How much trim to use
 

Hello,

I have a 2005 288 with the 496 ho. I was wondering how much trim people are using for top speed. My gauge reads 1/4 for me to get the best speed. Is this to much? I have a picture of the wake but can't figure how to post it.

Thanks

Hi Waterman

I can only speak from my experience - you trim until the maximum rpm for your engine and prop combo are achieved AND the maximum speed. From the sound of your question you are just starting out in boating????

You don't want to trim the engine to extreme to over rev the engine - not a long term good thing. A lot of trim does effect steering. Nor do you want to under trim in and not get as much horsepower out and just plow thru the water. You will just have to play with it to get the feel where you are-- the sweet spot. Also the wind, waves and people in the boat etc., have a huge effect on how much to trim the boat.

Regarding what the gage says -- you may need to have the trim senders adjusted. Once you get it dialed in you will be able to quickly bring the drive to an approximate position on the gage and then once up to speed tweak it a little. It just takes time and each boat and day are going to be a little different.

Hope this help

3pointstar

Hello,

Thank you for your reply. I am not new to boating (not saying I am a expert)and have over 400 hours since ordering my boat ten years ago. After reading my post I think I should redue my question.

I have noticed that I have to use a lot more trim to reach top speed then in the past. I have more of a rooster tail then I'm used to seeing. I took my dealer for a ride and he said it was normal. I wondering if other people have the same situation.Your right, the gauge is probably off. I have my dealer do the out drive service every year.

I am having a serious problem with vibration going over 4500rpm and maxing out at 56 mph. It doesn't happen all the time. I usually cruise between 3500-4200.
My max rpm is 4800-5000 and 70 mph.

The vibration happens with the trim up or down and I will be taking the mechanic for a ride soon to try to figure what the problem is.

Thanks again

All boats are different, all conditions are different.... I have a totally different boat, but like I said...

Flat water I trim up untill it starts bouncing like a kangaroo on crack, than I will give it a tap or two down. Rough water I keep the drive pretty much neutral and control things with the tabs.

^^You should find your neutral.. thats where the drive is on the same plane as the hull. (not tucked in). That is always a good base line to know.

Most my other boats i would trim until blow out or cavitate of the prop to find the sweet spot before standing on it and taking it to speed.

I find my 32 runs fairly flat once up so over trimming wont give the bow up response.

Possibly over trimming may have stressed a U joint or gimble bearing on your 288 and could be the vibration you mention with loss of speed. It should be a easy fix for your Mechanic and get you ready for the season.

^^^Spot on. Trimming to the moon won't help. Shouldn't have much if any "roost" running from my experience with my 288. 68-70 is normal top speed and your RPM range sounds good. Beyond neutral it should only take 4-5 "taps" of the trim to be in the sweet spot. Tapping it is an awesome method to learn as opposed to just holding it. Gives the boat time to settle and you to better understand how it is responding to driver input