What should trim gauge read when underway?

[MikeDobbs]

To clarify: When I purchased my boat the trim gauge did not work. I replaced the sender and limit switch when doing the bellows- and finally got around the redoing the wiring to the gauge today. Here's the thing. I followed the directions and set the gauge to down when the drive was full down, but when I raise the drive to it's max height (for being underway) the gauge only reads just past half way up. The trim gauge does not read full up until I raise the drive all the way to the trailer position. This is an Alpha One gen 2 drive.

This is my first boat, so I don't know if this is how it's supposed to work or not. I had assumed the gauge would read full up when the outdrive was in the full up position for motoring (20.75 inches on the rams).

Thanks for any assistance

 

[Alumarine]

You can rotate the sender so the gauge reads how you want it to read.
I've set mine so at maximum Trim up it shows half way on the gauge and on full Tilt (trailer position) it shows full up.

 

[MikeDobbs]

Okay- that's about how mine is currently reading.

I guess my question is: is it possible to set it so that the gauge reads full up when trimmed to maximum up trim while underway, and full down when full down? Or is this just more travel than the gauge is designed for?

 

[Bt Doctur]

No, the gauge will read full trim down ,about a 1/3 to 1/2 when the trim limit is reached ,and full up in trailer position

 

[achris]

..., but when I raise the drive to it's max height (for being underway) the gauge only reads just past half way up. The trim gauge does not read full up until I raise the drive all the way to the trailer position. ...

That's sounds exactly like they are supposed to work....

Chris.....

 

[stonyloam]

I am not sure how my trim gauge works, I am not even sure IF it works LOL! I don't think I have looked at in years. Learn to trim your boat by feel and watching the tachometer. As you approach your most efficient trim, your RPM will increase, then tweek it for the best ride. You will want to be on it all of the time, if someone moves forward or aft, or you turn into or away from the wind, or you change the throttle setting, retrim. If you try to trim using the gauge rather then the feel of the boat at the helm you will most likely never get the best ride or efficiency out of your boat. I usually trim it fairly flat to get it up on plane then trim up to the point where it just starts to porpoise a little then back down to get a good ride, then it is throttle and trim for the best ride for your passengers.

 

[achris]

.... I usually trim it fairly flat to get it up on plane then trim up to the point where it just starts to porpoise a little then back down to get a good ride, then it is throttle and trim for the best ride for your passengers.

Perfect... :thumb:

And if you need another 'rule of thumb'... NEVER trim nose down in a following sea!

 

[MikeDobbs]

Thanks for the input everyone! I'm glad to hear the gauge is working as intended. As for "learning to trim without the gauge," I'm totally with you there. I just want to have the gauge as a reference for where the drive is- particularly when heading into shallow waters near a beach or island, etc.

Thanks again

 

[Bt Doctur]

that gauge is called a "depth sounder" you get to 4 feet of water, stop the engine , and anchor it, and swim to shore.