OMC trim and tilt

[Costello]

I just bought a 1979 deck boat with 185 hp OMC (I/O)--800 series Stringer. I had my "boat guy" look it over before I dropped it in the water. He replaced the trim and tilt motor and gave it a tune up. He told me that the lower unit should either be up (trailering) or down (boating)--no in between, otherwise I will do serious damage inside. The lower unit moves very quickly to either position. Also, there is a second switch that lowers and raises the lower unit by 4 to 6 inches (I've never seen that before).<br /><br />So, I followed his advice. Living on a shallow lake, I quickly tore up my prop. Not only that, but I had no way to adjust the boat at higher speeds--the front end was perched too high.<br /><br />On my previous boat, I could adjust the trim and tilt accordingly.<br /><br />Am I doing something wrong? Thanks for the help!

 

[jasonv]

Re: OMC trim and tilt

I too have a 185 OMC 800 series and they are a dying bread. Your "boat guy" was right about the lower unit being up when trailering and down when running. If you try to run with the lower unit in between you'll quickly be replacing parts. My original owners manual says that for"emergencies" you can raise the unit while under power but otherwise advises against it. <br /><br />As for the unit going up and down quickly thats a good thing. The second switch your refering to is what I'm presuming is the trim on the shifter/throttle. It works with a worm gear and in basic terms a collapsable/expandable threaded rod that is powered by the 12 volt motor. That 6 inches of travel is the max you're going to get and thus makes the 800 Stringer series a bit of a pain.<br /><br />Don't really know too much else about your trim problems, maybe have to look at a different size prop to meet the needs of the boat and lake.<br /><br />Hope that helps.

 

[McKenzie]

Re: OMC trim and tilt

Hey New2Boating: what was wrong with the two original posts you had? Is it just me or were most your questions were answered? BTW, what was your previous boat that had trim AND tilt?

 

[Costello]

Re: OMC trim and tilt

McKenzie,<br /><br />Actually, this was my first post! I reposted the message because I thought it got lost in the shuffle (no responses). Sorry, I guess I was getting a little too impatient.<br /><br />The answers that everyone supplied are fantastic. It just reaffirms why I think this is the best site on the Web.<br /><br />Previously owned a 120 hp Mercruiser I/O.<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[McKenzie]

Re: OMC trim and tilt

My bad, i misread and thought that this was a repost.

 

[Crazy]

Re: OMC trim and tilt

I to have a OMC and never run the motor with the drive up !!! Plus I have trim tabs ... Today I ran into a little trouble ... I was in a bay the boat was off and I put the drive up to SCRUB it and the rest of the boat , When it was time to go ... the drive wouldn't come down again .... I was PISSED !!!!!! I had to BUMP the starter with the drive up ... It worked ... it must have been stuck just in the right spot .... My boat before was a Merc I/O I liked that one better .