Trim gauge needed?

[teddybearpapa]

I am a very novice so any experiences would be helpful. We have a 1971 Reinell RV1950 sedan boat for cruising and fishing. We just switched to a Merc 1500 (115HP) and a power trim/tilt. Do I need to install a trim gauge? How would I best use this new feature? I needed it so I would not need to move the motor up manually. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I am a novice.

 

[gss036]

Re: Trim gauge needed?

Are you talking about outboard engine? If so, I don't think you need the guage, I took my out and replaced w/a water pressure guage. Much more valuable and lets you know how your water pump is doing. If it is an I/O, maybe but you can trim by feel once you get used to the boat.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Trim gauge needed?

The trim gauge just lets you know the amount that the lower unit is tilted up or down. It's not really a necessity, but it's nice to have. If you have power tilt and trim now on the motor, you will not have to move it up and down manually, trim gauge or no trim gauge...

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Trim gauge needed?

First of all if you have a Merc 1500, it is 150 HP and not newer than 1977. Secondly, there was not a gauge made for that motor. If you want to install power trim and tilt, you need to either consider an aftermarket unit, or scrounge up an OEM unit at a junkyard or on e-Bay.

 

[teddybearpapa]

Re: Trim gauge needed?

Sorry about this but thanks for the info. It is a Merc 1150 from 1972. It is an outboard. This is my first boat so I guess I'll learn on this one and then upgrade in a year or two.

Thanks