Albemarle 288 EXPRESS FISHERMAN, Owner'S Manual

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the engine. The starter should not engage for either engine.
Repeat this test with the shift levers in reverse and the engine
throttles at idle. Again, the starter should not engage for either
engine. If the starter for either 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 and have the neutral safety switch
repaired by a qualified technician before using your boat. If
an engine starts in gear during this test, immediately move the
shift levers to the neutral position and turn the engines off.
IN SOME SITUATIONS, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE
TO ACCIDENTALLY START THE ENGINES IN
GEAR WITH THE THROTTLES ABOVE IDLE IF
THE NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCHES ARE 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 EACH
NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH PERIODICALLY AND
CORRECT ANY PROBLEMS BEFORE USING THE
BOAT.
2.6 Engine Stop Switch
Your boat is equipped with an engine stop switch and lanyard.
When the lanyard is pulled it will engage the switch and shut
off the engines. We strongly recommend that the lanyard be
attached to the driver whenever the engines are running. If
an engine will not start, it could be because the lanyard is not
properly inserted into the engine stop switch. Always make
sure the lanyard is properly attached to the engine stop switch
before attempting to start the engines.
The engine stop switch should be tested periodically to ensure
it is operating properly. With the boat secured to the dock and
the engines idling in neutral, pull the lanyard until the clip
is released from the switch. If the engines continue to idle,
the stop switch is not functioning properly and you should
contact your dealer and have the stop switch repaired by a
qualified technician before using your boat.
Refer to the engine owner’s manual for more information on
the engine stop switch.
2.7 Steering System
Power Assist Hydraulic Steering
The steering system on your boat is power assisted and
comprised of two circuits: a manual system, which is the
control element, and a hydraulic power pump, which is the
working element.
The manual system is hydraulic and made of three main
Typical Helm and Steering Wheel Tilt Release Lever
components: the helm assembly, hydraulic hoses and a
hydraulic steering cylinder. The helm unit acts as both a
fluid reservoir and pump. Turning of the helm, or steering
wheel, pumps the fluid in the hydraulic hoses and activates
the hydraulic cylinder causing the motors to turn. A slight
clicking sound may be heard as the wheel is turned. This
sound is the opening and closing of valves in the helm unit
and is normal.
The power system is an electronically controlled, 12-volt
hydraulic pump that boosts the fluid pressure being sent from
the helm pump to the steering cylinder to provide “Power”
for the steering system which results in much easier effort at
the steering wheel, even under heavy loads. In the event of a
power loss or failure of the steering pump, the steering system
will automatically revert to a manual hydraulic system.
The steering wheel can be tilted to five different positions
by activating the tilt lock lever located on the bottom side of
Typical Stop Switch with Lanyard Pulled
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