4545
Helm Control Systems
engine throttles at idle. Again, the starter should not
engage for any engine. If the starter for any engine
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.
IN 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 Engine Power 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
water operation or trailering. For information on the
proper use and maintenance of the power tilt and
trim, please refer to the engine owner’s manual.
ENGINE HOSES AND CABLES OR THE TRANSOM GEL
COAT CAN BE DAMAGED BY TILTING THE ENGINES TO THE
FULL UP POSITION WITH THE ENGINES TURNED TO THE
WRONG POSITION. MOST BOATS REQUIRE THE STEERING
WHEEL TO BE TURNED COMPLETELY TO STARBOARD
BEFORE TILTING THE ENGINES TO THE FULL UP POSITION.
YOU SHOULD MONITOR EACH ENGINE AS IT TILTS TO
DETERMINE BEST FULL TILT ENGINE POSITION FOR YOUR
BOAT.
SOME AUTOPILOTS HAVE ENGINE POSITION SENSORS THAT
ARE MOUNTED TO THE HYDRAULIC STEERING CYLINDER.
WITH THESE AUTOPILOTS, THE ENGINE POSITION SENSOR
BRACKET COULD HIT THE TRANSOM WHEN THE ENGINES
ARE TILTED TO THE FULL UP POSITION AND CAUSE
DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE RIGGING, THE AUTOPILOT OR
THE TRANSOM. IF YOU HAVE AN AUTOPILOT INSTALLED
ON YOUR BOAT, YOU SHOULD MONITOR THE LOCATION
OF THE ENGINE CABLES AND AUTOPILOT BRACKETS
AS THE ENGINES ARE TILTED TO DETERMINE THE BEST
ENGINE POSITION AND MAXIMUM ENGINE TILT FOR YOUR
APPLICATION.
Mercury Control Tilt & Trim Switches
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