It is quite easy to change the gear of the boat once you have learned the basics and done a little practice. There are several models and types of MerCruiser remote controls. The instructions and advice described in this article refer to standard and modern panel or console mounted ones.
Steps
Step 1. Observe the remote controls before starting the engine
- Familiarize yourself with the throttle and its locking mechanism.
- Inspect the neutral release button and trim buttons (if any).
Step 2. Think before starting the engine
Security is the priority; when you shift into gear, the propeller starts spinning and can injure or even kill people and animals.
Step 3. Never start the engine when there is a bather in the water near the boat
Step 4. Inform passengers that you are about to shift forward or reverse
Step 5. Observe the area around the boat before engaging the gear
Step 6. Plan ahead
Do you have the green light?
Step 7. When practicing shifting, make sure the direction you want to move is clear of other boats and obstacles, or tie the boat securely to a sturdy dock using several ropes
Step 8. Check the throttle both to engage the gear both for to accelerate.
The lever has three positions - or stop marks: come on, crazy And reverse gear. Typically, it is left vertically in the neutral position.
Step 9. Start the engine by leaving the throttle in neutral (up)
Note that most remote controls are equipped with a start protection switch when the gear is engaged; this device prevents starting when a ratio is selected. If the engine does not start, check that the throttle is in the neutral position.
Step 10. Place your hand on top of the lever
Below it you should feel the release button with your fingers; you must press or lift it before attempting to shift into gear. Remember that if you push the throttle beyond the "forward" stop, the engine starts to accelerate and the boat moves faster; in this case, you are accelerating and should never do so while the boat is tied to the dock. Proceed only when the vehicle is free and ready to move forward.
Step 11. To practice, push the lever only to the "forward" notch
Step 12. To engage gear, lift the release mechanism with your fingers and push the throttle forward in a smooth motion until you feel the stop notch
Do not move it too slowly, or you will "scratch" the gears.
Step 13. Practice engaging and disengaging forward gear, remembering to lift or press the release button and apply steady pressure
Step 14. Try shifting from neutral to reverse by pulling the throttle to its stop notch
Step 15. If you are out at sea and there are no other water vehicles, shift into forward gear and let the engine idle for a while
Observe your surroundings to make sure it is safe to accelerate.
Step 16. Slowly push the lever forward and increase the speed of the boat as you steer as carefully as possible
Step 17. As you accelerate and push the throttle forward, the bow of most boats rises and a large wake forms in the sea on the back side
Eventually, the craft accelerates and the bow lowers; the boat "glides" and glides quickly on the surface of the water. To slow down, slowly pull the throttle towards you, a little at a time, until the bow is back in contact with the water and the engine idles. Do not engage neutral until the engine has reached this speed; remember to change your relationship only when the engine is idling.
Advice
- Don't "scratch" the gears.
- When changing gears, never oppose the movement of the engine.
- Get familiar with the shift lever.
- Replace any damaged or worn items.
- Keep the controls clear of salt, apply wax or a lubricant.
- Avoid starting the engine or shifting gears in shallow water or areas where there may be submerged obstacles.
- Ask an experienced sailor to show you the use of the controls and safety points.
-
The other elements of the remote control system to consider are the lanyard / safety switch and the trim buttons.
The safety lanyard should always be attached to the driver's body while the boat is in motion; if this person is thrown out of the boat, the tear on the rope activates the switch that turns off the engine. Always use that device
- Make sure the sterndrive engine is lowered before starting it.
- Avoid bumping into objects at all costs.
- Don't accelerate too much when you are in reverse.
- It only changes when the engine is idling.
- The control system consists of several parts; It features a throttle, neutral release button (on common models), a shift lock mechanism, possibly one or more trim control buttons, and a safety wire switch.
- You need to adjust the shift cables from time to time.
- Be aware of the spinning propeller as it can be deadly.
- Do not change gears quickly and do not "drag" the throttle when engaging or disengaging the gear.
- If possible, have an experienced captain or sailor show you the gear shifting techniques and mechanisms.
- Most remote controls have trim and tow buttons. The first raises and lowers the motor within a safe angle when you are in the water and is intended to improve propulsion performance; the second instead is used only a engine off and is used to fully raise the powertrain when putting the boat in the water, pulling out of the water or transporting it on a trailer.
- Read the instruction manual.
Warnings
- Never let go of the rudder when a gear is engaged.
- Never start the sterndrive engine when it is tilted too much upward; typically, you should make sure it is completely lowered before turning it on.
- Shift gears when the engine is idling.
- Use the safety line.
- Never shift gears when the engine is running faster than idle, otherwise you run the risk of damaging it.
- Do not start the engine or increase its revs when there are people in the water or on the platform.
- Never shift gears when passing through neutral; in other words, let the gear lever stay in neutral for a while before entering a different gear. For example, if you have engaged the gear forward, do not pull the lever all the way back to reverse, otherwise you can damage the transmission.
- Safety must be your top priority.
- Read the instruction manual.
