Running without a trim gauge

[maharg]

So my trim gauge was not working so I purchased a new one, its still not working. I dont have the money to spend on the sender and install, plus I was going to have the bellows done next year and it would be more cost effective then. My question is what (if any) issues/concerns do I have running without a trim gauge?

Thanks

 

[bomar76]

Re: Running without a trim gauge

It's the most useless gauge on a boat dash.
I took mine out 2 years ago and installed a gauge that monitors something useful.

The only concern is you won't have a useless gauge to look at.

 

[RL Gman]

Re: Running without a trim gauge

+1 on above!!

Granted, new people out on the boat love to ask all kinds of questions about the instrament panel...for some reason, they always seem to be more intrested in the trim guage, probably because its a new guage for them...

 

[scutly]

Re: Running without a trim gauge

It's the most useless gauge on a boat dash.

bomar, I've seen you post this numerous times. for an inexperienced boater getting used to driving a boat for the first time and learning the characteristics of his boat, its certainly comes in very handy. first day out, smooth as glass, second day out going with some chop. third day out going against heavy chop. everybodys gettin pounded and wet and lookin at me like im an idiot cause im still learning what trim is all about and I HAVE NO CLUE what angle my drive is at at any given time cause the gauge doesnt work. so i search this forum, learn all i can about trim and fix my gauge. now everyones dry and smiling, im runnin faster and smoother burnin less gas and felt A WHOLE LOT more confident that i will (and have!) become a decent skipper of my barge. seat of the pants feeling comes from experience and KNOWLEDGE. for me, KNOWledge was KNOWing where my drive was at while i learned.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Running without a trim gauge

I agree with Bomar. I did fix my sender when I bought my boat because I never had a gauge before. If it ever goes out again, it won't be replaced and the gauge will be gone.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Running without a trim gauge

Ditto - bomar

Get a flow scan, depth finder or even a vacuum gauge would be a better way to fill the 2" hole.

 

[jtmarten]

Re: Running without a trim gauge

+1 agree with Bomar -- as long as your limit switch is functional and set properly.

 

[nola mike]

Re: Running without a trim gauge

Ditto - bomar

Get a flow scan, depth finder or even a vacuum gauge would be a better way to fill the 2" hole.

disagree. my trim limit switch hasn't worked since i got the boat, and now my trim gauge is flakey. wouldn't mind having one of them work at least...

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Running without a trim gauge

disagree. my trim limit switch hasn't worked since i got the boat, and now my trim gauge is flakey. wouldn't mind having one of them work at least...

A trim limit switch is good to have in case you let your "non-boater", idiot brother-in-law drive your boat.......(don't do it though!)

The trim gage itself is good for the same reason because you can tell the idiot to NEVER run the drive unless the gage indicates the drive is down.......(don't let him drive it though!!!)

For the rest of us, the gage and trim limit switches are un-necessary.

 

[Aviator5]

Re: Running without a trim gauge

My trim limit switches and trim gages are in good working order, and I intend to keep them that way in foreseeable future.

 

[bomar76]

Re: Running without a trim gauge

The second most worthless gauge is the speedometer. Wildly innacurate in most boats.
If there was a worthwhile gauge that would fill the big hole I would yank mine out, always use the GPS for speed. If the maker of my gauges (S&S Competition) offered a GPS speedo I would have one.

If I get time this summer I plan on replacing the instrument panel and doing away with the speedometer.
Just might put the trim gauge back in then since I have it sitting on the shelf new in the box.

Plan on adding a drive temp gauge too.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Running without a trim gauge

Livorsi has them!!

 

[red85k100rs]

Re: Running without a trim gauge

So my trim gauge was not working so I purchased a new one, its still not working. I dont have the money to spend on the sender and install, plus I was going to have the bellows done next year and it would be more cost effective then. My question is what (if any) issues/concerns do I have running without a trim gauge?

Thanks

My boat dosen't have a trim gauge, I wish it had one, but it works just fine. Oh but I have no trim, I don't think it was offered in 1967, one less thing to trow $$ at.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Running without a trim gauge

Livorsi has them!!

I want one! They are pricey though!

 

[QC]

Re: Running without a trim gauge

GPS speedos are more inaccurate than pitot tubes in current . . .

I agree with the trim gauge comments with the exception of asking someone for help at the helm when I am pushing off the beach etc. Also when I have my son or the wife take the boat off the trailer or visa versa it would be good. With that said, mine doesn't work either so I have them count . . . another wink

 

[bomar76]

Re: Running without a trim gauge

Livorsi has them!!

Won't match my S&S Competition gauges. Several of us have tried to talk the owner into offering a GPS Speedo but he won't budge. I'll ply him with beer again this summer and see if I can wear him down.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Running without a trim gauge

(Sorry for the hijack!!)


I am hoping that VDO will offer a line of GPS speedometers too!

They are very accurate and solve a HOST of problems in all sorts of vehicles!

 

[Knot Waiting]

Re: Running without a trim gauge

I agree with everyone else. Trim sender is usless. Just uses you senses to listen and feel. You can feel how your boat is handling chop or if its porposing and you can hear if the engine is working too hard or drawing in air at plane. Adjust accordingly.

Trim limit is a good one to have to prevent u-joint and bellows damage.

 

[wca_tim]

Re: Running without a trim gauge

Mine was broken when i got the boat... so was limit switch, trailer button, etc... just raise and lower and have never felt the need for any of it.

Since I've got the boat completely derigged and stripped for a repaint (alomst finnished color sanding and buffing...) the hole in the dash and a new one of the same size next to it are getting oil temp gauges - one engine and one drive lube.

oh, and as of this spring, my speedo reads slow until about 20 then is pretty accurate (within maybe 4-5 mph) until it pegs at about 80.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Running without a trim gauge

Nice GPS speedo, but what if I want to faster than 12 mph?