Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

I am planning to install a trim guage on my boat.

Is this the trim sensor (round thing)?
If yes, is all I need really just the trim guage for a Merc outoard.

Thanks

I'm new to this, but the sensor gauge is to determine the relative "Up - Down" location. Correct ?

Sooooo.... This may be just me thinking here, but don't you estimate the need to trim based on the "feel" of the boat in the prevailing conditions (as opposed to reading a gauge) ?

Normally the ones I've seen have a lever on them that moves when you tilt. What does the other side of that look like?

RobRoy wrote:I'm new to this, but the sensor gauge is to determine the relative "Up - Down" location. Correct ?

Sooooo.... This may be just me thinking here, but don't you estimate the need to trim based on the "feel" of the boat in the prevailing conditions (as opposed to reading a gauge) ?

The prime reason I want the guage is to return the boat to the correct trim after I take off. What I do now, with the motor in the lower most position, I count three to four seconds but it would be easier to simply rely on a visual indicator. I agree the feel is key but on my particular boat, however it is super trim sensitive due to the lifting strakes and the slightest tweak can make severl more MPH.

No pic of other side but I can get one.

That might be either a trim sensor or possibly a trim limiter. You can tell by taking an ohmmeter between the output wire and ground. Then trim up and down. If the ohms change smoothly, then it is a sender. If they change all at once (like a switch), it is a limiter.
Most outboards use a mechanical limiter (trim limit bar).
Assuming it is a sender, then yes, all you need is a gauge.
Trim gauges rule, especially on touchy boats. They also can keep a captain from making stupid moves like taking off with the motor trimmed way out after leaving a beach. Or starting the motor when it is out of the water. Not that I have ever done any of these things....

wrd1972: yes, that's the trim sensor. I just installed a trim gauge on my Suntracker. I have a 2009 Mercury EFI 90hp 4S. The stock sensor is analog, and the analog trim gauge will connect right up. Nice knowing where your motor is underway.

I'm going to keep an eye on this if you decide to put a gauge on. I have been wanting to put a trim gauge on mine as well.

Helps me with testing props, I can see where a specific prop likes to run and compare it to another. And its nice to have when exploring the shallows, when you want to go where no one else can! I can't see the outboard from the captains chair, so I rely on the trim/tilt gauge. (and the water pressure gauge, too)