Welcraft 232 Coastal, Owner'S Manual

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Chapter 2:
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.
Each manufacturer of the control components
provides an owner’s manual with it’s 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 Controls
The shift and throttle controls on your boat may vary
depending on the engine used. The following control
description is typical of most outboard remote
controls. Refer to the engine or control manuals for
specific information on the controls installed on your
Wellcraft.
The engine throttle and shift control system consist of
three major components: the control handles, the
throttle cable and the shift cable. The cables are all
the push-pull type. Two cables are required for each
engine. One cable connects the remote throttle
control to the carburetor or fuel injectors and the
other connects the remote shift control to the engine
shift rod linkage.
The helm on your Wellcraft is designed for a binnacle
style control with a single lever that operates as a
gear shift and a throttle. General operation will
include a position for neutral (straight up and down),
a forward position (the 1
st
detent forward of neutral),
and a reverse position (the 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.
2.3 Neutral Safety Switch
Every control system has a neutral safety switch
incorporated onto it. 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 or cable
adjustments may be required to correct this condition
should it persist.
See your Wellcraft dealer for necessary control and
cable adjustments.
The neutral safety switches should be tested
periodically to ensure that they are operating
properly. To test the neutral safety switches, make
sure the engine is tilted down and move the shift
lever to the forward position.
Make sure the throttle control lever is not
advanced past the idle position. Turn the
ignition key to the start position just long enough to
briefly engage the starter for the engine. Do not
hold the key in the start position long enough
to start the engine. The starter should not engage
the engine. Repeat this test with the shift lever in
reverse and the engine throttle at idle. Again, the
starter should not engage. If the starter engages
with the shift control in any position other than the
neutral position, then the neutral safety switch is not
functioning properly and you should contact your
dealer to have the neutral safety switch repaired by
a qualified marine mechanic before using the boat.
If the engine starts in gear during this test,
immediately move the control lever to the neutral
position and turn the engine off.
2.4 Engine Power Tilt and Trim
All outboard engines have a tilt and trim feature.
Most 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.
Moving the outboard closer to the boat transom is
called trimming “in” or “down”. Moving the
outboards further away from the boat transom is
called trimming “out” or “up”. In most cases, the
boat will run best with the outboards adjusted so
the hull will run at a 3 to 5 degree angle to the
water.
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