Mercury 200 Optimax DTS Owner's Manual page 38

The most significant control hazard is a pull or torque that can be felt on the steering wheel or tiller handle. This
steering torque results from the outboard being trimmed so that the propeller shaft is not parallel to the water
surface.
Avoid possible serious injury or death. When the outboard is trimmed in or out beyond a neutral steering
condition, a pull on the steering wheel or tiller handle in either direction may result. Failure to keep a continuous
firm grip on the steering wheel or tiller handle when this condition exists can result in loss of boat control as the
outboard can turn freely. The boat can now spin out or go into a very tight maximum turn which, if unexpected,
can result in occupants being thrown within the boat or out of the boat.
Consider the following lists carefully.
1. Trimming In or Down Can:
• Lower the bow.
• Result in quicker planing off, especially with a heavy load or a stern heavy boat.
• Generally improve the ride in choppy water.
• Increase steering torque or pull to the right (with the normal right hand rotation propeller).
• In excess can lower the bow of some boats to a point where they begin to plow with their bow in the
water while on plane. This can result in an unexpected turn in either direction (called bow steering or
over‑steering) if any turn is attempted, or if a significant wave is encountered.
Avoid possible serious injury or death. Adjust outboard to an intermediate trim position as soon as boat is on
plane to avoid possible ejection due to boat spin out. Do not attempt to turn boat when on plane if outboard
is trimmed extremely in or down and there is a pull on the steering wheel or tiller handle.
• In rare circumstances, the owner may decide to limit the trim in. This can be accomplished by
purchasing a stainless steel tilt pin from your dealer and inserting it in whatever adjustment hole in the
transom brackets is desired. The non‑stainless steel shipping bolt should not be used in this application
other than on a temporary basis.
2. Trimming Out or Up can:
• Lift the bow higher out of the water.
• Generally increase top speed.
• Increase clearance over submerged objects or a shallow bottom.
• Increase steering torque or pull to the left at a normal installation height (with the normal right hand
rotation propeller).
• In excess can cause boat porpoising (bouncing) or propeller ventilation.
• Cause engine overheating if any cooling water intake holes are above the water line.
TILTING TO FULL UP POSITION
Tilt At Helm
NOTE: The trim/tilt switch will remain active for 15 minutes after the ignition key switch has been turned off.
1. If the ignition key switch has been turned off for over 15 minutes, turn it to the "ON" position.
2. Press the trim/tilt switch to the up position. The outboard will tilt up until the switch is released or it reaches
its maximum tilt position.
Tilt At Engine
The cowl mounted auxiliary tilt switch can be used to tilt the outboard with the key switch in the "OFF" position.
1. Engage the tilt support lever, by rotating knob to bring the support lever upward.
2. Lower outboard to rest on the tilt support lever.
FEATURES AND CONTROLS
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WARNING
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WARNING
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