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H elm C ontrol S y stem s
4 . 3 N eutra l S a f ety S w itc h
Every control system has a neutral safety switch
incorporated into it. This device prohibits an en-
gine from being started while the shift lever is in
any position other than the neutral position. If an
engine will not start, slight movement of the shift
lever may be necessary to locate the neutral posi-
tion and disengage the safety cutout switch. Control
adjustments may be required to correct this condi-
tion should it persist. See your Blackn dealer for
necessary control adjustments.
The neutral safety switches should be tested peri-
odically to ensure that they are operating properly.
To test the neutral safety switches, make sure the
engines are tilted down and move the shift levers
to the forward position.
Make sure the throttle control levers are not
advanced past the idle position. Press the start
button or turn the key just long enough to briey
engage the starter for the engine.
Notice:
Some outboard control systems are equipped
with a computer controlled start feature that
will keep the starter engaged until the engine
starts if the neutral safety switch fails and al-
lows the starter to engage.
The starter should not engage for either engine.
Repeat this test with the shift levers in reverse and
the engine throttles at idle. Again, the starter should
not engage for either engine. If the starter engages
with the shift controls in any position other than the
neutral position, then the neutral safety switch is not
functioning properly and you should contact your
dealer to have the neutral safety switch repaired
by a qualied marine mechanic before using the
boat. If an engine starts in gear during this test,
immediately move the control lever to the neutral
position and turn the engine o.
I N SOME SITUATIONS, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO
ACCIDENTALLY START THE ENGINES IN GEAR WITH
THE THROTTLES ABOVE IDLE IF THE NEUTRAL SAFETY
SWITCH IS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. THIS WOULD
CAUSE THE BOAT TO ACCELERATE UNEXPECTEDLY IN
FORWARD OR REVERSE AND COULD RESULT IN LOSS
OF CONTROL, DAMAGE TO THE BOAT OR INJURY TO
PASSENGERS. ALWAYS TEST THE NEUTRAL SAFETY
SWITCH PERIODICALLY AND CORRECT ANY PROBLEMS
BEFORE USING THE BOAT.
4 . 4 E ngine P ow er Tilt & Trim
All outboard engines have a tilt and trim feature.
Most outboard engines have tilt/trim switches built
into the engine shift and throttle controls that allow
the operator to control the position of the outboards
from the helm. Typically, a switch or switches on the
port control lever grip activates the tilt/trim for the
engines. Twin engine controls have two switches
on the cover that activate each engine tilt/trim
individually. If necessary, the maximum tilt angle
can be adjusted by your Blackn or engine dealer
by reprogramming the settings using the engine
manufacturer’s diagnostic system.
Moving the outboard closer to the boat transom is
called trimming “in” or “down.” Moving the outboard
further away from the boat transom is called trim-
ming “out” or “up.” In most cases, the boat will run
best with the outboard adjusted so the hull will run
at a 3 to 5 degree angle to the water.
The term “trim” generally refers to the adjustment
of the outboard within the rst 20
o
range of travel.
This is the range used while operating your boat on
plane. The term “tilt” is generally used when refer-
ring to adjusting the outboard further up for shallow
Mercury Control Tilt & Trim Switches
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