Scout Boats 350 LXF, Owner'S Manual

Page: 21 / 166

21
HELM CONTROL SYSTEMS
2.1 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.
In addition to the primary helm controls, your boat
could be equipped with an optional bow thruster
that provides the operator additional control of the
bow while docking or anchoring the boat in tight
quarters or high winds and strong currents.
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.
2.2 Engine Throttle and Shift Controls
Electronic Engine Controls
Electronic engine controls are standard on the
Yamaha F300 and F350 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, Command Link
instruments and keypad, the control processors
and applicable harnesses. The controls are com-
pletely electronic and there are no cables.
The controls have a single lever for each engine
that operates as a gearshift and a throttle. Gen-
eral operation will include a position for neutral
(straight up and down or slightly aft of vertical),
a forward position (the 1st detent forward of neu -
tral), 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 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 warm-up purposes. The control levers are
equipped with adjustable control head detent and
friction settings.
The engine controls and Command Link key pads
have integrated switches and indicator lights
which allow the operator to control all aspects of
the boat’s propulsion 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)
Yamaha Engine Controls
Chapter 2: