trimming down merc optimax

Just got 2005 Sea Pro center console with 135 opti max. never had or
been around out boards. the thing does not look like it is trimmed
down all the way. Motor goes down to the two stainless steel rods that
look like they are hydrolic cylinders. is this the bottom or is it
some trailering setting?

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Just got 2005 Sea Pro center console with 135 opti max. never had or
been around out boards. the thing does not look like it is trimmed
down all the way. Motor goes down to the two stainless steel rods that
look like they are hydrolic cylinders. is this the bottom or is it
some trailering setting?


Your motor should trim all the way down to the point where the outboard is
vertical or even a little past vertical and tucked in toward the transom.

If you press down on trim, you'll hear the trim motor whine. Once the motor
is all the way down, the tone of the whine will change. Then you know that
the motor is all the way down if there is not a trim gauge in the dash of
your console.

This is also the position you want your motor when you take off. This will
pop the boat up on plane the quickest. Trim the motor all the way down and
jam the throttle all the way forward. Then once the boat is on plane you
can back off on the throttle a bit and begin trimming the motor up to where
it "feels right" for the speed you're running. By raising the trim angle of
the motor, you'll lift the bow of the boat, increasing speed and running
efficiency by breaking the hull loose from the drag of the hull against the
water. You'll know the boat is over-trimmed if the bow begins to bounce up
and down rhythmically, this is called porpoising. At that point, either
increase the speed or reduce the trim angle to eliminate the porpoising of
the boat. While this might sound confusing and a hassle at first, after a
while it will become second nature and you won't even have to think about
it. You'll just idle away from shore, punch the throttle and begin trimming
up as the boat is picking up speed, stopping when everything feels right.

When you go to put the boat back on the trailer, do not forget to trim your
motor up high before pulling the boat from the water. If you don't, you run
the risk of damaging the skeg and prop from dragging it on the pavement.
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com

Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers wrote:


Your motor should trim all the way down to the point where the outboard is
vertical or even a little past vertical and tucked in toward the transom.

This is also the position you want your motor when you take off. This will
pop the boat up on plane the quickest.


Not necessarily. I've had two boats -- including my current one -- that
came out of the hole quicker trimmed a 3rd of the way or so up.

Should also add that on most hulls, if you're trimmed up right running
top end, you need to bring the bow down a bit as you enter a corner or
approach a wake.