Baja Marine 40 manual Description of Major Controls, Gear Shift and Throttle Control

7.Description of Major Controls

A.Gear Shift and Throttle Control

The shift/throttle control unit for the engine is activated by individual handles. (See Figure 2.5.1) The shift handle must be in neutral position to start your engine. Moving the shift handle forward engages the forward gear. Then move the throttle arm or handle forward to increase engine speed and propeller RPM, moving the boat faster. To shift to reverse, bring the shift handle lever back to the neutral position after bringing back the throttle handle first, then move it further back to engage the reverse gear. Move the throttle handle to increase engine speed and propeller RPM, moving the boat faster in reverse.

GEAR SHIFT AND THROTTLE CONTROL (FIG. 2.5.1)

Shift levers in forward positon

The throttle control adjusts the RPM of the engine and thus, the rotational speed of the propeller. Regulating the RPM of the engine controls the speed of the boat.

Forward motion creates forward moving water called a "following" wake. If the boat is moving forward and the shift/throttle is moved quickly from forward to reverse, the boat will stop rapidly and then move backward. The following wake continues to move forward and can rise above the transom and flood the boat.

!CAUTION

Cockpit can fill with water if boat is moving forward fast enough to create a wake, and then quickly put into reverse.

Before shifting into reverse, shift to neutral, wait for the boat to stop rapidly moving forward, then shift into reverse.

Do not shift to reverse too soon. Wait for the following wake to dissipate.

B.Power Trim Unit and Gauge

The Power Trim allows the operator to raise and lower the stern drive unit while underway to provide the ideal boat angle (in relation to water surface) for a given load and water condition. (See Figure 2.5.2)

Trimming UP rotates the stern drive and propeller away from the transom. Trimming DOWN rotates the stern drive and propeller closer to the transom.

Effects of Power Trim

(Fig. 2.5.2)

DOWnUP

DOWnUP

DOWnUP

When the stern drive is trimmed DOWN, the bow of your boat is being forced down. If the trim is in the full DOWN position when accelerating from idle to plane, the boat will plane faster with less bow rise. Once on plane, the stern drive unit can be trimmed UP slightly. This will raise the bow of the boat slightly and increase speed. You will need to try small differences in the stern drive position to determine the trim position you prefer under various conditions.

If you raise the stern drive up too far while on plane, you could cause a loss of speed and power due to a condition called propeller "ventilation." If this happens, there will be a sudden increase in engine RPM and loss of speed. Do not let this condition exist. Immediately reduce your engine RPM and trim the outdrive DOWN slightly until engine slows down and you regain forward speed.

The trim gauge indicates the position of the stern drive relative to the transom.

REFER TO YOUR ENGINE OPERATOR'S MANUAL FOR PROPER TRIM GAUGE SETTING.