Mercury 200 Pro XS Operation, Maintenance And Installation Manual page 42

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.
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
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 purchasing a stainless steel tilt pin from your
dealer and inserting it in whatever adjustment hole in the transom
brackets is desired. The nonstainless 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 waterline.
FEATURES AND CONTROLS
!
WARNING
!
WARNING
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