Boat throttle controls - how they work. Using a boat shifter

How to use a boat shifter. Boat throttle control operation isn't the same as a car. In this video I show you all of the functions of boat throttle controls and how they work. If you want to know how to operate a boat, understanding how to use a boat throttle is essential.
Here's a link to Amazon to purchase a universal kill switch for most boats: amzn.to/3omhYxf
Be sure to check compatibility with your particular engine!
As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
#boatthrottleoperation #boatthrottlecontrols #boatthrottle
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[@frankrobinson5453]

great video for complete dummies like me. This may seem like obvious instruction to a lot of people, but great for complete newbies (like me) still learning the very basics. I appreciate there are likely more correct terminology you might not be using, but I totally forgive that. As I learn more I'll know better. For now, I get the jist of what you are saying and have a better understanding nonetheless. All the other instructional videos I've seen so far glaze over these details as too rudimentary to mention, so thanks for covering what others haven't.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Thank you so much for the kind words! That’s exactly why I started my channel and what I strive for when I make my videos.

[@bassdude404]

Learned my "something new" today from this video...I've had my new to me '02 Four Winns Horizon 190 out twice and the second time had a hard time starting it off the trailer...I knew not to start it in gear, but didn't know about the button to disengage the drive to allow me to give it a little throttle to fire it up...Thanks for the video/info...Never stop learning new stuff folks...😊

[@skooby_doobie_doonkann3334]

Btw a great video again! Really enjoy watching these passionate and informative videos Wayne! True boat guy

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@dinnamagno321]

this was the video that made me subscribe. your explanation of the throttle only button vs the manual was so helpful. such clear and thorough explanations! i’m a new owner with an old boat and i feel so nervous that i’ll mess it up! thank you for all that you do!

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

So happy to hear - You're quite welcome!

[@Morraless21]

Finally the video I have been looking for! I haven’t driven or started a boat since I was 16 and I’m 41 now and needed a refresher haha. Perfect video

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Glad to help!

[@tylerwiensch5069]

Very helpful I'll be taking my boat out for the very first time ever. You just answered alot of my questions thank you

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Awesome! I have several other videos that address some of the stumbling blocks we can encounter along the way as newer boaters.

[@jimmycandeto7495]

Great job Wayne!

[@fishnroses]

Great information; thanks a lot, just what I needed to know

[@twizzler3b]

Don't tell my friends I had to watch this, or nobody will go out on my boat with me :D Appreciate your videos Wayne, I've been binge watching getting ready for my boat to go in the water later this week.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Good luck! If we aren’t boating often we can all get a bit rusty!

[@tonyclarkson1816]

Just bought my 1st boat so your videos have been helpful, thank you!

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Glad to help!

[@payamtarverdyanchychi9760]

Fantastic video! Thank you!

[@magnetadventures]

Thanks! Just what i was looking for. 👍

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Glad I could help!

[@WildGoose007]

Very helpful, thank you

[@alberteller7286]

Thanks so much for showing me how that truck work or fast idle very good presentation great camerawork you have a great day God bless.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Thanks, you too!

[@gavinfoster9118]

Thanks Wayne Great advice and video!

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@angelpena9425]

Useful!! Thanks Wayne!

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@roshnirose7379]

Very helpful you explain very well

[@smokepurp5972]

Thanks, Wayne! I didn't know what that center knob was in the shifter. That is good to know that I can control the engine rpms while in neutral for starting. About to take my Tracker out for the first time today!!!!!!

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Glad to help!

[@gaila.8830]

Thank you for the video 😄 Did help 👍

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Glad it helped!

[@leroymorris6036]

thank you

[@bobmodersohn]

Excellent coverage of all aspects of starting and operating 2-stroke outboards from remote controls. I just had an older Merc 75 installed, replacing an older Evinrude 40. The controls are a bit different and Wayne addresses them. Like, when starting the Merc, to increase throttle OUT of gear, there's a large flat button at the inside pivot point of the shifter. When you push that in, the shifter can be pushed forward while remaining in neutral. OMC uses a lever to do same.

[@carolenlancaster3491]

Thank you a very informative video. First time boat owner .now need to learn launching ...eeeeks!

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

That can be the hardest part! And I do have a video on some boat ramp tips - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKXGf4VomZd4d68

[@greatestinspirationalvideo9368]

Thank you great video

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ReignTownsend]

Thank You

[@ericpowers2469]

On many older carbureted motors, pressing the bottom button and working the throttle forward several times will prime the carb.

[@CECWashingtonTheCECFan]

I love the title - HAA!!

[@CharlestonSharkTeeth]

Thanks for the video. And yes you should wear the cut-off device. Yes it is a great inconvenience when you leave the helm and the engine switches off. Tough cookies.... wear the cut-off switch. I get it.

[@darrylmcleman6456]

Hello again! Another feature in the throttle-shift control in the Mercruisers and Volvo I/O rigs I owned and possibly yours too when shifting from foward to reverse or reverse to foward there is an engine cut-out switch that cuts the engine for an instant when making the shift because there is no clutch.If one didnt make the shift quickly you could stall the engine!!!

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I haven't noticed that on mine, I wonder if it's something they changed over time. But I also might not shift like most people do. I tend to baby it because my old Evinrude really needed just the right touch to go from forward to reverse.

[@jslade60]

I bought a boat with that exact feature I'm trying to get it to start it won't turn over I'm at a loss...

[@rfrodriguez53]

I just completed by boating certification course but have never been at the controls of a motorboat. I am renting a boat in a few weeks and will be studying your videos very carefully. Do you have a video where you are actually pulling out of the dock and using some basic throttle controls as you get started?

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I have a video about driving a boat for the first time, but I'm not sure it really shows how I use throttle. Just go slow and take your time. Most of the time with a boat, we aren't holding up any traffic - take your time and be patient!

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

If you are having problems with your throttle control, I take one apart here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZ_FqKqJec1qZrs

[@mattbrown5511]

Do manufacturers make these for small boats? Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@carolenlancaster3491]

Need video on launching and loading!

[@leesire]

Thanks for the info! I don’t want to put up my boat for Winter! Ima going to miss my boat.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

You and me both!

[@Jstars200]

Do you also need to use the Shift-trigger when you use throttle only button?

[@hayleepersall1833]

I can’t find the other video that is suppose to be linked

[@davidwhite5878]

I don’t seem to have a button on mine that lets the gear lever go forward while still in neutral. Which is what I want to achieve to put boat into WOT. And right under key I have a switch that you lift up as you start it. I believe this achieves the same as you do when pushing the key in. My motor is a 1992 Yamaha 40hp.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

My old Evinrude 90 had a control like that. According to some people, lifting the lever apparently just advances the timing or might be an idle-speed adjustment. There might not be a way to put it in WOT without the engine engaged - but I'm not positive. Pushing the key in typically is a choke or squirts fuel in the carbs (that's what mine did).

[@MikeChalk]

Do you have a video about how to start, use, maintain an old 2-lever Evinrude Simplex control box?

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I do have a video on the starting procedure of a 1985 Evinrude 90 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmi0qWiwd7xpn5Y

[@milanabsi1272]

Hi Wayne, can you explain bit to connect throttle, to battery, to engine? I’ve been spending days trying to understand but I can’t find any video explain… thanks!

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Not sure what you're looking for exactly. The connections for each type of boat and engine are usually a little bit different and specific to a certain engine. For example a shifter/ignition assembly from a Yamaha 115 outboard might not work with an Evinrude 90.

[@joshbarewsp]

When I put the control in neutral the engine stalls. Any solutions? Thanks

[@philwalden6166]

A fantastic video and your explanation was very clear. Can you help me to determine if I need a push to open throttle control box or a pull to open control box. I have a F25LEHB model Yamaha 2016 year model 25 HP. I can't find any Outboard Marine Dealer that will tell me.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I'm sorry I don't have any experience at all with any newer outboards - yet!

[@rivmanjj3899]

Hi . I’m having a problem shifting into reverse . How can I remove and inspect the shifter . Thank you Jim

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I have another video where I remove the box from my older boat: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZ_FqKqJec1qZrs But before you remove the box, check the connection at the engine end. What I have learned is that there's essentially three potential trouble spots - the shifter control, the cable itself, and something bad at the engine. Good luck!

[@creedonjm]

The 2 stroke link isn't "here" can you post a link in the comments

[@tristenfletcher577]

Hey Wayne what cause a inboard boat to be stuck at 2000rpms when it actually gets up to 3500rpms

[@freddiehebert]

Wayne I have the same shifter as yours in my 1998 Chaparral 2130, and I need to change the trim button, have you ever pilled shifter apart?

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I have not pulled this one apart, but I did pull the one from my last boat apart. Take pictures if/when you do it, so that you can get everything back together correctly! Good luck!!

[@philipsharp5299]

My remote is idle off neutral until almost all the way down. Do cables go bad generally or the box?

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Cables can stretch over time and also get difficult to operate. Usually they're the weak link.

[@judystrejcodonnell3524]

What happens if the button in the gear shift on a 1976 sea sprite only pops out when it is in neutral. Motor is running when we put into reverse but it won’t go in reverse we think because the black button won’t pop out when put in gear.

[@judystrejcodonnell3524]

Btw- We have grandchildren up for 1 week in Michigan & they want to go tubing bad! Someone help us we’ve never been boat owners & now own 2. Pontoon we can handle! Ha!

[@georgem7835]

Do you need to push the lever when going from forward or backward to neutral?

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I don't think so - but when you get to neutral, you do need to push the button to go into gear.

[@jessiepayne737]

Just subscribed, have a question I have a 92 Bass Tracker. The throttle control slows not have the button or leave to put the boat in neutral. How do I find neutral?

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Is it a remote throttle at the helm or tiller handle throttle on the engine? The helm style (like I have in this video) should click into neutral and then go into reverse as you keep pushing. A tiller handle on the outboard will have a separate lever (usually on the side of the engine) to shift into neutral and reverse.

[@jessiepayne737]

@@WayneTheBoatGuy remote type it has the neutral position I am try to throttle to increase RPM for warm up the engage the drive

[@Hmoob101]

What if you have a carburetor and don’t have that button in the middle how you set the idle before you start

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Some older ones have a flip up lever that is used to set the idle speed. I have a video of the one on an old Evinrude 90

[@Hmoob101]

@@WayneTheBoatGuy no flip lever only thing I can think of doing is use a hot foot and remove the spring

[@slabbusterrtr7690]

Have a question I have a 1986 mercury 90 hp with quicksliver controls was wondering what aftermarket box i can use found one on eBay buy not sure cables will hook up harness looks like it would can't get clear answer from the seller... but the one on the boat now quit shifting into toward its just locked up reseverse either throttle part works fine

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I was exploring some of the different types and options and it can be very confusing to find the right type/style for your motor.

[@nicolebraxton6273]

My boat starts on throttle position and also on a little bit of forward position

[@skooby_doobie_doonkann3334]

I take it that you don't have the "trailer" button on your throttle for the tilt system? Some I/O throttles, especially mercruiser usually have a "trailer" button to tilt the motor up to a position for very shallow water and towing on the trailer. Where the "trim" up and down only goes up so high with a limiter so you can't tilt the outdrive up to high

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

A 'trailer' button - very cool feature that I have not seen! Thanks!!

[@TR4zest]

The horrifying story I remember about the tether was from a family, with dad at the helm without the safety tether: they hit a big wake and the family was thrown out of the boat. The boat landed on full lock, and drove itself round in circles over the floundering family for a long time. Of a family of 5 IIRC, the mom and one child survived, one or both badly injured. Wear the tether, people.

[@paulfennell01]

Hey Wayne - what boat - year and length with what power plant do you have there?

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Here's a video where I introduce this boat - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKfLgX-fl9Gon8k&pbjreload=101

[@BarryLHines]

I have a 1997 maxum 1900sr 4.3 mercruiser. I'm having trouble with the interrupt switch what I'm needing to know is exactly how does it operate

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I think it simply cuts power to the run circuit - like switching off the key. I'm not positive though - I haven't taken any of those components apart yet!

[@AN-kg4ei]

@@WayneTheBoatGuy It grounds the coil or output from CDI box. Usually it just grounds a coil which will kill ignition.

[@danatara69]

I notice you press the button in for higher speed in neutral and you press the the shifter button the same time and kept it held at the same time do you need to hold the button while raving the engine

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

The button at the base of the shifter allows the engine to rev without engaging the outdrive (prop). The button on the handle itself is a release button (like a car) to allow the shifter to move.

[@danatara69]

@@WayneTheBoatGuy thanks

[@benbmw86]

41sec on ur video what is that leaver for?

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I link to the video at that moment to discuss that type of control box

[@uShotNobody]

I have searched for hours and I can't find anything that will help me with my issue. I took the handle and plastic sleeve off my older Quicksilver remote control to pull out my control box to put on new cables. When I put the plastic sleeve and handle back on I assumed I was off with the spline alignment because now neutral is in the middle and forward and reverse click in the right positions, but when I go past that first click spot whether in forward or reverse it only goes about two to three inches compared to before it went at least six to then inches. I even checked the motor and the throttle is going barely halfway. I tried several spots on different splines and even rotate the plastic sleeve but nothing changes. Any ideas from anyone? Thanks in advance for your time. Oh, I had to have it in the reverse locking spot to take out the grub screw to pull off the handle.

[@msulaiman5766]

Hello sir, i start engine neutral not start why ? I don't know but Little forward then start engine loudly Then I put neutral engine is running continue...

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

The linkage might be just a little bit off.

[@DocStoner]

I had a friend who got thrown from his boat at full throttle boat ran into beach and got stuck and we got it off by give it full throttle off the beach

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

That's why they want us to use the safety lanyard engine cutoff when we're moving.

[@DocStoner]

@@WayneTheBoatGuy I tried to tell him but needless to say he did not listen

[@elvigno1969]

Thanks for the video. Please can you tell me the cause of the problem. I removed the battery terminal while the engine was running. The alarm on throttle controls started beeping and since then, it has not gone off. In the beginning, while I was not touching anything, when I make contact, it beeps briefly and goes out. I start the engine and don't whistle anymore. Please can you tell me the problem. Where the problem arose. Thank you very much in advance for your reply.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

If you disconnected a battery while the engine is running you may have damaged the alternator, voltage regulator and/or some fuses and circuit breakers. I have read that disconnecting a battery from a running marine engine interrupts the voltage in a damaging way - but I think there are differences with what is impacted by engine type/year etc. Good luck!

[@mountmega7291]

I can’t get my Reinell into gear. Do you know the sequence on the throttle lever that some boats have to engage the prop?

[@archiepeterson2371]

i just bought an older boat with a 50hp mercury outboard and the engine won't shut d0own with the key i'm new to this and probably doing somethings wrong , But thanks for the video.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Sounds like an ignition switch issue if the key starts it, but won't shut it off.

[@johnkelly9037]

Hi do I hold the trgger all the time

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

No it is just to release it from it's current position.

[@johnkelly9037]

@WayneTheBoatGuy hi thanks Wayne , have 1987 benneteau antares 6 how do I connect lanyard to controller cut off cheers jk

[@BadassRockets]

I wish that the devs on Star Citizen would watch this video, and fix their game's throttle for space ships. Right now, their "throttle" is more of a gas pedal for your hand.

[@danielsoria6155]

Patito Juan

[@howtogetit73]

I bought a new boat, the steering wheel turns to the right while the boat is moving, when I take my hands off the steering wheel, the boat always turns to the right. What should I do about it?

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

That has to do with how the prop spins. Both of my boats have the same issue - I can't let go of the wheel when underway.

[@AnimalScienceTV]

I always hought that design is dangerous. Sure its nice in the middle of the ocean or a great lake to let the throttle stay on... so u can walk around. But what if u fall overboard, nobody wears that safety clip. Can you do a video about "planing?"

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

It's not a great design that's for sure but any better design would be more complicated and therefore more prone to failure.

[@andytinline7717]

Hi Wayne the boat guy Couple of points buddy. 1 There is no such thing on a boat as a “Shifter” What you refer to as the “Shifter” Is in fact called the remote control box also known as the control box or morse. 2 There are no Clicks in different spots. If you do feel them check out your control unit. But I think the clicks you are referring to is the control lever acting on the gear and throttle at the same time then once the gear is selected the control leaver continues only pushing the throttle cable. If you want me to show what I mean please don’t hesitate to let me know. (By the way you seem to be using a lot of force to operate yours. If I had to use that much force I would have mine stripped down to find the cause it just maybe that you have the friction screw turned all the way in ????) 3 the safety latch is your kill switch. It’s primary task is to kill the engine. Not to stop the boat driving away BUT to stop the boat hitting you if you fall over board. A normal boat with an outboard if let unmanned will turn in circle’s. This is due to the torque from the prop pushing boat. Most single engine boats have propellers that turn clockwise, or right-handed. A right-handed prop tends to make the bow move to the left (port) you can feel this through the steering. ALWAYS ALWAYS attach your kill switch lanyard to your person.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

As I am relatively new, I still tend to use some of the inappropriate terminology but it's also the terminology a lot of other boaters use - like "bumpers". I'm going to do more research with regards to the forward and reverse detent clicks - both of my boats have engaged the drive forward and reverse slightly before the 'shifter' clicks into the forward position - whether that's by design or improper setup (before I ever had the boat) I do not know - but that's how they've both worked. Yes, mine does require a little bit of force, but you should have the one on my old boat - I made a video as I was trying to diagnose that! And as far as "ALWAYS ALWAYS" attaching the lanyard, yes, we all should do that, and I do point that out in this video. Thank you for watching and commenting!!

[@robertlawson1184]

I sure dont like mine.. the two lever bullshit lol.. one to change gear and the other is throttle. Makes docking so frustrating

[@donsmith4170]

you said you were going to show how to use the other type throttle and you didn't

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I'm not sure what you mean - I show how it can throttle up the engine without spinning the prop at 07:25

[@DocStoner]

Needless to say engine was totally destroyed

[@Lifeistooshort67]

I just bought a used boat. My first boat. The throttle does take some time to get used to. To me there seems to be a lot of play or distance between when the transmission engages and when it actually starts to get gas or accelerate. This makes docking interesting because you can have quite the distance between forward and reverse. Looking at this video it also looks like his has a lot of distance between forward and reverse. Is there a normal amount of play between putting it in gear and actually getting the gas or acceleration from the engine? Thanks to anyone that can help with this question. 🛥

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Yeah it's quite different than a car, and I my first boat was more difficult than this one.

[@AN-kg4ei]

There's a cable tension dial on mist of these remote control boxes on the front face down low. I believe it's primary function is to take out Slack or add it if unable to get WOT. I've looked at it in service manual but still feels like a bit of a dark art on my 91 V4 90 E series.