www.iFourWinns.com

This may be a dumb question but my last boat with a merc outdrive had a limit switch to prevent too much trim when running the drive. The new boat VP 5.7 SX, does not seem to have that. How much trim is too much? Is it the same for both idle speed and running on plane? There is an indicator on the trim gauge at about the 4:00 position. Is this max??

Chris

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2004 230 Horizon
5.7GI/SX
Towed by a 2000 Expedition

You're right, your new boat has no limiter. A lot of people trim too much. On mine, only a little ways off of full-down is optimum.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Trim is one of those things you just have to develop a feel for. It will be different depending on the load & conditions. If the rpm's start going up & speed down then you went too far.

The trim gauges are analog and indications provided vary greatly between boats. You need to get familiar with your gauge readings and actual trim levels. The owners manul for your outdrive will provide suggested trim ranges for different circumstances, in general you want to idle at the lowest trim position that depth of water will allow. I foget the specific angle recommended, but exceeding this angle above idle speed can damage the outdrive (u-joints, I imagine). Always start out with the trim full down before accelerating above idle speed and do not adjust trim until a plane has been attained. From there, trim is used for bow up or down as needed, and at full throttle the speedometer can be used as an indication of optimal trim levels - trim for max speed.

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2007 Horizon 200
4.3L GXi/ SX 225 HP

The Four Winns stable vee hull and duoprop's do change the ammount of up trim you can have. I have found that the fastest boat speed has been obtained when you trim up until you get "porposing" where the bow goes up and down slowly, then you trim down until the boat settles to a smooth steady ride.
I am not sure that is the most economical speed for a given RPM -- but my guess is that is pretty close. (I will have to check my fuel flow meter one time and experiment a bit more.)

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DaleG -- West Palm Beach FL
2003 240Horizon -- 5.7Gi -Duoprop

Those are the same methods I always use as well. It seemed the "extra" mark on the trim gauge is there for a reason and I figured maybe it was max running trim. Coincidentally, or not so coincidentally, it is where the boat starts to porpoise and slow down anyway...

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2004 230 Horizon
5.7GI/SX
Towed by a 2000 Expedition

I agree with above that you need to feel the optimum trim based on the condition and load. Trim gauge is use for reference only…….My trim gauge might need to be adjusted but I am hitting an optimum trim position. If I bring trim down all the way the needle goes right on the FW logo……


PS: yes I have an 8 year old kid riding on Bow………..

I can hear your boat going , ca ching, ca ching, ca ching, ca ching. Nothing better than the $50 high speed runs on our 260. I love my big block eh?

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2001 Horizon 260 - 7.4 Volvo GSI DP

Even in the "still" photo, I can see your gas gauge dropping...

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Current Boat:
2004 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer "Nauti Luvin'"

Previous Boats:
1999 298 Vista "Seas The Day"
2008 H200SS "Nauti Luv"
2006 Tahoe Q4

Sir Isaac Newton discovered “Gravity” when he watched an apple drop… What can we discover when the Fuel Gauge drops other than banker’s name?

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08 H260 VP 8.1Gi DP.....Previous
2013 Crownline E6 Merc 8.2MAG BIIIX, DTS/SC