Operation

cy to steer to one side or the other. Compensate for this as you steer. The trim tab can also be adjusted to help offset this effect. When the bow of the boat is down, it is easier to accelerate from a standing start onto plane.

the bow is greatly increased, heightening the danger of “bow steering” and making operation difficult and dangerous.

Bow Up

Too much trim-out puts the bow of the boat too high in the water. Performance and economy are decreased because the hull of the boat is pushing the water and there is more air drag. Excessive trim-out can also cause the propeller to ventilate, which reduces performance further, and the boat may “porpoise” (hop in the water), which could throw the operator and passengers overboard.

Bow Down

Too much trim-in causes the boat to “plow” through the water, decreasing fuel economy and making it hard to increase speed. Operating with excessive trim-in at higher speeds also makes the boat unstable. Resistance at

TIP:

Depending on the type of boat, the outboard motor trim angle may have little effect on the trim of the boat when operating.

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Tilting up and down

If the engine will be stopped for some time or if the boat is moored in shallows, the outboard motor should be tilted up to protect the propeller and lower casing from damage by collision with obstructions, and also to reduce salt cor- rosion.

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WARNING

Be sure all people are clear of the outboard motor when tilting up and down, Body parts can be crushed between the motor and the clamp bracket when the motor is trimmed or tilted.

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WARNING

Leaking fuel is a fire hazard. If there is a fuel joint on the outboard motor, disconnect the fuel line or close the fuel cock if the engine will be tilted for more than a few minutes. Otherwise fuel may leak.

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