World Cat 280DC-X - Chapter 5: Performance; 5.1 Overview; 5.2 Motor Trim

2020 World Cat 280DC-X Owner’s Manual
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5.1 Overview
This chapter will provide informaon on the performance characteriscs of your catamaran. This is not a
substute for seamanship training or hands-on experience. First me boat owners should use the resources
detailed in Chapter 4 to learn proper methods of boat operaon. Experienced boaters who have never
owned a catamaran should study this chapter completely. Do not assume that previous boang experience
will apply to all situaons, as there are several subtle dierences in the handling characteriscs of twin
hulled boats. For experienced catamaran owners, this chapter should be a reference.
5.2 Motor Trim
The smooth riding characteriscs of a catamaran are a result of the twin hull design. Their ability to slice
through oncoming waves is far superior to the pounding characteriscs seen on convenonal vessels. Motor
trim plays an integral part in how your catamaran accomplishes this. In a level or bow down atude, your
boat will slice through larger chop but you may experience sluggish performance, a weer ride and increased
bow steering in a following sea. In a bow up atude the boat will perform beer, but may ride less smoothly.
Experiment with the trim sengs in various sea condions to determine what you are most comfortable
with. When using the trim to correct a lisng condion, imagine an “X” connecng the starboard engine to
the port bow, and port engine to the starboard bow (see drawing below).
5.2.1 Bow Up Condion
To correct a bow up condion on the port sponson, adjust the
motor trim “down” on the starboard engine. This will help the
starboard sponson to rise and level the vessel. If moving to the
lowest trim seng on the starboard engine does not correct
the list, trim the port engine “up” to assist the change. Reverse
the instrucons to accommodate for a bow up condion on the
starboard sponson.
5.2.2 Bow Down Condion
To correct a bow down condion on the port sponson, adjust
the motor trim “up” on the starboard engine. This will help the
starboard sponson to fall and level the vessel. If cavitaon occurs
on the starboard engine, lower it to correct the problem, then
trim the port engine “down” to assist the change. Reverse the
instrucons to accommodate for a bow down condion on the
starboard sponson.
5.3 Engine Controls
All factory rigged boats will come equipped with a binnacle control specic to your
type of engine. Located at the helm, the binnacle controls the throle, shi, and trim
mechanisms for your engine. For diagrams and general informaon about this system,
review pages 80 thru 83 of the Sportsh, Cruisers, Yachts Owner’s Manual. Also read the
owner’s manual provided by your engine manufacturer to determine how to operate
the features on your binnacle. If any components of this system need to be replaced,
be certain to use the same style and length as the original equipment.
Chapter 5: Performance