Top Reasons Boats Fail, Trim is Stuck

So, you’ve had a great day on the water and you’re ready to get your boat on the trailer. You pull your boat up only to find out the trim won’t raise the motor. What now? There could be several issues preventing the trim from operating properly. The first step is to diagnosis what the issue could be. Start with the simplest possibility and work outward from there. The issue may be as simple as a fuse has blown. If this is the case, you are in luck, given you have spare fuses on hand. This is why it is important to carry spare fuses in your toolbox. Replacing a fuse is as simple as removing the old blown out one and replacing it with the new fuse. Once you’re done, simply activate and raise the trim. Well, what if it’s not the fuse? If your fuses all look good the next place to look is your hydraulic pressure line. This is where things get a little more complex as we’re now dealing with an intricate system. This isn’t always something that you can fix on the spot without the proper tools. So, before you panic and think you’re stuck, we have a way for you to get your boat on the trailer and out of the water where you can properly assess the issue. With your boat tied off, make sure the motor is shut off and the key is removed from the ignition. This step is vitally important. With this safety precaution in place, get in the water and position yourself near the base of the motor. You need to find the location of your trim release valve. It is a small screw commonly found near the base of the motor. Once you have found the screw, simply loosen it using a screwdriver. This is why it is imperative to carry a toolbox with basic equipment in it on your boat. A simple set of screwdrivers and sockets will go a long way in a pinch. So, you have your screwdriver ready and you’ve located the screw for the trim release valve. By opening the valve, you are releasing the pressure from the hydraulic loop which will allow the motor to tilt. Now, you can get your boat onto the trailer and out of the water to diagnose the issue behind the trim malfunction. If you can’t visibly diagnose the problem, or the problem is severe like a cracked reservoir then it is time to make a visit to a repair shop.

Prevention

Just like everything else on your boat, the key is an early inspection. Maintaining an awareness of your vehicle and its components is a surefire way to stay ahead of any potential problems. Before you take your boat on the water, you should make sure that the trim is functioning properly. It is an easy task that takes seconds and can save you hours in the long run. You'll also want to check the fluid levels and, while you’re at it, inspect the reservoir for signs of damage or leakage. One important thing to look for is water in the reservoir. Water will cause adverse issues that you really don’t want to have to deal with. Make sure that there is absolutely no water in the fluid reservoir.

Tools you'll need:

• Large Flathead Screwdriver
• Philips Head Screwdrivers

Check your fuses:

As I said above, the problem could be as simple as a blown fuse. If so, you’re in luck as a blown fuse is much easier to replace than a reservoir. Remember that toolbox I mentioned earlier? This is where it comes in handy. Most people keep spare fuses in their toolbox, and you’d be smart to follow a similar course of action. Fuses are a useful electrical part you will find in many electrical systems. Although a range of fuses are used on a boat, maxi fuses tend to be used for the trim. Knowing the amperage needed and keeping a few spare fuses will keep you out of trouble and on the water.

Simple tools go a long way:

Keeping a toolbox with the right tools is essential to avoid more serious issues when troubleshooting problems with your motor. People often carry a ratchet and socket set yet forget to carry simple screwdrivers. This Deutsch contact removal tool is a lifesaver in many situations. Forgot your screwdrivers? No worries, this simple tool, although used for contact removal, has a screwdriver head and is small enough that storage is never an issue. It's functionality and small size can get you out of a bind especially when dealing with small screws like the trim release valve.