Trim vs. Tilt

[RichmondVa]

I just bought a nitro z8 and it should be here in the next few days.  My last boat didn't have a hydraulic jack plate so I would always use the tilt button on the throttle to adjust the motor.  The new boat will have a hydraulic jack plate and trim lever.  My question is this; When do you use one or the other?  Do you use both when running the boat?  Do you tilt the motor down and only use the jack plate when running?  Any advise would be greatly appreciated as this will be something new to me.

[K2Racing]

Typically, you use the jackplate to adjust for optimal running conditions. You will be able to find the sweet spot with the motor for top end performance while running, which those with manual jackplate can not do as we have to change the position out of the water and then test run again. Once you find that, you will be able to make a note of it and always return to the position with the switch. One huge advantage as well is running in shallow water, you will be able to get the boat on plane by raising the jackplate. This is another huge advantage when idling across shallow or stumpy waters as it will allow you to keep the boat more level. When you trim up the motor, the bow has a tendency to lift making it difficult to see in front of you. You made a wise decision to go the extra for the hydraulic. You can basically set it up however you like, once you find a good spot, its business as usual and youll use trim to get on plane and adjust as normal.

[RichmondVa]

K2, thanks for the info.  I really appreciate it.

[K2Racing]

Absolutely. You made a nice choice. Wish you the best of luck

[RichmondVa]

Finally got the boat this past weekend and was able to enjoy it a little while breaking in the motor.  I'm hoping someone could help me clear up some things.  The Tracker marine mechanic that ran me through my orientation confused me a little on when to use the jackplate vs. the trim on motor when getting on plane, running, and tweaking the performance of the boat.  He told me to use the trim on the motor first when getting on plane up to spead and to use my jackplate to tweak the handling or sweet spot of the boat.  This sounds different from what I've read or heard or I may have just misunderstood.   

It's not a big issue now as I am still in the break-in period and all that has to be down anyway.  So, if anyone could, please explain how these are used in unison when driving the boat.  Thanks in advance for any help.  This is all new to me and just want an understanding before jumping right in.

[Mike Cork]

The mechanic has it right but....Your hydraulic jack plate will have variables. You'll find through experimenting (all settings are slightly different for different boats, even in the same brand) that your best hole shot position may not be in the full down position. So play with different settings and see where you get the best hole shot. Then mark it and always set it there when taking off. Now if you're in shallow water you will want to know just how high you can set the jack plate and still get on plane from idle, this won't be your optimum setting but could save a lower unit if you have to get on pad in shallow water.

For max speed, always start with your jack plate low and work up to your sweet spot. This allows the boat to lift to that spot. So if you have to take off in shallow water, once on pad lower the plate below where your found your best performance and slowly move back up to it. This allows the hull to step into the sweet spot with the right lift and air under the hull.

Hope this helps some.

[RichmondVa]

Thanks for the help.  Any and all responses are greatly appreciated. This will be a learning experience that I'm looking forward to.

[merc1997]

for good dry hull mid-range cruising, you will find that you need to be lower than when looking for the right spot at wot.  a hydraulic jack plate is an investment that you will never regret.

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