Power Trim - Mercury 3.0 MPI ECT Operation & Maintenance Manual

Section 1 - Getting to Know Your Power Package
Control handles ‑ Operation of the shift and throttle are controlled by the movement of the control handle. Push the control
handle forward from neutral with a quick firm motion to the first detent for forward gear and continue pushing forward to
increase speed. Pull the control handle back from neutral with a quick firm motion to the first detent for reverse gear and
continue pushing back to increase speed.
Control handle tension adjustment screw (not visible) ‑ This screw is used to adjust the effort required to move the remote
control handle. Refer to instructions provided with remote control for complete adjustment instructions.
Power trim switch ‑ See Power Trim section for detailed power trim operating procedures.
Trailer switch ‑ Used to raise drive unit for trailering, launching, beaching or shallow water operation. See Power Trim for
detailed trailer switch operation.

Power Trim

Power trim allows the operator to adjust the sterndrive angle while underway, to provide the ideal boat angle for varying load
and water conditions. Also, the trailering feature allows the operator to raise and lower the sterndrive unit for trailering,
beaching, launching, low speed (below 1200 RPM engine speed), and shallow water operation.
Excessive trim can cause serious injury or death at high speeds. Use caution when trimming the sterndrive, and never trim
out beyond the gimbal ring support flanges while the boat is underway or at engine speeds above 1200 RPM.
For best performance trim the sterndrive unit so that the boat bottom is at a 3–5° angle to the water.
Trimming sterndrive unit up/out can:
• Generally increase top speed
• Increase clearance over submerged objects or a shallow bottom
• Cause boat to accelerate and plane off slower
• In excess, cause boat porpoising (bouncing) or propeller ventilation
• Cause engine overheating if trimmed up/out to a point where any cooling water intake holes are above the waterline
Trimming sterndrive unit down/in can:
• Help the boat accelerate and plane off quicker
• Generally improve the ride in choppy water
• In most cases, reduce boat speed
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