Albemarle 288 EXPRESS FISHERMAN, Owner'S Manual

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288 OBXF
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• Gear position indicating lights that let you know that the
transmission has shifted into the appropriate gear .
• Audible neutral indicator. An audible alert sounds when
the transmission has been shifted into neutral.
• Control head light dimmer that allows you to adjust the
control head lights for each station individually.
• Station transfer that allows the operator to transfer control
from one station to another with the push of a button.
• An engine synchronization feature that automatically
keeps both engines at the same RPM when this feature is
activated.
• Trolling control, which enables you to control the speed
of the propeller with the engines idling.
These features and others not mentioned require specific
procedures to activate and operate them properly. Some of
the procedures are unique to the engines, drive system and
other options installed on your boat. It is essential that you
read the owner’s manual for the controls and be completely
familiar with their operation before using your boat.
2.3 Engine Synchronizer
During most operations of a twin engine boat, it is advantageous
for both engines to be operated at the same RPM. This reduces
noise and vibration and can increase engine efficiency.
Setting the throttles so that the engines are running the same
RPM (synchronized) can be done by listening to the engine
sounds, or with the engine synchronizer built into the control
system. A light in the control head key pad will indicate when
this feature has been activated. Attempting to synchronize
the engines solely by using the tachometer readings or
control lever placement generally will not work. When the
engines are in proper synchronization, the throttle levers may
not necessarily be even. Please refer to the engine control
owner’s manual for detailed information on the operation of
the engine synchronizer.
2.4 Engine Power Tilt and Trim
All outboard engines have a tilt and trim feature. Verado
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, switches
on the port control lever grip activate the tilt/trim for the
engines.
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 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 adjustment of the
outboard within the first 20
o
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,
please refer to the engine owner’s manual.
THE ENGINE HOSES AND CABLES OR THE
TRANSOM BRACKET 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.
2.5 Neutral Safety Switch
Every control system has a neutral safety switch. This device
prohibits the engine from being started while the shift lever
is in any position other than the neutral position. If the
engine will not start, slight movement of the shift lever may
be necessary to locate the neutral position and disengage the
safety cutout switch. Control system adjustments may be
required to correct this condition, should it persist. See your
Albemarle dealer for necessary control adjustments.
The neutral safety switch should be tested periodically to
ensure that it is operating properly. To test the neutral safety
switch, move the shift levers to the forward position with the
engines off. Make sure the throttle levers are set to the
idle position. Activate the starter switch for each engine
just long enough to briefly engage the starter. Do not hold
the starter switch in the start position long enough to start