CHAPTER 4
STEERING CONTROL SYSTEM
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29z
Passengers on the foredeck are at risk if the bow thruster is engaged
without their prior knowledge.
Consult the user’s manual for specifics about your thruster. In general, thrusters are best used in
short bursts. Prolonged use may damage the motor, or at least trip the breaker. When not in a
situation where the thruster may be necessary, leave it turned OFF to avoid damage. Consider
the fact that your thruster gets DC power from the engine start battery, which is charged by the
engine’s alternator. If the engine is not running, has not warmed up for 7-8 minutes to the point
that the alternator is charging the start battery, or running at idle, the thruster can consume more
energy than the alternator can provide.
It is possible to discharge the battery or burn out a
thruster motor by over-use of the thruster.
The thruster automatically turns OFF after 6 minutes with no use.
Turn on the thruster(s) by holding down the two left buttons (or turning the switch to ON with
some models) until the activation light appears. (You will hear the breaker click) If the light does
not appear, check to see that the large red knob for the bow-thruster circuit breaker (below
ignition panel) is pulled out.
When operating the thrusters, allow a second or two for the propeller to
come to complete stop before reversing direction. Failure to do so may result in damage
to a shear pin.
Thruster zincs should be checked periodically and replaced if significantly worn.
4.6
TRIM TABS
(Optional)
While trim tabs are not necessary on the 29z because the running
angle is adjusted automatically by the angle of the stern drive,
they can come in handy to fine-tune the port to starboard trim of
the 29z. The trim tab breaker on the DC panel must be ON for the
unit to work. The trim tabs are wired intuitively, so by pushing
down the starboard tab, the bow leans down to starboard.
(Actually, the port tab is going down to lift the port aft corner of the
boat).
4.7 AUTOPILOT
(Optional)
The Autopilot/Depth breaker (on the DC panel) must be ON for the autopilot to function. Check
the autopilot display and note the rudder angle indicator which helps in maneuvering the boat.
When the compass heading is displayed on the autopilot it is operational and can be activated by
pushing AUTO. The boat will then maintain the displayed heading. Push +1 or -1 for one degree
course corrections or +10 or –10 for ten degree increments. When not activated, the Autopilot
display maybe configured to show BOATSPEED (SOG from the GPS). See the Raymarine
manual.
The autopilot system is part of the hydraulic steering system. DO NOT
turn the wheel when the autopilot system is ON. Push STANDBY to switch back to manual
steering.
4.8 WINDSHIELD
WIPERS
The 29z is fitted with two windshield wipers. For specific instructions, refer to the user manual.
