Owner`s manual

Helm Systems
2-1
Section 2
C 260
Helm 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.
Each manufacturer of the control compo-
nents 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 sys-
tems.
2.2 Engine Throttle and Shift
Controls
The shift and throttle controls on your boat
may vary depending on the engines used.
The following control description is typical of
most outboard remote controls. Refer to the
engine or control manuals for specific infor-
mation on the controls installed on your Pur-
suit.
The helm on your Pursuit is designed for a
binnacle style control with a single lever for
each engine 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 1st detent forward of
neutral), 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 handles of dual lever controls may not
always align with each other at all RPM set-
tings due to variations in control cable rout-
ing, cable length and adjustments at the
engine. Usually the alignment of the handles
can be optimized at a chosen RPM, but may
vary at other settings. Control or cable
adjustments may be required to correct this
condition should it persist. See your Pursuit
dealer for necessary control and cable
adjustments.
2.3 Neutral Safety Switch
Every control system has a neutral safety
switch incorporated into it. This device pro-
hibits the engine from being started while the
shift lever is in any position other than the
neutral position.
The neutral safety switches should be tested
periodically to ensure that they are operating
properly. To test the neutral safety switches,
make sure the engines are tilted down and
move the shift levers to the forward position.
Make sure the control levers are 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 for either
engine. Repeat this test with the shift levers
in reverse and the engine throttles at idle.
Again, the starter should not engage for
either engine. If the starter for either engine
engages with the shift controls in any posi-
tion other than the neutral position, then the
neutral safety switch is not functioning prop-
erly and you should contact your dealer and
have the neutral safety switch repaired
before using your boat. If an engine starts in
gear during this test, immediately move the
control levers to the neutral position and turn
the engine off.
! CAUTION
Always return the engine throttle
levers to the extreme low speed posi-
tion before shifting. Never shift the
transmission at any throttle setting
above idle rpm.