Trim

[johnsonjam02]

The first time I took my boat out it pulled hard to the right. I read the thread about adjusting trim to correct pulling. I took the boat out today and adjusting the trim seems to help alot. When I speed up or slow down I have to change the trim again. I often over adjust and it seems like the boat is going to launch like a rocket out ot the water. I spend so much time worrying about the trim that I don't get to spend much time enjoying boating. Does it ever get easier like where it is just something I can do without thinking about it. I never see other people messing with the trim on their boats.

1985 Champion Fish and Ski 175hp Merc

 

[The Rooster]

Re: Trim

Have you looked at the position of the torque tab, a small fin below the cavitation plate and just behind the prop. It's usually adjustable and can help w/ torque steer problems. Small moves slightly right or left of center may do the trick. !!!

 

[johnsonjam02]

Re: Trim

Have you looked at the position of the torque tab, a small fin below the cavitation plate and just behind the prop. It's usually adjustable and can help w/ torque steer problems. Small moves slightly right or left of center may do the trick. !!!

I have to keep the boat at a storage place so It is locked up for the night. I will take a look at it in the morning. Thanks for the advice.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Trim

Yeah, take a look, you shouldn't have to adjust trim for left or right pull. Here is a guide.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Trim

JJ - on a performance boat like you have, you may adjust the small fin above and behind the prop left or right to counter some of the torque of the motor, at some trim angles. Generally you cannot counter all the torque at all trim and speed settings. The best thing to do is to set the fin to a position that reduces torque-steer to a minimum amount, at a modest trim setting at a normal cruising speed. As an example, I set my Merc's anode so my speedboat will cruise at about 45MPH, with about 1/2 trim. The boat rides light and the steering is light at that speed/trim. Higher speed/trim causes the boat to pull left.

 

[johnsonjam02]

Re: Trim

Okay I am going to try all of these things. I am going to wait for a less windy day and find a boat ramp that is not so busy. That way I can trailer the boat as often as I need to make adjustments.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Trim

Okay I am going to try all of these things. I am going to wait for a less windy day and find a boat ramp that is not so busy. That way I can trailer the boat as often as I need to make adjustments.

It should just be one center bolt that you loosen to get it to turn. You can lift/tilt the motor while on the water and adjust it with a socket/wrench and test again. Just make sure your motor is off and you don't fall in the water. You don't have to move it much to see a difference sometimes, try a 1/4 inch to half inch at a time. Good luck. Keep in mind the proper prop is important also.