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OUTBOARD MOTOR TRIM
Outboard motor trim is the angular relationship between the lower drive unit of the outboard motor and the tran-
som of the boat. Boat trim while underway greatly affects your boat’s performance and efficiency. For best
results, the boat should be on plane and trimmed to reduce the wetted surface. With less boat in the water, both
speed and fuel economy increases. Outboard motors with manual trim must be adjusted for best overall opera-
tion for the load and conditions. Outboard motors with power trim should be adjusted continuously for best
results.
If the outboard motor is trimmed in too far (closer to the boat bottom), speed drops, fuel economy decreases
and the boat may not handle correctly. However, it does provide better acceleration from a standstill; and
because it forces the bow down, visibility is improved. If the outboard motor is trimmed out too far (away from the
boat bottom), steering torque increases, the boat may be difficult to get on plane and may bounce.
CONTROLS/INDICATORS
Section 7_horiz 11/3/03 2:43 PM Page 7-2
