Mercury 40 JET FOURSTROKE Operation, Maintenance & Installation Manual page 37

FEATURES AND CONTROLS
Trimming the outboard beyond a neutral steering condition may result in a
pull on the steering wheel or tiller handle and loss of boat control. Maintain
control of the boat if trimming beyond a neutral steering condition.
Consider the following lists carefully.
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 oversteering) if
any turn is attempted, or if a significant wave is encountered.
Operating the boat at high speeds with the outboard trimmed too far under
can create excessive bow steer, resulting in the operator losing control of
the boat. Install the trim limit pin in a position that prevents excessive trim
under and operate the boat in a safe manner.
• In rare circumstances, the owner may decide to limit the trim in. This can
be accomplished by repositioning the tilt stop pins into the desired
transom bracket adjustment holes.
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
waterline
TILTING OPERATION
To tilt outboard, shut off the engine and press the trim/tilt switch or auxiliary tilt
switch to the up position. The outboard will tilt up until the switch is released or
it reaches its maximum tilt position.
1. Engage the tilt support lever, by rotating knob to bring the support lever
upward.
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WARNING
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WARNING
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