Cook Mfg. Tilt/Trim Motors

Cook Mfg. (CMC) Tilt/Trim Motors: Hydraulic Power for Every Outboard

Cook Manufacturing Corporation — known throughout the marine world by its CMC brand — has been a defining name in outboard motor management since 1956. Based in Duncan, Oklahoma, CMC has built its reputation as the market leader in transom jacks and tilt & trim systems, and their tilt/trim motors are a direct expression of that legacy. Where other manufacturers rely on ball-screw electro-mechanical actuators, Cook Mfg. took a different path: a fully electric hydraulic approach that delivers serious, reliable power on the water.

The CMC Hydraulic Difference

The heart of every CMC tilt/trim system is its electric hydraulic actuator. Unlike competing ball-screw designs, Cook Mfg.'s hydraulic system is built from 100% non-ferrous materials, making it inherently more resistant to the corrosive effects of both saltwater and freshwater environments. The CMC hydraulic system is completely sealed and submersible, running without concern for water intrusion or damage — a critical advantage for anglers and boaters who push their equipment hard in demanding conditions.

In terms of raw capability, CMC's hydraulic actuators are rated at over 7,800 lbs. of thrust — more than twice the output of comparable ball-screw electro-mechanical systems. The structures themselves are built from 6061 T6 alloy aluminum extrusions fastened with stainless steel fasteners, with no welds or castings that could fail under stress.

PT-35 and PT-130: Purpose-Built Product Lines

Cook Mfg. offers tilt/trim solutions across a meaningful range of outboard motor sizes. The PT-35 is engineered for motors rated at 35 HP and smaller. It delivers 84 degrees of total trim and tilt travel, incorporates a 5-1/2" setback to enhance boat stability and prop performance, and weighs just 24 pounds. It accommodates both clamp-on and bolt-on motors without requiring an adapter, and the 52100 package includes a motor wiring harness and relays for a complete installation.

For larger applications, the PT-130 handles outboards up to 130 HP. It provides 20 degrees of trim travel and 65 degrees of combined trim and tilt, with a 6" setback engineered to place the propeller in cleaner, undisturbed water for better bite and reduced prop slippage. It also carries a 5-year structural warranty, underlining CMC's confidence in its construction. The PT-130 is particularly well suited to pontoon boats, where motor access is otherwise difficult and precise trim adjustment makes a meaningful difference in speed and fuel efficiency.

Why CMC Tilt/Trim Motors Matter

Adding a CMC power tilt & trim system transforms how a boat handles — eliminating manual strain when lifting the motor in shallow water, optimizing the prop angle for maximum speed and fuel economy, and making the overall boating experience more enjoyable. For anyone running a small-to-mid-sized outboard without a factory trim system, a Cook Mfg. CMC unit is one of the most impactful upgrades available. Explore the full Cook Mfg. brand catalog or browse all tilt/trim motors to find the right fit for your rig.