Volvo D4, Operator'S Manual

Page: 57 / 126

55
Operation
Operating with the drive in the Trim range
The Trim range is used to achieve maximum comfort
under normal operation at all speeds from start to
maximum speed.
Since every boat has its own unique characteristics
and will be effected in different ways by the factors in-
volved, only general advice is given here on how to get
the best trimming angle for your boat. It can generally
be said that when the boat feels well-balanced, easy
to steer and pleasant to operate, then that is the opti-
mal trim angle for the boat.
To familiarize yourself with the Power trim, make test
runs at slower speeds and at various trim positions to
see the effect ot trimming. Note the time it takes for the
boat plane. Watch the tachometer and speedometer
readings and the ride action of the boat.
When starting
Trim the drive in. The bow will be pressed down and
the boat accelerates faster. This gives improved run-
ning and steering characteristics at speeds below the
planing threshold.
Operating in “Bow-down” Position
The “bow-down” B position is normally used for acce-
leration 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 selfs-
teer. 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.
IMPORTANT ! The boat trim should be adjusted
to provide balanced steering as soon as possible
each time you get underway. Some boat, engine,
and propeller combinations may encounter boat
instability and/or high steering torque when ope-
rated 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 ste-
ering torque, see your Volvo Penta dealer to cor-
rect these conditions.