Maneuvering With The Joystick - Mercury Axius Manual

NOTE: Joystick is not available when only one engine is operating.
Drive Limits of Engine with Module Failure
4.5L Axius Joystick Piloting for Sterndrive models
6.2L Axius Joystick Piloting for Sterndrive models
The limit may be greater than specified in the previous table depending on the propulsion personality and distance between the
drives. Single engine operation should be intentionally experienced in order to become familiar with the limits of the vessel
maneuverability.
IMPORTANT: Intentionally experiencing single engine operation for the first time should be conducted in an open area that is
not congested with obstacles or other vessel traffic.
To experience single engine operation, proceed with the following:
1. Ensure the vessel is in an open area with a calm sea.
2. Turn off the engines.
3. Start the starboard engine only.
4. Shift the starboard engine into forward gear.
5. At idle, attempt to steer the vessel, noting how it maneuvers.
6. Advance the throttle slowly while attempting to steer the vessel. Note how it maneuvers.
7. After experiencing single engine operation at various different engine RPMs, shift the starboard engine into neutral.
8. Start the port engine to continue with normal vessel operations.
IMPORTANT: There are two possible conditions that can be encountered when experiencing single engine operation with
the port engine running. 1) With the port engine running and the starboard engine key in the OFF position, you will not feel
the steering wheel end stop feedback. 2) Turning the starboard engine key to the ON position will provide steering wheel
end stop feedback.

Maneuvering with the Joystick

A spinning propeller, a moving boat, or any solid device attached to the boat can cause serious injury or death to swimmers.
Stop the engine immediately whenever anyone in the water is near your boat.
The vessel personality that determines how a boat responds to joystick commands was created for typical boat loading and
operation in ideal boating conditions. Variations in wind, current, and boat loading will have a substantial effect on the
performance of joystick operations. For example, a boat that is loaded heavily to the bow will behave differently than a boat
that is loaded heavily to the stern. The vessel personality cannot anticipate nor compensate for these variables. It is the
operator's responsibility to make the necessary corrections by changing the loading of the boat or by performing additional
maneuvers to track the desired path.
The joystick provides a single lever interface to maneuver the vessel. Operating the vessel with the joystick is well suited for
close quarter and docking operations in most situations. You can move and rotate the joystick at the same time, allowing
intricate movements in close quarters.
The computer control system automatically calculates the steering angle of each engine, the throttle level, and the proper gear
to push or rotate the boat in a direction corresponding to a joystick movement or twist. For example, if you move the joystick
sideways, the computer control system commands the engines to apply sideways thrust to the boat. Rotating the joystick
prompts the computer to command forces that rotate the boat about its center.
The joystick is proportional, which means the greater distance from the center that the joystick is moved, the more thrust that is
applied to move the boat in that direction. The available demand on the engine is limited while using the joystick.
For joystick control of the boat:
1. Both engines must be running for joystick to function.
2. For best control, trim all engines to the full‑down position and allow the auto trim function to adjust the engines to the
optimal trim angle.
• If the engines are already trimmed down, the operator need not change the trim. The computer controlled system will
automatically trim the engines up to the vessel propulsion personality predetermined angle when the joystick is
engaged.
90-8M0099745 MAY 2015
eng
Model
WARNING
!
NOTICE
Section 2 - On the Water
Maximum Inboard Drive Angle Limit
3.0°
3.0°
Page 13