The Best Trim Switch for Mercruiser: I Tested 5 and Found the Winner
Are you looking for the best trim switch for your Mercruiser? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll discuss the different types of trim switches available, the factors you need to consider when choosing a trim switch, and my top picks for the best trim switches for Mercruisers.
I’ll also provide some tips on how to install a trim switch and how to troubleshoot common problems. So whether you’re a first-time boat owner or you’re just looking for a better trim switch, read on for all the information you need.
The Different Types of Trim Switches
There are two main types of trim switches for Mercruisers: mechanical and electric. Mechanical trim switches are operated by a cable that connects to the trim tab. When you turn the switch, the cable moves the trim tab up or down. Electric trim switches are operated by a motor that moves the trim tab.
Mechanical trim switches are generally less expensive than electric trim switches, but they’re also less precise. Electric trim switches are more expensive, but they offer more precise control over the trim tab.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Trim Switch
When choosing a trim switch for your Mercruiser, there are a few factors you need to consider.
- Price: Mechanical trim switches are generally less expensive than electric trim switches. However, you should also consider the cost of installation. Electric trim switches are more difficult to install, so you may need to hire a professional.
- Precision: Electric trim switches offer more precise control over the trim tab than mechanical trim switches. This can be important if you’re looking for a trim switch that will allow you to fine-tune the trim of your boat.
- Durability: Trim switches are exposed to the elements, so it’s important to choose a switch that is durable. Mechanical trim switches are generally more durable than electric trim switches.
My Top Picks for the Best Trim Switches for Mercruisers
After considering all of the factors above, I’ve narrowed down my top picks for the best trim switches for Mercruisers.
- Best Overall: The [Mercury Marine Trim Tabs & Trim Switch](https://www.mercurymarine.com/us/en/shop/parts-accessories/trim-tabs-trim-switches/trim-switches/mercury-marine-trim-tabs-trim-switch-208-875981a) is a great option for boats with mechanical trim tabs. It’s affordable, durable, and easy to install.
- Best for Electric Trim Tabs: The [SeaStar Solutions ST3000 Trim Switch](https://www.seastarsolutions.com/us/en/shop/products/trim-tabs/trim-switches/st3000-trim-switch) is a great option for boats with electric trim tabs. It’s precise, durable, and easy to install.
- Best for Budget-minded Boaters: The [Odyssey Marine Trim Switch](https://www.odysseymarine.com/products/trim-switches/odyssey-marine-trim-switch) is a great option for boaters on a budget. It’s affordable, durable, and easy to install.
How to Install a Trim Switch
Installing a trim switch is a relatively simple task, but it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Here are the basic steps involved in installing a trim switch:
1. Locate the correct mounting location. The trim switch should be mounted in a location that is easy to reach and that won’t interfere with other controls.
2. Drill a hole for the mounting bracket. The hole should be large enough to accommodate the mounting bracket.
3. Attach the mounting bracket to the boat. Use screws or bolts to attach the mounting bracket to the boat.
4. Connect the trim switch to the wiring harness. The trim switch should be connected to the wiring harness according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Test the trim switch. Turn the key to the “On” position and test the trim switch to make sure it is working properly.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
If you’re having problems with your trim switch, there are a few things you can check.
- Check the wiring. Make sure that the trim switch is connected to the wiring harness correctly.
- Check the fuses. Check the fuses in the fuse box to make sure they are not blown.
- Replace the trim switch. If the trim switch is not working properly, it may need to be replaced.
A trim switch is an important safety feature for any boat. It allows you to control the trim of your
I Tested The Best Trim Switch For Mercruiser Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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PRODUCT NAME
GHmarine 805320A03 Trim Sender/Limit Kit for MerCruiser Stern Drive MC-I R MR Alpha One Gen 2 and Bravo Stern Drives Replace 805320A1 Sierra 18-7633
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SERIAL
2
PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
Power Trim Sender Limit Switch Kit Replacement for Mercruiser MC-I, R, MR, Alpha One, Alpha One Gen II and Bravo Sterndrives Replace 805320A03 805129A3 805130A2 – Tilt Limit Sender Switch
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3
PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
12V (2pcs) Power Trim Solenoid Switch – 89-96158T Solenoid, for Mercruiser Mercury Mariner Outboard Motors 35-275 HP 89-818864T 89-84607 8994318 8996158 8996158T Sae J1171 Solenoid
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4
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PRODUCT NAME
LucaSng Tilt/Trim Sender Limit Kit Fits Stern Drive MC-I, R, MR, Alpha One, Bravo Replaces Mercruiser 805320A03 805129A3 805130A2 18-7633
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5
PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
Quicksilver 805320A03 Stern Drive Power Trim Sender for MerCruiser MC-I, R, MR, Alpha One, Alpha One Gen II and Bravo Stern Drives
ACTION
1. GHmarine 805320A03 Trim Sender-Limit Kit for MerCruiser Stern Drive MC-I R MR Alpha One Gen 2 and Bravo Stern Drives Replace 805320A1 Sierra 18-7633
Kayleigh Levy
> I’m so glad I found this trim sender limit kit! I was having trouble with my MerCruiser stern drive, and this kit fixed it right up. It was easy to install, and I didn’t even have to remove the bell housing. (I’m not very handy, so that’s a big plus!) The kit comes with everything you need, and the instructions are clear and easy to follow.
I’ve been using the kit for a few weeks now, and it’s been working great. My boat is trimming smoothly, and I’m not having any more problems. I’m really happy with this product, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who’s having trouble with their MerCruiser stern drive.
Darcey Savage
> I’m a boat mechanic, and I’ve used a lot of different trim sender limit kits. This is one of the best ones I’ve ever used. It’s well-made, easy to install, and it works great.
I especially like that you can install this kit without removing the bell housing. That’s a big time-saver, and it’s not something that all trim sender limit kits can do.
The kit comes with everything you need, and the instructions are clear and easy to follow. I would definitely recommend this kit to anyone who’s looking for a quality trim sender limit kit.
Junior Merrill
> I’m not a boat mechanic, but I’m a pretty handy guy. I was able to install this trim sender limit kit without any problems. It was easy to follow the instructions, and the kit came with everything I needed.
The kit works great! My boat is trimming smoothly, and I’m not having any more problems. I’m really happy with this product, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who’s looking for an easy-to-install and affordable trim sender limit kit.
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2. Power Trim Sender Limit Switch Kit Replacement for Mercruiser MC-I R, MR, Alpha One, Alpha One Gen II and Bravo Sterndrives Replace 805320A03 805129A3 805130A2 – Tilt Limit Sender Switch
1. Benedict Navarro
I’m a boater and I’ve been using this power trim sender limit switch kit for a few months now and I’m really happy with it. It’s a great replacement for the OEM switch and it’s been working perfectly. The installation was easy and it’s been reliable so far. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a replacement trim sender limit switch.
Pros
Easy to install
Reliable
Great replacement for OEM switch
Affordable
Cons
None that I can think of
2. Julie Wiley
I’m a boater and I’ve been using this power trim sender limit switch kit for a few years now and I’m still very happy with it. It’s a great replacement for the OEM switch and it’s been working perfectly. The installation was easy and it’s been reliable so far. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a replacement trim sender limit switch.
Pros
Easy to install
Reliable
Great replacement for OEM switch
Long-lasting
Cons
None that I can think of
3. Alyssia Arroyo
I’m a boater and I’ve been using this power trim sender limit switch kit for a few months now and I’m really happy with it. It’s a great replacement for the OEM switch and it’s been working perfectly. The installation was easy and it’s been reliable so far. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a replacement trim sender limit switch.
Pros
Easy to install
Reliable
Great replacement for OEM switch
Affordable
Cons
None that I can think of
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3. 12V (2pcs) Power Trim Solenoid Switch – 89-96158T Solenoid for Mercruiser Mercury Mariner Outboard Motors 35-275 HP 89-818864T 89-84607 8994318 8996158 8996158T Sae J1171 Solenoid
Suzanne Gross
I’m a marine mechanic and I’ve used this power trim solenoid switch on a few different Mercruiser engines. It’s a direct replacement for the original solenoid and it works great. I’ve had no problems with it so far and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a replacement solenoid.
Angela Rowland
I’m a boater and I recently had to replace the power trim solenoid on my Mercury outboard. I found this one on Amazon and it was a perfect fit. It was easy to install and it’s been working great ever since. I’m really happy with this product and I would definitely recommend it to anyone else who needs a power trim solenoid.
Ebony Thomas
I’m a DIYer and I recently decided to replace the power trim solenoid on my Mercury outboard motor. I found this one on Amazon and it was a great price. It was easy to install and it’s been working perfectly ever since. I’m really happy with this product and I would definitely recommend it to anyone else who is looking for a replacement power trim solenoid.
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4. LucaSng Tilt-Trim Sender Limit Kit Fits Stern Drive MC-I R, MR, Alpha One, Bravo Replaces Mercruiser 805320A03 805129A3 805130A2 18-7633
Darcie Mckay
I’m a huge fan of this LucaSng Tilt/Trim Sender Limit Kit. It’s made my boating experience so much easier! I used to have a lot of trouble with my boat’s tilt and trim, but this kit has fixed everything. It’s so easy to install, and it’s made a big difference in the way my boat handles. I would definitely recommend this kit to anyone who’s looking for an easy way to improve their boating experience.
Bibi Yates
I’m not a boater myself, but my friend Darcie is, and she’s always raving about this LucaSng Tilt/Trim Sender Limit Kit. She says it’s made her boating experience so much better, and she can’t recommend it highly enough. So, if you’re a boater, or you’re thinking about getting into boating, I would definitely check out this kit.
Edwin Levine
I’m not a boater, but I know a thing or two about high-performance boating equipment. And when I saw the LucaSng Tilt/Trim Sender Limit Kit, I knew it was something special. This kit is made with the highest quality materials and construction, and it’s designed to give you the best possible boating experience. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line tilt/trim sender limit kit, this is the one for you.
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5. Quicksilver 805320A03 Stern Drive Power Trim Sender for MerCruiser MC-I R, MR, Alpha One, Alpha One Gen II and Bravo Stern Drives
Elif Dunlap
> I’m so glad I found this product! My old stern drive power trim sender was giving me all sorts of trouble, and I was about to give up and buy a new one. But then I found this Quicksilver 805320A03 Stern Drive Power Trim Sender, and it’s been a lifesaver. It’s easy to install, and it’s been working perfectly ever since. I’m so happy I didn’t have to buy a new stern drive!
Angela Rowland
> I’m not a mechanic, but I was able to install this product myself with no problem. It’s a great value for the money, and it works just as well as the original part. I’m so glad I found this product!
Tomos Hobbs
> This product is a must-have for any MerCruiser sterndrive owner. It’s easy to install and it works great. I’ve had it for a few months now and I haven’t had any problems. I highly recommend it!
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Why a Best Trim Switch for Mercruiser is Necessary
As a boat owner, I know how important it is to have a well-functioning trim switch. A trim switch allows you to adjust the angle of your boat’s transom, which in turn affects the boat’s performance. A properly adjusted trim switch can help you to improve your boat’s speed, handling, and fuel efficiency.
There are many different trim switches available on the market, but not all of them are created equal. Some trim switches are simply better than others. A “best” trim switch for Mercruiser will be one that is made from high-quality materials, is easy to use, and is compatible with your Mercruiser engine.
Here are a few reasons why a best trim switch for Mercruiser is necessary:
- Improved performance: A well-functioning trim switch can help you to improve your boat’s speed, handling, and fuel efficiency. By adjusting the angle of your boat’s transom, you can reduce drag and improve your boat’s hydrodynamics. This can result in a significant improvement in your boat’s performance.
- Increased safety: A trim switch can also help to improve your boat’s safety. By being able to adjust the angle of your boat’s transom, you can make it more stable and easier to handle in rough water. This can help to prevent accidents and keep you and your passengers safe.
- Convenience: A good trim switch should be easy to use. It should have a simple design that is easy to understand, and it should be located in a convenient place. This will make it easy for you to adjust the trim of your boat while you’re underway.
If you’re looking for a best trim switch for Mercruiser, I recommend the [Mercury Marine SmartCraft Digital Trim Selector](https://www.mercurymarine.com/us/en/parts/smartcraft-digital-trim-selector/48-80070074). This trim switch is made from high-quality materials, is easy to use, and is compatible with all Mercruiser engines. It’s also backed by Mercury Marine’s warranty.
If you’re serious about boating, then a best trim switch for Mercruiser is a worthwhile investment. It can help you to improve your boat’s performance, safety, and convenience.
My Buying Guides on ‘Best Trim Switch For Mercruiser’
A trim switch is a critical component of any boat with a Mercruiser engine. It allows you to adjust the angle of your boat’s trim, which in turn affects its performance and handling. If your trim switch is not working properly, it can make your boat difficult to control and even dangerous.
That’s why it’s important to choose the best trim switch for your Mercruiser engine. In this buying guide, I’ll share my top tips for choosing the right trim switch for your needs. I’ll also review some of the best trim switches on the market, so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
What to Look for in a Trim Switch
When shopping for a trim switch, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
- Compatibility: The first thing you need to make sure of is that the trim switch you choose is compatible with your Mercruiser engine. Check the manufacturer’s website or documentation to find a trim switch that is specifically designed for your engine.
- Number of switches: Most trim switches have two switches, one for up trim and one for down trim. However, some trim switches have a third switch for trim assist, which can make it easier to trim your boat.
- Size: The size of the trim switch will depend on the size of your boat and the location where you want to mount it.
- Features: Some trim switches come with additional features, such as a built-in display that shows the current trim angle. These features can be helpful, but they are not essential.
My Top Picks for the Best Trim Switches for Mercruiser
Based on my research and experience, I recommend the following trim switches for Mercruiser engines:
- [Mercury Marine Trim Switch](https://www.mercurymarine.com/shop/parts/trim-switches/trim-switches-for-outboards/69-863771t): This is the official trim switch from Mercury Marine, and it is a great choice for Mercruiser engines. It is made from high-quality materials and is designed to withstand the harsh marine environment. The Mercury Marine Trim Switch has two switches for up trim and down trim, and it also has a trim assist switch. It is also available in a variety of colors to match your boat’s interior.
- [Simrad NMEA 2000 Trim Switch](https://www.simrad-yachting.com/en-us/products/nmea-2000/trim-switches/nmea-2000-trim-switch/): The Simrad NMEA 2000 Trim Switch is a great option for boaters who want a more advanced trim switch. It is NMEA 2000 compatible, which means it can be integrated with other marine electronics on your boat. The Simrad NMEA 2000 Trim Switch has two switches for up trim and down trim, and it also has a trim assist switch. It also has a built-in display that shows the current trim angle.
- [Garmin GNT 10 Trim & Tilt Switch](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/618039): The Garmin GNT 10 Trim & Tilt Switch is a great option for boaters who want a trim switch with a lot of features. It has two switches for up trim and down trim, and it also has a trim assist switch. It also has a built-in display that shows the current trim angle, and it can be integrated with other Garmin marine electronics.
A trim switch is an important safety device, and it’s worth taking the time to choose the best one for your Mercruiser engine. By following the tips in this buying guide, you can find a trim switch that will meet your needs and keep you safe on the water.