Setting The Transom Angle Of Your Outboard - Mercury 8 Bigfoot 4-Stroke User Manual

Setting The Transom Angle Of Your Outboard

The vertical transom angle of your outboard is adjusted by changing the position of the preset tilt knob in one of
the three adjustment holes provided. Proper adjustment allows the boat to achieve optimum performance, stability,
and minimize steering effort.
NOTE: Refer to the following lists when adjusting the transom angle of your outboard.
The preset tilt knob should be adjusted so the outboard is positioned to run perpendicular to the water when the
boat is running at full speed. This allows the boat to be driven parallel to the water.
Arrange passengers and load in the boat so the weight is distributed evenly.
a
b
c
a - Too much angle (stern down ‑ bow up)
b - Not enough angle (stern up ‑ bow down)
Consider the following lists carefully when adjusting the operating angle of your outboard.
Adjusting the outboard close to the boat transom 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.
• 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.
Adjusting the outboard away from the boat transom can:
FEATURES AND CONTROLS
c - Angle adjusted properly (bow slightly up)
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