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ROUTINE SERVICE
ADJUSTMENTS
Dual-Outboard Alignment
Dual outboards must be connected with a tie bar
and adjusted to align the outboards for correct
water flow to the gearcases and propellers.
Incorrect outboard alignment could cause one or
more of the following:
• Propeller ventilation
• Reduction of top speed
• Improper boat tracking
• Engine overheat and powerhead damage
Follow the instructions provided by the tie-bar
manufacturer for tie bar installation and adjust-
ment.
Measure Alignment
The “toe-in” (gearcase leading edges closer
together than propeller shaft centers) or “toe-out”
(gearcase leading edges farther apart than propel-
ler shaft centers) is determined as follows:
• Position outboards straight with the anti-ventila-
tion plates parallel with the bottom of the boat.
• Measure between propeller shaft centers.
• Measure between leading edges of gearcase.
Alignment Adjustment
Various boat/motor combinations respond differ-
ently to dual-outboard alignments. Each applica-
tion must be thoroughly tested until the ideal
combination of performance, steering, and cooling
is found.
A common practice is to set-up the outboards par-
allel, or with a small amount of “toe-out,” and
adjust inward until best results are achieved.
• A typical set-up, with outboards mounted
directly on the transom, often runs best with a
slight amount of “toe-in.”
• Outboards mounted behind the transom on
motor brackets usually require parallel align-
ment or “toe-out.”
Adjust the outboard alignments by adjusting tie
bar. Follow the tie bar manufacturer’s adjustment
procedures.
Check steering operation. Make sure that the
steering system operates properly at various trim
angles.
Confirm Alignment
To confirm proper alignment, perform the following
steps:
• Water test the boat.
• Monitor the water pressure for both outboards.
• Run the boat at various trim angles.
• Perform steering maneuvers and vary the throt-
tle settings.
• Monitor boat and outboard performance.
A sudden loss of water pressure or excessive pro-
peller ventilation on one or both outboards may
indicate a misalignment of the gearcases. Reset
the outboard alignment and retest.
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