Power Trim And Tilt - Mercury 200 OptiMax DTS Manual

FEATURES AND CONTROLS

Power Trim and Tilt

The outboard has a trim/tilt control called power trim. This enables the operator to easily adjust the
position of the outboard by pressing the trim switch. Moving the outboard in closer to the boat transom
is called trimming in or down. Moving the outboard further away from the boat transom is called trimming
out or up. The term trim generally refers to the adjustment of the outboard within the first 20° range of
travel. This is the range used while operating the boat on plane. The term tilt is generally used when
referring to adjusting the outboard further up out of the water. With the engine turned off and ignition
switch turned on, the outboard can be tilted out of the water. At low idle speed, the outboard can also
be tilted up past the trim range to permit, for example, shallow water operation.
a
a - Trim switch
b - Trim range of travel
POWER TRIM OPERATION
With most boats, operating around the middle of the trim range will give satisfactory results. However,
to take full advantage of the trimming capability there may be times when you choose to trim your
outboard all the way in or out. Along with an improvement in some performance aspects comes a greater
responsibility for the operator, and this is being aware of some potential control hazards.
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.
c
c -
WARNING
!
51
b
Tilt range of travel
3327