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Trim and the pontoon

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Dev75

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Finally got our 22 SSX (Yamaha 115) out yesterday for the 2nd time and took some time to play around with all of the features..etc.  Being a new owner I have researched everything to a level of craziness but was glad to finally be able to put everything to practice.  My question is with trim and a pontoon boat.  I have lifting strakes and it seemed like I got up to a nice smooth level around 10mph every time but not sure if this was the strakes or the trim.  Any advice on how to best utilize the trim with pontoon boats.  I have had a few people tell me that it really doesn't matter as much on a pontoon.  I have to imagine trim plays a role at higher speeds and gas use...etc?
 
Trim IS different on pontoon boats and varies based on strakes, horsepower, mounting height, prop, number of tubes, weight distribution, inc. location of fuel tank, speed, water conditions...... See what I mean? What works for one doesn't work for the next.


Because of so many variables, you are just going to have to experiment until you find a "sweet spot" knowing it will change based on the situation and conditions.


Use your ear and tach to be sure you aren't cavitating or blowing out.


The cool thing is while you are experimenting, YOU ARE ON A BOAT!
 
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goldnrod24 said:
Trim IS different on pontoon boats and varies based on strakes, horsepower, mounting height, prop, number of tubes, weight distribution, inc. location of fuel tank, speed, water conditions...... See what I mean? What works for one doesn't work for the next.


Because of so many variables, you are just going to have to experiment until you find a "sweet spot" knowing it will change based on the situation and conditions.


Use your ear and tach to be sure you aren't cavitating or blowing out.


The cool thing is while you are experimenting, YOU ARE ON A BOAT!
Click to expand...

Yep exactly.  You'll just have to experiment a bit with the boat.  I'm still fine-tuning mine regarding exactly where the trim should be set at.  The first time I took it out I cruised at about 30 and just starting changing the trim settings and watched how it affected the rpm's and speed.  My motor is super heavy so it automatically brings the rear of the boat down.  Underway, I've found it's the happiest when I only trim it at about 3 (out of 10 bars).    Most of the time I just set it at that and leave it alone the rest of the day.
 
Another thought I just had: Some boats turn better and don't blow out the prop when trimmed down through the turn. This is especially true when accelerating during a turn.


If you are pulling water toys, trim down, too.
 
At 10 mph,it's the strakes that are bringing you out of the water. Seriously doubt that ant trimming of your motor would make a difference. But at higher speeds,different story. As stated before, you should  trim up a little at a time and listen to the motor, watch your tach and speed. You'll see your speed increase while the tach stays the same. If your speed starts to drop and your tach revs higher,drop the trim a bit. It's a great time figuring out a new boat.Enjoy
 
Thanks guys, this is a great forum and your help is very much appreciated! 
 
Trim is also a factor in steering effort.  If you find the steering effort heavy, trim up/down a little and find where it gets easy.. You will still have to figure out if you need to trim in while maneuvering to mitigate blowout.


Richard
 
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