Section 1 - Getting to Know the Joystick Piloting for Outboard
90-8M0093150
eng
MAY 2014
Page 3
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Engine operating hours
SmartCraft tachometer and speedometer
a -
Tachometer
b -
Speedometer
c -
LCD display
The SmartCraft instrument package also aids in identifying the fault codes associated with the engine audio warning system.
The SmartCraft instrument package displays critical engine alarm data and other potential problems on its LCD display.
For basic operation information on the SmartCraft instrument package and for details on the warning functions monitored by the
system, refer to the manual provided with your gauge package.
System Link Digital Gauges
Some instrumentation packages include gauges that augment the information provided by VesselView and the SmartCraft
tachometer and speedometer. The owner and operator should be familiar with all the instruments and their functions on the
boat. Have your boat dealer explain the gauges and normal readings that appear on your boat.
The following types of digital gauges may be included with your power package.
a
b
c
d
37925
System Link digital gauges
Item
Gauge
Indicates
a
Oil pressure gauge
Engine oil pressure
b
Voltmeter
Battery voltage
c
Water temperature gauge
Engine operating temperature
d
Fuel gauge
Quantity of fuel in tank
Electronic Helm Steering
The electronic helm steering operates through electronic signals. A computer‑controlled electric motor simulates the resistance
feedback found in hydraulic steering systems.
We recommend that you drive carefully in an open area clear of obstructions or other boat traffic until you have a chance to
explore the outboard joystick piloting system's handling characteristics and the boat's response. The electronic steering system
can provide a faster steering response than expected.
Your vessel's propulsion personality, as developed by the vessel manufacturer in partnership with Mercury Marine, determines
the number of turns of the steering wheel. Typically, this is about four turns of the wheel from lock‑to‑lock. The number of turns
lock‑to‑lock may vary based upon the boat handling characteristics.
The stops that you feel when turning the wheel to full lock are not hard stops. The end stops are electric and are driven by the
electric motor attached to the steering wheel.
You may experience times during which the electronic end stops of the wheel are
not
felt. This will happen when the starboard
key is off, the starboard battery voltage is low, the 20‑amp circuit breaker (typically labeled "Helm Main Power" or similar) is
tripped, or a steering wheel motor fault occurs. This loss of feedback will not result in loss of steering, however. The engines
will still stop turning when the wheel reaches the hard‑over position at each lock.
a
b
cc
50400