Tilt / Trim only travels about 15 Degrees

[pontooner]

The Trim on my alpha 1 outdrive only travels about 15 degrees from full down position. I was under the impression that it should go somewhere between 70 and 90 degrees. This is a used pontoon that I have recently purchased with a 3.0 mercruiser. I would like to be able to raise the outdrive higher so that I can safely beach the boat. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[Laddies]

Re: Tilt / Trim only travels about 15 Degrees

If the pump runs and it won't go up-ck the fluid in the pump for level and if the motor stops it could be - are you pushing both tilt and trim buttons - one of the swiches is not working or a broken wire

 

[UNCC Grad]

Re: Tilt / Trim only travels about 15 Degrees

Depending on what controls and trim pump you have, you may have a trim and trailer button. The trim function will only travel about 15-20* to avoid overtrimming during normal operation. The trailer up button allows you to raise the outdrive enough to trailer the boat.

 

[pontooner]

Re: Tilt / Trim only travels about 15 Degrees

The trailer is high. The outdrive can be all the way down for trailering. The trim does go up and down, but only about 15 degrees. this may be normal for a pontoon (I don't know). I can tell that the cylinder rods only come in and out about 4 to 5 inches. It looks like thay should travel a lot more than that, unless there is some kind of mechanical stop to keep them from going further out. Anyway, thanks for the input.

 

[wcsparky05]

Re: Tilt / Trim only travels about 15 Degrees

you got a picture? what uncc was saying is there is sometimes a square trailer button that raises the outdrive up the rest of the way so its easier to plane your boat those 15 degrees. i hope i explained that right but you may not have a trailer button. check your fluid levels if thats the case or the hoses for leaks, clogs, etc..

 

[UNCC Grad]

Re: Tilt / Trim only travels about 15 Degrees

you got a picture? what uncc was saying is there is sometimes a square trailer button that raises the outdrive up the rest of the way so its easier to plane your boat those 15 degrees. i hope i explained that right but you may not have a trailer button. check your fluid levels if thats the case or the hoses for leaks, clogs, etc..

Exactly...look on your throttle lever for a square rubber button...push it in and it should raise the motor all the way up, compressing the hydraulic rams all the way in. This is IF you have this kind of setup.

 

[pontooner]

Re: Tilt / Trim only travels about 15 Degrees

There is a square rubber button about 1/4 to 1/2 way down on the shift lever. The previous owner did not know what it was for. I thought it looked like some sort of cushion or spacer (maybe for a different type of boat application). If this is what you say it is, than I am truely grateful. I am new to this website and think it is totally awesome. Once again, Thanks

 

[freelunch]

Re: Tilt / Trim only travels about 15 Degrees

If you have a pontoon boat you would likely do better in another forum as this one is for mercs, volvo and omc I/O only.

 

[pontooner]

Re: Tilt / Trim only travels about 15 Degrees

Hey Freelunch,

This pontoon has a 3.0 mercruiser I/O with an alpha 1 outdrive. What forum should I be using?

Thanks,

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Tilt / Trim only travels about 15 Degrees

This is the right forum for your question...I think Freelunch is "out to lunch"

 

[freelunch]

Re: Tilt / Trim only travels about 15 Degrees

lol, well smack me around and call me susan. . . no my fault, this would be the right place for you

 

[UNCC Grad]

Re: Tilt / Trim only travels about 15 Degrees

If the previous owner didn't know what the trailer up button was for, I doubt he knew much about maintenance. Get a good shop manual if you are mechanically inclined or find a good shop in your area and make sure the engine is up to date on maintenance....it will save you in the long run.

 

[wcsparky05]

Re: Tilt / Trim only travels about 15 Degrees

yeah, pontooner this website is awesome! sometimes the merc book just isn't enough. and these guys are fassst too!! welcome.