I just installed a LS Merc 50 on a 14' runabout. There are six potential
positions for motor pitch. I'm sure trial and error will eventually
determine the final setting, but meanwhile, I'd like to understand the
concept of what different settings will accomplish. It would seem that if
you lock the motor at a steep angle to the transom, the bow would lift
higher. Conversely, having the motor straight up and down would tend to
push the nose down.

I'm guessing. Can someone explain how this works? If it makes a
difference, the boat lives in a shallow salt water bay. Mostly, it will be
used for slow cruising in fairly calm waters. I've only taken one quick
test run, and the boat is surprisingly fast, which also means it may
occasionally be used for skiing, or at least a good scare, now and then. My
next guess is that pulling a skier might require a different setting.
Anyone?

Thanks, Unc

You are right in the farther away from the transom the motor is the higher
the bow will run. However, it will also make coming on plane slower. My
guess is you will be happy w/ it in the 2nd or 3rd from the bottom setting.
This should give you good acceleration and not push the bow down too far.

--
Tony
my boats at http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com

"uncle k" wrote in message
link.net...
I just installed a LS Merc 50 on a 14' runabout. There are six potential
positions for motor pitch. I'm sure trial and error will eventually
determine the final setting, but meanwhile, I'd like to understand the
concept of what different settings will accomplish. It would seem that if
you lock the motor at a steep angle to the transom, the bow would lift
higher. Conversely, having the motor straight up and down would tend to
push the nose down.

I'm guessing. Can someone explain how this works? If it makes a
difference, the boat lives in a shallow salt water bay. Mostly, it will
be
used for slow cruising in fairly calm waters. I've only taken one quick
test run, and the boat is surprisingly fast, which also means it may
occasionally be used for skiing, or at least a good scare, now and then.
My
next guess is that pulling a skier might require a different setting.
Anyone?

Thanks, Unc