4343
Helm Control Systems
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
allows the starter to engage.
The starter should not engage. Repeat this test
with the shift lever in reverse and the engine
throttle at idle. Again, the starter should not en-
gage. If the starter engages with the shift control
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 before us-
ing your boat. If the engine starts in gear during
this test, immediately move the control lever to
the neutral position.
IN SOME SITUATIONS, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO
ACCIDENTALLY START THE ENGINE IN GEAR WITH
THE THROTTLE 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 and Trim
All outboard engines have a tilt and trim feature.
Most outboard engines a have tilt/trim switch
built into the engine shift and throttle control that
allows the operator to control the position of the
outboard from the helm.
Moving the outboard closer to the boat transom is
called trimming “in” or “down.” Moving the out-
board further away from the boat transom is called
trimming “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 adjust-
ment of the outboard within the rst 20
0
range of
travel. This is the range used while operating your
boat on plane. The term “tilt” is generally used
when referring 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, refer to the engine
owner’s manual.
Typical Power Tilt & Trim Switch
THE ENGINE COWLING WILL HIT THE COOLER HATCH OR
STERN SEAT BACKRESTS IF THEY ARE OPEN WHEN THE
ENGINE IS TILTED BEYOND TRIM RANGE FOR SHALLOW
WATER OPERATION OR TO THE TRAILERING POSITION.
THIS CAN CAUSE SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE
COWLING AND THE BOAT. ALWAYS MONITOR THE ENGINE
AS IT TILTS AND MAKE SURE THE HATCH AND SEAT
BACKRESTS ARE CLOSED BEFORE TILTING THE ENGINE
BEYOND THE TRIM RANGE.
ENGINE HOSES AND CABLES OR THE TRANSOM GEL COAT
CAN BE DAMAGED BY TILTING THE ENGINE TO THE FULL
UP POSITION WITH THE ENGINE TURNED TO THE WRONG
POSITION OR WITH THE OPTIONAL JACK PLATE SET TOO
LOW. MOST BOATS REQUIRE THE STEERING WHEEL TO
BE TURNED COMPLETELY TO STARBOARD AND THE JACK
PLATE RAISED SLIGHTLY, TYPICALLY LEVEL 2, BEFORE
TILTING THE ENGINE TO THE FULL UP POSITION. YOU
SHOULD MONITOR THE ENGINE AS IT TILTS TO DETERMINE
BEST FULL TILT ENGINE AND JACK PLATE POSITIONS FOR
YOUR BOAT.
To Next Page
Loading...