
2.12
SECTION 2 • GENERAL BOAT ARRANGEMENT
290 Sundancer
®
9. DESCRIPTION OF MAJOR CONTROLS
A. GEAR SHIFT AND THROTTLE CONTROL
The shift/throttle control unit for the engine activates
by the shifting mechanism and the throttle. The
control must be in the neutral position to start your
engine. Moving the lever forward fi rst engages the
forward gear. Further forward movement increases
engine speed and propeller RPM, moving the boat
faster. To shift to reverse, bring the control lever
back to the neutral position, then move it further
back to engage the reverse gear. Further rearward
movement of the lever increases engine speed and
propeller RPM, moving the boat faster in reverse.
Shift/throttle controls are equipped with a “throttle
only” mechanism which allows the shift mechanism
to be disengaged from the throttle. This allows
the throttle to be advanced without shifting the
transmission when starting. It may be necessary
to use the “throttle only” button in order to pump
fuel into the engine for ease in starting.
Cockpit can fi ll with water if boat is moving forward,
when it is put into reverse.
Before shifting into reverse, shift to neutral, wait for
boat to stop moving forward, then shift into reverse.
! CAUTION
The “throttle only” mechanism may differ from one
style shift/throttle unit to another. Refer to your Gear
Shift & Throttle Manual for proper operation of this
feature.
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 fl ood
the boat.
Do not shift into reverse too quickly. 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 the water surface)
for a given load and water condition.
Trimming UP rotates the stern drive and propeller
away from the transom. Trimming DOWN rotates the
stern drive and propeller closer to the transom.
When the stern drive is trimmed DOWN, the bow
of the boat is being forces 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.
SHIFT & THROTTLE CONTROL
(TWIN ENGINE OPTION SHOWN)
(FIG. 2.12.1)
POWER TRIM
SWITCHES
FORWARD GEAR
PUSH LEVERS FORWARD
(INCREASE SPEED BY MOVING
LEVERS FURTHER FORWARD)
“THROTTLE ONLY” BUTTON
(STBD ENGINE)
(PUSH IN AND HOLD WHILE MOVING
SHIFT LEVER FORWARD)
“THROTTLE ONLY” BUTTON
(PORT ENGINE)
(PUSH IN AND HOLD WHILE
MOVING SHIFT LEVER FORWARD)
REVERSE GEAR
PULL LEVERS BACKWARDS
(INCREASE SPEED BY MOVING
LEVERS FURTHER BACKWARDS)
NEUTRAL/IDLE
MOVE LEVERS TO CENTER
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