How to Trim a Small Manual Outboard Motor: The Tilt Pin, Hole by Hole
No buttons, no hydraulics, just a steel rod through a row of holes. Get that rod in the right hole and your boat rides flatter, steers lighter and uses less petrol.
How to trim a small manual outboard motor: stop the motor, tilt it up, pull the tilt pin (trim rod) from the transom bracket and refit it one hole further out to lift the bow, or one hole closer to the transom to lower it. Test and repeat.
Georgie’s tinnie that bounced like a kangaroo
Georgie bought a 3.9 m (13 ft) tinnie with a 9.9 HP tiller from a retiree who used it mostly for trolling. The first time she opened the throttle across the bay, the bow rose, dropped, rose and dropped again in a steady rhythm. Her mate in the front seat started counting the bounces out loud.
Porpoising, the bloke at the tackle shop called it, and he asked one question: “Where’s your tilt pin?” It was in the outermost hole, set for slow trolling with a heavy load at the back. For planing with two people it pushed the bow too high.
Back at the boat ramp she tilted the motor up, slid the pin out, moved it two holes in and clipped it back. On the next run the bow settled, the ride went flat, and the tiller stopped tugging to one side. Her mate lost count at zero.
Total cost: nothing. A manual trim is a five-minute job that changes how the whole boat feels.
How do you know which way to move the tilt pin?
If the bow ploughs or spray comes over the front, move the pin out (away from the transom). If the bow bounces or the prop loses grip, move it in (toward the transom).
| What you notice | Trim is | Move the pin |
|---|---|---|
| Bow digs in, spray over the front, wet ride | Too far in | One hole out |
| Hard to steer, tiller pulls to one side | Usually too far in | One hole out, then adjust the trim tab |
| Bow bounces rhythmically (porpoising) | Too far out | One hole in |
| Prop ventilates, motor revs but slips | Too far out | One hole in |
| Hull runs flat, bow slightly lifted, light steering | About right | Leave it |
How do you trim a small manual outboard, step by step?
- Stop the motor. Switch off and remove the kill-switch lanyard. Never adjust trim with the engine running.
- Tilt the motor up. Lift it and engage the tilt lock so the weight is off the pin. In the water, ask someone to steady the boat.
- Remove the pin. Pull the R-clip or spring clip, then slide the tilt pin (trim rod) out of the transom bracket.
- Pick the new hole. Further from the transom lifts the bow; closer to the transom pushes the bow down.
- Refit and secure. Slide the pin fully through both sides of the bracket and refit the clip. Check it cannot fall out.
- Lower and test. Release the tilt lock, lower the motor onto the pin and run the same course at the same throttle.
- Fine-tune steering. If the tiller still pulls to one side, adjust the small trim tab behind the prop a few degrees, following your manual.
- Shift crew and gear too: weight forward helps a boat that squats.
- Recheck trim when your usual load changes, such as a full esky or an extra passenger.
- Replace a bent or rusted pin; spares are inexpensive.
Tiller motors with easy manual trim
Multiple trim positions and simple tilt locks. Starting prices in USD.
How to trim a small manual outboard motor: FAQ
What does trimming an outboard actually do?
It changes the angle of the propeller’s thrust. Trim out lifts the bow; trim in pushes the bow down. The right angle lets the hull run efficiently.
Can I adjust the tilt pin while the boat is in the water?
Yes, with the motor off and tilted up, but it is easier at the ramp or beach. Keep a hand on the pin and clip so they do not go overboard.
Why does my tiller pull to one side?
Propeller torque pushes the tiller one way. Correct trim helps, and the small adjustable trim tab near the prop fine-tunes it. Tighten the steering friction knob for long runs.
Is the tilt pin the same as the shallow-water lock?
No. The tilt pin sets running trim. Many motors also have a shallow-water position that holds the motor partly raised at slow speed only.
One pin, one hole, a whole new ride.
Still not sure which hole suits your boat? Tell us your boat and load.