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Do you want a fast cruise using less fuel on your Harris pontoon boat? That’s easy, because Harris boats are designed to optimize buoyancy and horsepower so you can get on plane quickly and efficiently using various tricks including engine trim.
First, let’s define what it means to plane and use trim to optimize performance. Getting on plane means popping up and running on the surface of the water rather than plowing through it. It’s when your boat is supported by hydrodynamic lift rather than hydrostatic lift (buoyancy). When planing, the bow climbs up and starts skimming over its own wave, and you’ll see a well-defined wake behind you.
When coming up on plane, pontoon boats experience less squat (when the aft end sits lower as the propeller(s) initially dig in) and much less bow rise (which obscures the horizon ahead making it harder for the driver to see forward). Pontoons accelerate nearly horizontally, so they get on plane quickly. Planing speed will vary depending on engine direction, and the number of passengers (weight) aboard.
Second, let’s discuss trim, which is the attitude of the outboard engine(s). To trim in or down, the lower unit and propeller of the outboard come closer to the boat. Trimming out or up means the propeller swings away from the transom. This movement is initiated via a button located on your throttle which activates the hydraulic lifting and lowering of the engine.
You can hear and see how the motor is trimmed. When trimmed all the way down, the noise of the engine lift mechanism makes changes. On the other hand, if you’re trimmed up too far, the engine will become louder as the propeller ventilates. (If you hear this, bring the motor back down to avoid running it with the cooling water intake out of the water and overheating.)
How to trim your boat to get on plane
To start, center up the engine and trim all the way down. This will push the bow slightly down and will make it climb up over the wall of water faster. Accelerate gradually, don’t just hit the throttle full force. As the boat gains momentum and the bow starts to climb, trim the engine up to bring the bow up which will result in a smoother ride and less splashing. (Remember, trim up/bow up and vice versa.) Once the bow is up and you’re planing, continue to trim up to decrease friction and find the optimal running angle for better performance.
Beyond trim
Although engine trim is the fastest way to get up on plane, there are other factors that will affect how quickly you can do it. Engine horsepower, lifting strakes and trim tabs also help when planing. An easy fix is to shift onboard weight. If you’re weighed down by passengers sitting in the bow, try moving them back when you’re coming up on plane.
Eye on safety
Every time you’re about to start running, regardless of speed, first look around for boat traffic, swimmers or obstacles/debris in the water. Situational awareness is key for safety. Accelerate slowly. Be cognizant of the depth of the water before accelerating. Although pontoon boats experience less squat, you could damage the propeller if you trim down and take off in very shallow water.
Practice
It’s key to practice in different water and weather conditions like chop and a headwind, and with different loads. The more you practice the more you’ll be able to adjust to changing situations and get the best from your Harris pontoon boat.
