Volvo Penta D3, Operator'S Manual

Page: 37 / 142

Maneuvering
The correct trim setting provides the best comfort when
driving.
Every boat has its own unique characteristics and
reacts differently to how you trim it. We can therefore
only give general advice about how you reach the best
trim angle for your boat. It can generally be said that
when the boat feels well balanced, is easy to steer and
comfortable to drive - than you have found the optimum
trim angle.
Make a few trips at low speed to experience the effect
of Power Trim and the different trim ranges, to see
what effect they have on the boat. Note how long it
takes for the boat to reach planing speed. Check the
tachometer, speed and the response of the boat.
Trim the drive down
The bows are pressed down and the boat accelerates
faster. It also provides better driving and steering
response at speeds below the planing threshold.
Driving with ”bow down”
The ”bow down” position is normally used during accel-
eration up to planing speed, at low planing speeds or
with a short sea. With full ”bow down”, the boat has a
tendency to self-steer. You may have to compensate
with the wheel to keep the boat on the right course. In
this position, the bow of the boat tries to go deeper in
the water. If the boat is driven at high speed or towards
high waves, the bow will plough downwards into the
water. The boat can start to steer with the bows or yaw
suddenly so that passengers may be thrown over-
board.
The boat's trim shall always be adjusted to give well
balanced steering. Certain combinations of boat,
engine and propeller can cause instability and/or self-
steering tendencies when the boat is driven at or close
to the maximum ”bow up” or ”bow down” positions. The
stability and steering characteristics of the boat can
also vary depending on the sea conditions. Contact
your Volvo Penta dealer to correct these tendencies if
your boat shows instability an/or self-steering tenden-
cies.
Instruments and Controls
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