Power tilt and trim gauge/meter

[monk-monk]

I'm trying to learn about PT&T. I've heard of a trim gauge, what's it's benefit and can it be installed on the '70s units.

 

[Mike722]

Re: Power tilt and trim gauge/meter

On my sterndrive the trim gauge was nice to know where the drive was at. You cound not see it from the seat. Over time I learned where the drive needed to be for differant conditions and could set the drive by the gauge. It also had a maximum tilt mark.

With the outboard, I can look back and see the drive, so in my option, I do not need a trim gauge.

Someone else may have a different option.

Mike

 

[Smig]

Re: Power tilt and trim gauge/meter

We cruise a lot of shallow lakes and rivers, so I had this grand idea of marking drafts on the trim gauge - in the end, I couldn't get the sender to fit correctly, but it turns out that I don't really need it - I would rather use the dash space for a water pressure gauge.

In shallow water, it's either up or down and when on plane, I adjust by ear and by feel. The improvements are so drastic, it only took me a couple of runs to learn to find the sweet spot.

I still look at it just to be sure - plus I always like to check the tell-tale. I also want to stay in the habit of checking it when near shallow water.

 

[monk-monk]

Re: Power tilt and trim gauge/meter

Great info guy's Thanx a bunch. Thats one of the main reasons I wanted PT&T for was the shallow water issue...not mention I only weigh 112lbs and trying to raise this 1150 for transport...well, you can imagine the struggle going on here!! So when in open water I'll will learn to operate it by the "seat-of-the pants" and...I'm new...educate me on the term "Tell-tale"

 

[Plainsman]

Re: Power tilt and trim gauge/meter

Tell-Tale is the stream of water coming out off the peehole (so you know you impeller is working)

 

[Smig]

Re: Power tilt and trim gauge/meter

This may be obvious, but I will say it anyway: If you go by the "seat of your pants" make sure your trim limit switch is working or your know exactly how high you can go before your motor either A) leaves the bracket or B) the water intake comes up out of the water. A) can be bad very bad for you, B) can be very bad for your powerhead.

This is addressed in the adjustment instructions that I finally figured out how to post in your other thread.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Power tilt and trim gauge/meter

Monk, There was never an OEM guage for your motor. I toyed with the idea of adapting a sterndrive guage, but the sender was very different than what I thought I could use.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Power tilt and trim gauge/meter

In my view a trim gauge is the most useless gauge on a boat except for those who own I/O's and can't see the drive. The best trim setting depends on load, water conditions, speed, etc and therefore there is no "one perfect setting". As was mentioned -- the best trim setting is determined by the seat of the pants. If you don't know where shallow water is you a trim gauge won't help you. Knowing how shallow you can operate with no tilt is more important than relying on a gauge to tell you how high the motor is tilted.