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When in Doubt – Trim it Out!

January 02, 2013

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With Performance Active Trim, new performance boaters are able to enjoy properly trimmed engines with virtually no learning curve, while experienced boaters will no longer need to monitor and adjust trim upon changes in boat speed or turns.

The integrated boat speed-based engine trim system specifically for performance applications where the gearcases are running partially surfaced. This intuitive, hands-free system automatically adjusts trim angle for changes in operating conditions to maximize performance and boat handling at speeds up to 50 mph.

Application Specific

  • Performance Active Trim is designed specifically for use with Mercury Racing outboards and sterndrives equipped with SmartCraft Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) technology and running with gearcases partially surfaced.
  • DTS equipped Racing outboards and sterndrives being run in non-surfacing conditions should use Mercury Marine’s standard Active Trim DTS system.
  • Mercury Racing SmartCraft equipped outboards and sterndrives with mechanical throttle and shift should use the Mercury Active Trim Mechanical system.

Need for Speed


The key to Performance Active Trim is its exclusive and patented GPS-based control system which uses boat speed as the primary input to trim the vessel. By contrast, competitive systems use engine rpm exclusively to control trim angle. Using boat speed instead of engine rpm ensures the vessel is always trimmed at the optimal setting.

At speeds in excess of 50 mph, Performance Active Trim provides a seamless hand off from auto to manual operation to give the operator full control at high speeds. The system, when left engaged, will resume automatic trim activation once the boat speed returns to 50 mph or below. Should the operator manually override the system when running below 50 mph by activating the trim switch, the on button will flash – notifying the operator the system is disengaged. It may be reengaged by simply depressing the on button once again.

Performance Active Trim provides five selectable trim profiles which allow the operator to personalize Performance Active Trim to their driving style and/or compensate for changes in boat load, operator preference and weather conditions, while maintaining fully automatic operation.

Mercury Racing’s Performance Active Trim profiles were designed to accommodate the sensitive trim range of surfacing outboard gearcases and sterndrives. Both trim speed and range were designed exclusively for surfacing vee bottom and catamaran applications.