Trim on a 2001 Bayliner 185

Question

I have a 185 bayliner, i put the trim all the way down starting out and slowly raise it when i get to my speed. Im new to boating and today when i was just sitting in the water with my engine off i tried to put the trim up all the way and it only went to half(thats what it showed on my gauge) i have a trailering button that raises it up all the way but i dont want to do that i just want to raise it up as far as its allowed to go without using the trailering button. Does it only go up half way then?

Hope you understand.

Answer 1

A two button trim system is specifically designed to do this.  The main trim switch is used for completely lowering the lower unit AND raising it up only to the safest point to raise it while still keeping it under water.

Basically, the limit on this switch prevents you from raising the trim so high while the engine is running that the water coolant intake is above water.  If this happens, it only takes 50 seconds or less to burn up a lower unit water pump impeller if it does not have a constant source of water.

The second trim button, "trailering" allows it to trim to the highest point possible.  This is needed when you are pulling the boat out of the water and have the engine OFF.

How I know, I have a 2 button trim system on my controls.  Most Mercrusier sterndrive systems use this system.

Answer 2

Yes, it's working correctly, I think!  The drive has a trim limit switch, that limits the travel in the up direction.  The trailer switch overrides the limit switch so thar the drive will reach it's full up position.  It sounds like you are using it correctly while underway.  Good Boating!