If I use the drive trim switch on the throttle lever, one of the drives changes trim faster than the other (I'm making an assumption that the indicators are accurate). I'm then forced to go to the panel switches to equalize the trim...sort of defeats the purpose of the throttle mounted switch. Is there a way to adjust this to equalize the drive movement?

Let me know if you find a way!

I'm not sure about anybody else , but I've never seen two move at the same rate

try it out of the water to make sure they trim differently.
might just be your indicator is hanging up or dirty.

New boat = fun begins

Check the indicators out of water as already said. If ok, then:

Check fluid levels on the drive pumps.
Raise / lower both all of the way several times - sometimes helps
Listen to the pumps - is one running faster (higher pitch) than the other? Maybe bad / corroded electrical connections, check and clean. Also a good time to check the battery / engine block connections as well for corrosion. Those pumps require a fair amount of juice, so it's important that all connections are known to be good.

If none of that works, go out and run it a few times - sometimes this happens when the boat sits for a long time. If you're lucky it may go away. If not, consult the tech q/a forum !

Good luck.

You guys are going to get tired of me asking questions...

I've got a bunch more issues rattling around in my head...I'm spacing them out just to keep things interesting....

I see an invention opportunity...what about a programmable, digitally controlled trim system? It could have a memory setting...push a button and both drives move to 6 in unison (or whatever). Also, a step function...push another button and both drives move by 1 either up or down. Push another button and both drives move all the way down. Just need a little venture capital...

Very doable .....

That won't come from Merc, then they would be admitting a flaw in their product, which is not possible!

It's most likely the different pump and pump motor rates. It is extremely hard to get two pumps/pump motors to run at exactly the same rate.

If the rate is off by a bunch, could be one of your pump motors is going south, happened to mine.