Monterey 305 SS, Owner'S Manual

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43
MONTEREY
BOATS
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.
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 engine and options se-
lected. The following description is typical of most
electronic control systems. Refer to the engine
or control manual for specific information on the
controls installed on your Boat.
Electronic Engine Controls
Electronic engine controls are standard on all
large outboard engines. The following control
description is typical of most electronic control
installations.
The helm is designed for a binnacle style control
with a single lever for each engine. The electronic
control system consists of three major compo -
nents: the electronic control head, instruments
and keypad, control processors and applicable
harnesses. The controls are completely electronic
and there are no cables.
The control has a single lever for each engine that
operates as a gearshift and a throttle. General op-
eration will include 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 position (the 1st detent aft of neutral).
Advancing the control lever beyond the shift range
advances the throttle in forward or reverse.
Each control lever is equipped with a means of
permitting the engine to be operated at a higher
than idle RPM while in neutral for cold starting and
Chapter 4:
Helm Control Systems
Typical Mercury Electronic Control
warm-up purposes. The levers are also equipped
with adjustable detent and friction settings.
Most controls and key pads have integrated
switches and indicator lights which allow the op-
erator to control all aspects of the boat’s propul-
sion system. LED lights on the control pad indicate
that the control is activated and the engines can
be started.
The most common features activated or
monitored by the keypad are:
• Starter lockout, which prevents the engine
from being started in gear.
• Gear lockout, which allows the engine RPM to
be advanced in neutral safely.
• Battery voltage warning indicator that warns
the operator of high or low voltage supplied
to the system (audible alarm)