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4.1 General
The helm controls consist of the following sys-
tems: the engine throttle and shift control, the
steering system and could include optional trim
tab control switches. These systems provide the
operator with the ability to control the direction
and attitude of the boat from the helm station.
Each manufacturer of the control components
provides an owner’s manual with its product. It is
important that you read the manuals and become
familiar with the proper care and operation of the
control systems.
4.2 Engine Throttle & Shift Controls
The shift and throttle control on your boat may
vary depending on the engine used. The follow-
ing control description is typical of most cable and
electronic outboard remote controls. Refer to the
engine or control manuals for specic information
on the controls installed on your boat.
Cable Engine Control
The engine throttle and shift control system
consists of three major components: the control
handle, the throttle cable and the shift cable. Two
push/pull type cables are required. One cable con-
nects the remote throttle control to the carburetor
or fuel injectors and the other connects the remote
shift control to the engine shift rod linkage.
The helm on your boat is designed for a binnacle
style control with a single lever that operates as
a gear shift and a throttle. General operation will
include a position for neutral (straight up and
down), a forward position (the 1st detent forward
of neutral) and a reverse position (the 1st detent
aft of neutral). Advancing the control lever beyond
the shift range advances the throttle in forward or
reverse. Each control is equipped with a means of
permitting the engine to be operated at a higher
than idle RPM while in neutral for cold starting and
warm-up purposes.
Electronic Engine Control
Electronic engine controls are optional on some
outboard engines. The following control descrip-
tion is typical of most electronic control installa-
tions.
Chapter 4:
The helm is designed for a binnacle style control
with a single lever. The electronic control system
consists of three major components: the electronic
control head, instruments and keypad, the control
processors and applicable harnesses. The controls
are completely electronic and there are no cables.
The controls have a single lever for the engine
that operates as a gearshift and a throttle. Gen-
eral operation will include a position for neutral
(straight up and down or slightly aft of vertical),
a forward position (the 1st detent forward of neu-
tral) and a reverse position (the 1st detent aft of
neutral). Advancing the control lever beyond the
shift range advances the throttle in forward or
reverse. Each control is equipped with a means of
permitting the engine to be operated at a higher
than idle RPM while in neutral for cold starting and
warm-up purposes. The control lever is equipped
with an adjustable control head detent and fric-
tion settings.
HELM CONTROL SYSTEMS
Typical Mercury Single Engine Electronic Control
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