What determins position of tilt?

[billsnogo]

Clue a new boater in. What are the reasons for adjusting tilt on an outboard? What I am trying to ask, how do you know when to trim it in, or trim it out?

Help a boating brother out, will ya?

ps
more noob questions to follow

Edit:
wrong forum, can a mod move it please? :redface:

 

[gbeardmore]

Re: What determins position of tilt?

My understanding is that the different positions are because not all transoms have the same angle to the water. I believe you basically want the cavitation plate (just above the prop) to be on the same plane as the bottom of the hull. When running up on a plane then, the motor and the bottom of the hull should be parallel to the water surface.

Try holding a 3' or 4' straight edge on the bottom of the hull, running out past the motor, and see how the cavitation plate lines up. That should be a good starting point.

(Hope this makes sense!)

 

[Silvertip]

Re: What determins position of tilt?

The position of the AV plate is not what trim adjustment is for. Engine mounting height is what sets that dimension. Trim adjustment allows adjustment of engine attitude which in turn affects the boat attitude. Trim in means the angle of the engine is pushing the bow of the boat down or relatively level with the surface of the water. Trim out angles the engine away from the transom and the slight downward forces from the engine forces the bow of the boat upward. The idea here is to trim down to get on plane then trim up to raise the bow creating less boat surface in the water and hence faster speeds, smoother ride and less drag. Every boat and even identical boats have different trim settings depending on load and water conditiions. The seat of your pants tells you what the best trim setting is. If you trim out when trying to get on plane the bow of the boat will point rediculously high and you won't be able to see where you are going. Hence, trim in for hole shot. Trim out for cruise.

 

[TahoeQ4Pilot]

Re: What determins position of tilt?

Good question, this newb is going to subscribe to this topic to foolow the other responses.

Silvertip mentions the nose way high when trying to get on plane, that is my issue even when I am trimmed all the way down. I literally cannot ever adjust the trim below full bottom, otherwise its worse. I wondered if there is some adjustment that could be made somewhere?

 

[bigskiohio]

Re: What determins position of tilt?

trail and error with the weight you normally carry. when by myself i would trim
it to push nose down. you want boat to glide on water not push thru it. Put somebody on shore to watch and it should be hitting water halfway point of boat on level plane.