Timming my Outboard (not a power trim)

[diskord]

So I have an old '68 Merc 1000 outboard that I am trying to "dial in" on my new (to me) boat.

The old owner had the outboard set on the 2nd from the bottom trim setting (the outboard just has a bunch of holes that I run a bar through, and then the outboard rests on the bar). Everything I have read on trim is to adjust by "feel" but as a first time boat owner it is hard for me to know what I am supposed to be feeling, and since that thing is so heavy it isn't the most fun to lift up and down constantly.

What I am wondering is what some "guidelines" are for setting trim. For example, I put a level on my trailer, and using my trailer jack I got my trailer perfectly level, so in theory the boat is now level as well (although I notice this makes it pretty bow high, as the top of the boat isn't level with the bottom of the boat). Anyway, with the boat level on the trailer, the prop is pointing down at a 10 or 15 degree angle. Does this seem right? Everything I have read says that I want to be bow high when cruising, and not "knifing" in to the water.

At full throttle it isn't porpoising, but the steering (not power steering either) definitely gets "heavy" but I don't know if that is how it is supposed to feel or not.

Here is how it looks:

(note, the driveway is slanted down but I have the trailer level, and the house should be level [I hope!] so I tried to use it as a guide for vertical level out of the top of the motor when taking the picture) The boat is sitting stern high from the perspective of the top of the boat, but the bottom of the boat, as sitting on the trailer, is level.

 

[coolguy147]

Re: Timming my Outboard (not a power trim)

you ahve lots to learn lol


put the motor in the upright position and lock it up there.

take the rod out and move to 3rd or 4th hole outwards from transom. you will see a big improvement on performance.

if the 3rd hole i fine. no venting then go to 4th if that is ok then go to 5th and soo on

you will probablu find that the 3rd or 4th hole outwards is the best.

 

[diskord]

Re: Timming my Outboard (not a power trim)

you ahve lots to learn lol


put the motor in the upright position and lock it up there.

take the rod out and move to 3rd or 4th hole outwards from transom. you will see a big improvement on performance.

if the 3rd hole i fine. no venting then go to 4th if that is ok then go to 5th and soo on

you will probablu find that the 3rd or 4th hole outwards is the best.

I agree! I have TONS to learn, lol.

I plan to pull tubers/skiers/etc for most of my boating, when pulling someone which direction do I want to try and trim for better performance?

BTW, thanks for the help, really appreciated!

 

[milmat1]

Re: Timming my Outboard (not a power trim)

I asked the same question when I got my boat,
Like me with no power trim you must trade off a bit of top speed for a quicker plane. And Vise Versa. I just started in the lowest hole, Made some Holeshots to get on plane. Then moved to the Max trim setting and done the same again. That will quickly get you a feel for the two extremes. Then start moving it down one hole at a time until your happy with the launch AND the Cruising..
Also you can add Smart tabs or a Planer plate that will allow you to stay planed at slower speeds.. But Again you'll sacrifice some top speed...

 

[coolguy147]

Re: Timming my Outboard (not a power trim)

tubing i would see 2nd or 3rd hole. 2nd a bit better.

i always want the most top speed how i see it is that you're on plane most of the time?

but again every boat is different. look for the extremes then aorund there you'll get the feel

trial and error is all that it is.

later you can really tune the motor by changing props(make sure it stays within your engines recommended rpms)