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HELM CONTROL SYSTEMS
4.1 General
The helm controls consist of three systems: the
engine throttle and shift controls, the steering
system, and the 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
Electronic Engine Controls
The shift and throttle controls on your boat may
vary depending on the engines used and control
system selected. Refer to the engine or control
manuals for specic information on the controls
installed on your boat.
The helm is designed for a binnacle style control
with a single lever for each engine. The electronic
control system consists of three major compo-
nents: 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 each 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 levers are
equipped with adjustable control head detent and
friction settings.
The engine controls and key pads have integrated
switches and indicator lights which allow the op-
Chapter 4:
erator to control all aspects of the boat’s propul-
sion system. LED lights on the control pad indicate
that the control is activated and the engines can
be started.
The most common features activated or
monitored by the keypad are:
• Starter lockout, which prevents the engine
from being started in gear.
• Gear lockout, which allows engine RPM to be
advanced in neutral safely.
• Battery voltage warning indicator that warns
the operator of high or low voltage supplied
to the system (audible alarm)
• An engine synchronization feature that auto-
matically keeps both engines at the same RPM
while cruising. Refer to Engine Synchronizer
in this section and the control systems owner’s
manual for more information regarding engine
synchronization.
Typical Mercury Electronic Control
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