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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.
In addition to the primary helm controls, your boat
could be equipped with an optional bow thruster
that provides the operator additional control of
the bow while docking or anchoring the boat in
tight quarters or high winds and strong currents.
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 controls on your boat may
vary depending on the engines used. Refer to the
engine or control manuals for specic information
on the controls installed on your boat.
Electronic engine controls are standard on large
outboard engines. The following control descrip-
tion is typical of most triple and quad engine
electronic control systems.
Triple Engine Controls
The helm is designed for a binnacle style control
with a single lever for the port and center engines
and another single lever for the starboard engine.
The electronic control system consists of three
major components: the electronic control head,
display screens and keypad, control processors
and applicable harnesses. The controls are com-
pletely electronic and there are no cables.
Each single lever operates as a gearshift and a
throttle. General control lever operation will in-
clude a position for neutral (straight up and down
or slightly aft of vertical), a forward position (the
1st detent forward of neutral) and a reverse po-
sition (the 1st detent aft of neutral). Advancing
Chapter 4:
the control lever beyond the shift range advances
the throttle in forward or reverse. Each control is
equipped with a means of permitting the engines
to be operated at a higher than normal idle RPM
while in neutral for cold starting and warm-up
purposes. The control levers are equipped with
adjustable control head detent and friction set-
tings.
On triple engine boats, an engine selector switch
on the binnacle control panel allows the operator
to select which engines provide the forward and
reverse thrust, for optimum control and handling.
LED lights on the control indicate which engines
are selected.
Typically, the center engine is disengaged during
docking and while maneuvering in tight quarters
to improve handling. It can also be disengaged
while operating at slow or trolling speeds to save
Typical Yamaha Triple Engine Electronic Control
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