Tilt & Trim

[Billfo]

Looking for experienced opinion to fix.. I have a 2000 Optimax 135 with a Stingray hydofoil tail.. Runs great with the exception of the tilt/trim indicator.. I think something is out of adjustment (if that is possible) not sure if this is a do it your self fix.. Heres my problem..

Looking at my tilt & trim gage, while running, all my movements is only reflected on the FIRST 1/4 of the gauge. my hole shot starts at the gauge all the way to the left... Up on plane as much as I can trip up, is at the first quarter mark. Anything higher, I loose the bite. So basically 3/4 of the gauge does not do anything for the boats performance.. Anything higher than 25% on the gauge is just lifted the prop out of the water.. Is this an adjustment ? Thanks for any suggestions.

My last two boats were closer at midrange ( 50% in the middle of the gauge) when up on plane at wot.

 

[ziemann]

Re: Tilt & Trim

Billfo- see if anyone on the Merc forum here on Iboats knows- I am not sure on a Merc- it is adjustable on an OMC/ BRP outboard, so I would imagine it can easily be done on your Merc as well...but that is speculation on my part...

Good luck!

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Tilt & Trim

I run a Lund Tyee with a 115 Merc 2 stroke and my trim dash gage is just like yours, I bet 25% is all of the gage I see/use. The top 3/4 never is used when under driving conditions. I never bothered to check if the gage actually goes all the way up when I am trailering or fully in the up position.
I dont think your gage is broke, I think this is how they run, when on plane and trimmed out I am only using a very small portion of the bottom of the gage.
I think each boat or gage has it own levels of how to read the gage, I dont think your trim gage is broken.

 

[Billfo]

Re: Tilt & Trim

Thanks for the reply, yeah it s probably not broken, jus the way it was installed.. As said above, there is probably an adjustment.. I will see what I can do in this off season... thanks,.

I run a Lund Tyee with a 115 Merc 2 stroke and my trim dash gage is just like yours, I bet 25% is all of the gage I see/use. The top 3/4 never is used when under driving conditions. I never bothered to check if the gage actually goes all the way up when I am trailering or fully in the up position.
I dont think your gage is broke, I think this is how they run, when on plane and trimmed out I am only using a very small portion of the bottom of the gage.
I think each boat or gage has it own levels of how to read the gage, I dont think your trim gage is broken.

 

[Billfo]

Re: Tilt & Trim

Thanks, I will be hopeful for an adjustment. It will be easier to have the gauge read level when up on plane, expecially when having others drive the boat !

Billfo- see if anyone on the Merc forum here on Iboats knows- I am not sure on a Merc- it is adjustable on an OMC/ BRP outboard, so I would imagine it can easily be done on your Merc as well...but that is speculation on my part...

Good luck!

 

[Navy Jr.]

Re: Tilt & Trim

Our '08 1750 Fisherman is the same. I've learned to think of it as the first 25% is for trim, the remaining 75% is for tilt.

Also, at almost the 3/4 mark is about the furthest I can tilt it before the water intakes near the skeg are no longer submerged. Definitely want to keep it under 3/4 if the motor is running. We have (well, had; there's been a fair amount of rain lately) some shallow ramps where you need to worry about the LU hitting bottom.

Anyway, I doubt seriously if there is an adjustment to make it level when at optimal plane. Perhaps instead you could tape a mark on the outside of the gauge for other drivers. - Ken

 

[Billfo]

Re: Tilt & Trim

Interesting replies. Apparently, it is suppose to be like this... I know my 2 prior Evinrudes were not like this.. Maybe something I just need to re-educate my self to grasp... Again, not earth shattering.. I should just be happy the boat & motor runs great. Seems like Optimax has some issues. For me too soon to tell, but for now I am pleased with our purchase & this forum.. Thanks for all the replies.. !!!!

 

[Billfo]

Re: Tilt & Trim "ISSUE SOLVED" !!!!!

Re: Tilt & Trim "ISSUE SOLVED" !!!!!

I read on another forum that I could adjust by loosening the "sensor" on the port side under motor. All I had to do was to loosen & turn. Once screw was already loose (explains why it was out of whack) . Adjusted & now with motor level, the gauge reads right about in the middle. I am pleased...
Forums.. Gotta love'm..

Billfo- see if anyone on the Merc forum here on Iboats knows- I am not sure on a Merc- it is adjustable on an OMC/ BRP outboard, so I would imagine it can easily be done on your Merc as well...but that is speculation on my part...

Good luck!