Trimming A Motor For Performance

I have an Atlas hydraulic jackplate, along with my 2010 250 HO. What is the proper procedure for trimming the jackplate?

Do you:

Start with it all the way down for the hole shot,

Trim the outboard to get on plane,

Then trim up the jackplate a bit?

Are you just looking for max speed, handling, or a certain rpm range? Or is there an inch measurement under the hull to take note of in the garage?

I guess what I'm asking is, what indicates that I am at optimum trim level with the hydraulic jackplate?

I guess a good place to start would be to know what kind of hull you running? http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif

It's a 2010 Z520, dual console. Be carrying a heavy load most of the time. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif

Also what kind of prop are you running and what kind of numbers you have RPM wise. A good place to start is to set your motor at about 3.5" below the pad. Tuck your motor all the way in on take off and trim out from there until you get full trim. Keep and eye on your RPM's and water pressure. Then start bumping up on the plate until your water pressure drops and the RPM's start to climb and no more speed is gained. Then bump it down a bit untill the pressure comes back up. When you are set properly your rooster tail should be level with the top of your cowl at full trim.

Thank you! That's the advice I was looking for.

It's a 3 blade Raker, and I just bought the boat this winter, and haven't had it on the water yet. Thus the questions.

But the ice is rotting fast...<grin>

One more quick question--what part of the lower unit should be 3-1/2" below the pad?

I'm thinking I can take this initial measurement in the garage, and make a reference mark on the jackplate, and go from there on the water. Thanks again for the help. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/bows.gif I've been running bass boats for 15 years, but this is the first hydraulic jack plate, and know there is some fine tuning to get 200# of soft plastics up on pad. <bigger grin> http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by hawg whacker &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">

One more quick question--what part of the lower unit should be 3-1/2" below the pad? </td></tr></table>

Center on prop shaft.

Thanks t-bone. What are you fishin' this year? I might see you.