Mercury Optimax User Manual page 51

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.
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.
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 pilot 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
non‑stainless steel shipping bolt should not be used in this
application.
2. Trimming Out or Up can:
• Lift the bow higher out of the water.
• Generally increase top speed.
WARNING
!
WARNING
!
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