5-2
Table Of Contents
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CONTROLS/INDICATORS
OUTBOARD MOTOR TRIM
Outboard motor trim is the angular relationship between the lower drive unit of the outboard motor
and the transom of the boat. Boat trim while under way 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 operation 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, and the boat may be difficult to get
on plane and may bounce.
See your outboard motor operator’s manual for power trim operation information.
WARNING
DO NOT trim the outboard motor out too far or the boat may begin to “porpoise” (bounce
up and down). Porpoising reduces control and visibility and lowers top speed and fuel
efficiency. Failure to maintain control or visibility could result in serious injury or death.
Figure 5-1