
steering and handling can result from
improper trim tab usage, especially in a fol-
lowing sea; raise the tabs to the full bow
"UP" position.
When running into a chop, a slight bow
down attitude will improve the ride. Be care-
ful not to over trim, difficulty in handling can
result.
Engine Stop Switch