In 'Plane' Sight

How to correct sterndrive trim problems.

 

- Stuart Reichardt

When chatting to other sterndrive boaters, questions often pop up about anomalies associated with incorrect sterndrive trim. There are usually two main issues that come up in discussion. Either it’s operator error or it is the incorrect mechanical setup of the boat that is hindering its performance. With the latter, often it is simply getting the correct trim methods right which will eliminate problems such as sluggish speeds, porpoising, wandering and pounding on the hull.Here are 5 solutions to sterndrive problems encountered by our readers.

Hennie van Aswegen writes: My boat tends to pound into the swell and waves and often takes water over the bow. How can I stop this occurring?

The cause of such a scenario is often too much speed, particularly in rough water. Alternatively, the propeller could be trimmed too low, which will drive the stern up and the bow down. The most likely solution is your trim is out of adjustment. Begin by pulling your trim tabs up fully if you have them fitted to your boat. Now trim the propeller up slowly until the boat’s ride improves.