Owner`s manual

2-4
Section 2 Helm Systems
OS 385
motors to turn. A slight clicking sound may
be heard as the wheel is turned. This sound
is the opening and closing of valves in the
helm unit and is normal. Refer to the steer-
ing manufacturer owner’s manual for spe-
cific information on the steering system.
Dual engine outboards are coupled at the til-
ler arms by a tie bar. The outboards must be
aligned with each other to provide maximum
stability on straight ahead runs and proper
tracking through corners. If damage has
ever occurred with the outboards or steering
system, the outboards may have to be
realigned.
Power Steering
The power steering system uses an electri-
cally controlled hydraulic pump to provide
power to the standard hydraulic steering
system. Additional components are a helm
mounted power steering switch and a
hydraulic pump. The switch activates the
power steering feature. Manual steering is
always available regardless of the switch
position. To reduce the sensitivity of the
steering, turn off the power steering at low
speeds. To conserve battery power, because
of limited engine charging output during
extended periods of slow speed operation,
the power steering should be turned off.
Refer to the Teleflex® Power Assist manual
for more information.
Tilt Helm
A tilt helm, steering wheel may be installed
on your boat. To tilt the helm, depress the
lever located in the base of the helm and
lock into position. DO NOT adjust when the
boat is underway.
2.9 Trim Tabs
The trim tabs are recessed into the hull on
the transom. Switches are used to control
the trim tabs. The switches are labeled and
control bow up and down movements. They
also control starboard and port up and down
movements. Bow up and bow down will con-
trol the hull planning attitude, while port and
starboard up and down provide control for
the hull trim side to side.
Before leaving the dock, make sure that the
tabs are in the full “UP” position by holding
the control in the bow "UP" position for ten
seconds. Do not continue to operate the
switch when the tabs are fully up or down.
Establish the intended heading and cruise
speed before attempting to adjust the hull
attitude with the trim tabs. Always make
slight adjustments to reduce over adjust-
ments. After stabilizing speed and direction,
move the trim tabs to achieve a level side to
side running attitude being careful not to
over trim.
After depressing a trim tab switch, always
wait a few seconds for the change in the trim
plane to take effect.
Avoid depressing the switch while awaiting
the trim plane reaction. By the time the effect
is noticeable the trim tab plane will have
moved too far and the boat will be in an
overcompensated position.
When running at a speed that will result in
the boat falling off plane, lowering the tabs
slightly, bow down, will improve the running
angle and operating efficiency. Too much
bow down tabs can reduce operating effi-
ciency and cause difficult steering and han-
dling.
When running at high speeds, make sure
the tabs are in the full “UP” position. Only
enough trim plane action should be used to
compensate for any listing. Trim tabs are
more sensitive at higher speeds. Adjust for
this and be prepared to slow down if difficul-
ties arise.
Be extremely careful when operating in a fol-
lowing sea. The effect of trim tabs is ampli-
fied under these conditions. Difficulty in
steering and handling can result from
improper trim tab usage, especially in a fol-
! CAUTION
Some autopilot systems have engine
position sensors mounted to the
hydraulic steering cylinder. The sen-
sor bracket can contact the transom
when the engines are fully tilted up
and damage the autopilot, engine rig-
ging or transom. Monitor the bracket
and rigging while engines are tilting to
determine the best position for your
application.