Depth and Trim Gauge for I/O

[Deanrw3]

I just bought a boat this winter and have not been on the water yet. This will be my first season.

I have a couple concerns. My boat does not have a Trim gauge or Depth Gauge. With no trim gauge how do I know at what angle is save to drive the boat? With no depth gauge, how hard is it to judge what is "deep enough" water to drive in.

I am just looking for some insight to if i should purchase these or if they are not needed as i get more experience these are something that is really not needed.

Thanks for the input.

Dean

95 Bayliner 3.0 mer/ alpha

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Depth and Trim Gauge for I/O

Well, the drive should still have limit switches.....
The only time you need to bring the drive up is for trimming while on plane or shallow water in an emergency.....
When you are on plane & raise the drive you will hear the rpms increase slightly, you will know when you are up too much as you will start to lose speed.......
When trimming down, the trim motor will make a different sound when it hits bottom......
It is a seat of the pants thing that you will need to learn......
As far as the depth finder, buy one & install it, preferably a fish finder as well....
That is something you should not be without.......​

 

[bigbob_FTW]

Re: Depth and Trim Gauge for I/O

I agree. Use your ears, thats all you need to trim the outdrive.

 

[blouderback]

Re: Depth and Trim Gauge for I/O

Yeah, get a cheap fish finder. They can be had for under 100 bucks. Easy to install. A good first project!

As fa as the trim gauge, like HM says, you can do without and just go by the sound. However, they can be installed too, a good second project!

 

[Deanrw3]

Re: Depth and Trim Gauge for I/O

Thanks for the replies guys. I figured this would just be an experience thing. I found a couple fish finders with water temp/depth ect. on them. I will pick one of those up.

It wont be my first project as this is a project boat. It was sitting in a backyard for 3 years. I have already replaced/ re-fiberglassed the floor re did the seats/ sun deck and have many more plans including cd player, speakers, engine tune up items, new carpet ect.

My last question that obtains to the trim gauge. The reason I ask about the trim gauge is i thought i read that it was bad for the motor/leg to run the motor in drive while fully trimmed up. So is this true, and at what trim level is it ok to run in drive?


Thanks for the help!
Dean

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Depth and Trim Gauge for I/O

Depth gauges are good, but far more important is local knowledge of the water. The first few times out make sure to bring along a local "guide" who can point out the typical shallow spots. If you rely upon a depth gauge, it will be too late before you can do anything about it. This is especially true with an I/O versus an outboard, as they cannot be trimmed up nearly as high.