Volvo Penta 3.0 GS, Operator'S Manual

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Power trim and tilt operation ___________________________________________________
Power trim operation
The power trim is normally used before you accelerate onto plane, after you reach the desired RPM or boat speed, and
when there is a change in water or boating conditions. Locate passengers and equipment in the boat so that the weight
is balanced fore and aft, and side to side. Trimming will not cancel an unbalanced load.
To operate the trim, push and hold the switch “bow-up” or “bow-down” until the desired bow position is reached. The
trim may be operated at any boat speed or at rest. Avoid operating the trim system when running in reverse. Observe
the trim/tilt gauge, which indicates the bow position achieved. The upper scale (0 to 5) of the trim gauge indicates the
“bow-up” positions, and lower scale (6 to 10) of the trim gauge indicates the “bow-down” positions.
Determining the proper trim
The effect of the maximum “bow-up” and “bow-down” positions will be similar for most boats. The bow position best for
your operating conditions could be at any trim setting between the maximum “bow-up” and “bow-down” positions.
The boat will be properly trimmed when the trim angle provides the best boat performance for your operating condi-
tions. On models without power steering, the trim position that provides a balanced steering load is desirable.
To familiarize yourself with the power trim, make test runs at slower speeds and at various trim positions to see the
effect of trimming. Note the time it takes for the boat to plane. Watch the tachometer and speedometer readings and
the ride action of the boat. Read the following paragraphs under
Operating in “Bow-Up” Position and Operating in “Bow
Down” Position.
Operating in “bow-up” position
The “bow-up” position is normally used for cruising, running with a choppy wave
condition, or running at full speed. In a full “bow-up” position the boat may tend to self-
steer. You may have to compensate with the steering wheel to keep the boat in a
straight-ahead path. In this position the boat’s bow will tend to raise clear of the water.
Excessive “bow-up” trim will cause propeller ventilation resulting in propeller slippage.
Engine RPM will also increase, but boat speed will not increase and may even drop.
Use caution when operating in rough water or crossing another boat’s wake. Excessive “bow-up” trim may
result in the boat’s bow rising rapidly and possibly throwing the boat’s occupants into the water.
Operating in “bow-down” position
The “bow-down” position is normally used for acceleration onto plane, operating at
slow planing speeds, and running against a choppy wave condition. In the fully
“bow-down” position the boat may tend to self-steer. You may have to compensate with
the steering wheel to keep the boat in a straight-ahead path. In this position the boat’s
bow will tend to go deeper into the water. If the boat is operated at high speed and/or
against high waves, the bow of the boat will plow into the water. The boat may tend to
bow steer or spin about rapidly and possibly eject occupants.
The boat trim should be adjusted to provide balanced steering as soon as possible each time you get under-
way. Some boat/motor/propeller combinations may encounter boat instability and/or high steering torque
when operated at or near the limits of the “bow-up” or “bow-down” positions. Boat stability and steering
torque can also vary due to changing water conditions. If you experience boat instability and/or high steering
torque, see your Volvo Penta dealer to correct these conditions.
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