How do I use the trim to the best effect on my boat? Volvo sterndrive with +&- settings on the trim control?
Answers:
In the water just sitting, set the trim all the way down. When you hit the throttle and the boat begins to rise out of the water begin trimming the motor up. The higher the motor is trimmed the less boat remains in contact with the water. Safety takes over here, so understand that on smooth water the appropriate trim will be different than it will be in rough water. On smooth water there is a point that can only be determined by feel that is the optimum point where the boat is out of the water far enough to reduce drag and run fast, but enough boat is in contact with the water to maintain stability. If you get into rough water, trim the motor down from this position and it forces the nose down to plow through the rough stuff. As you slow down, trim the motor down to keep the nose down out of your sight line.
Above sounds real good. Also, if, you have the Trim up too high the Boat can Porpoise on you, that when the Bow going up and Down like a Porpoise/Dolphin. You can also use the RPM gage to go for a maximum RPM. Different Water conditions, Skier and number of people and where they sit can dictate were the Trim need to be.
simple enough. after you have reached the desired speed just "touch, touch, touch", the trim up untill the boat begins to cavitate {bow rising and falling} then "touch" the trim back down a time or two untill it smoothes out
fit a trim gauge, if you dont already have one, so you know where your leg is without having to physically see it.
optimum trim is the prop being as parrellel to the water surface as possible. that gives you maximum forward thrust. too high or too low, is wasting thrust in trying to lift or pull the stern up or down.
trim until your as horizontal to the water line as possible, and the bow is, raise slightly. but the boat runs level. as said, to much and you can get caviatation, which is just like wheel spin. thats another reason, a gauge is good to have. since it stern drive, you cant see the leg. gauge will help you avoid making an often costly mistake, of ovr tiling th engine, and the prop leaving the water. this will cause your engine to rev up substantially beyond its limit, and water pickup lost, resulting in engine damage. most newer engines have prevention against that, using 2 stage tilt systems, tilt/trim, or a visual or auidble warning system, but, just somet to be careful of
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