Skip to content

Loading/Unloading Bass Boat Trim?

Featured Replies

Hi guys I just got my first bass boat a 1990 Ranger 393v.   Love it so far just wondering what I should have the trim set to when loading / unloading from the trailer.  Thank you!  

 

Matt

  • Super User

Depends on how deep the access is.  Generally just have the outboard deep enough so that its sucking in water through the intake and then go from there.

I leave my trim all the way up going in the water.
And once it’s on the trailer in the water and the bow is hooked to the crank I raise it all the way up and pull it out of the water.

  • Super User

It is different depending on if you are by your self or not and how you unload.  If you back in, climb aboard, start the motor, then push off, you need it deep enough to pick up water while running.  If you unload with a rope, leave it up until you are in the boat ready to get underway.
 

When power loading trim up enough to keep the motor from hitting the ramp as you move onto the trailer.  This will also raise the bow and facilitate the loading process.  
 

Repetition makes everything easier.

  • Super User

Trim up to have enough power to get the bow onto to the trailer's roller.

 

BE SURE TO KEEP MOTOR TRIMMED UP FAR ENOUGH TO AVOID DRAGGING THE LOWER UNIT OR PROP ON THE RAMP.

trim it all the way up

  • Super User

What he said.

  • Super User

Get familiar with the trim of your outboard, it should have a trim indicator. 

The optimal trim is the level when running wot on the pad, somewhere between 1/2 to 3/4 depending on your boat and engine set up. Let's say for discussion (3/4) is trim setting and that is where you want it set when luanching and loading the boat onto the trailer to give you enough bow lift and protect the prop. After loading the boat, then raise the trim a few inches higher to prevent the prop ot skeg hitting the ramp when pulling out. No need to trim it all the way up, it results in the engine flopping overtoone side spinning the steering wheel.

Remember after launching to lower the trim before putting the boat on plane, then trim back up to (3/4).

When fishing alone have all the dock tie downs and bumpers attached and ready to use. Back up next to the dock about 12" to 18" away from the trailer fender. Get into your boat and start your engine if the prop is under water before continuing to launch, unhook the bow strap and check the drain plug. Back down and stop as soon as the boat starts to float, the fender should be about 1" above the water on most bass boats. Now get in the boat and back it off the trailer and secure the tie downs to the dock. Park tour tow vehicle and go fishing. Reverse the proceedure when loading the boat, taking note the water level on the trailer fenders when the boat started to float, that is where you want the trailer when loading.

Tom

  • Super User

All ramps are different. I agree with @Sam Trim it up enough to get loaded/unloaded without prop or skeg damage and it must be high enough to not suck sand and mud into your intakes. When loading, take a running start if you can and let the trajectory of the hull do all the work. 

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

Recently Browsing 0

  • No registered users viewing this page.

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.