Power Trim And Tilt; Power Trim Operation - Mercury 200 User Manual

Power Trim and Tilt

The outboard has a trim/tilt control called power trim. This enables the operator to easily adjust the
position of the outboard by pressing the trim switch. Moving the outboard in closer to the boat transom
is called trimming in or trimming down. Moving the outboard further away from the boat transom is called
trimming out or trimming up. The term trim generally refers to the adjustment of the outboard within the
first 20° range of travel. This is the range used while operating the boat on plane. The term tilt is generally
used when referring to adjusting the outboard further up out of the water. With the engine not running
and the key switch in the "ON" position, the outboard can be tilted out of the water. At low idle speed
(2000 RPM and below), the outboard can also be tilted up past the trim range to permit shallow water
operation.
a
a - Trim switch
b - Tilt range of travel

POWER TRIM OPERATION

With most boats, operating around the middle of the trim range will give satisfactory results. However,
to take full advantage of the trimming capability there may be times when you choose to trim the outboard
all the way in or out. Along with an improvement in some performance aspects comes a greater
responsibility for the operator, this being an awareness of some potential control hazards.
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.
• 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.
Avoid possible serious injury or death. Adjust outboard to an intermediate trim position as soon as
boat is on plane to avoid possible ejection due to boat spin out. Do not attempt to turn boat when
on plane if outboard is trimmed extremely in or down and there is a pull on the steering wheel.
2. Trimming Out or Up can:
FEATURES AND CONTROLS
WARNING
!
b
c
c - Trim range of travel
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