How To Shift And Control Speed; Twin Unit Maneuvering - Volvo Penta 3.0GS/SX Owner's Manual

How to shift and control speed

NOTE! If your boat is equipped with a non-Volvo
Penta remote control system, ask your dealer how to
properly operate it.
IMPORTANT! Carefully check function of all
control and engine systems before leaving the
dock.
Move control handle to the neutral detent (idle) po-
sition. Check in front and behind boat for people or
obstructions before shifting.
To go forward: Briskly move the shift handle for-
ward. Throttle movement will begin after forward
gear engagement.
To go in reverse: Briskly move the shift handle re-
arward. Throttle movement will begin after reverse
gear engagement.
IMPORTANT! Do not shift if engine speed is
above 800 RPM.
Do not shift from forward to reverse when boat is
planing. There is a danger that water will get into
the engine and cause serious damage.
To go from forward to reverse, or reverse to for-
ward, always pause at neutral and allow engine
speed to return to idle.
After shifting is completed, continue to move the
control handle slowly in the desired direction to in-
crease speed.
IMPORTANT! Any time the boat is operated, be
aware of changes in shift system operation. A
sudden increase in shift effort at the remote con-
trol handle, or other abnormal operation, indica-
tes a possible problem in the shift system.
If you suspect there is a problem, see your Vol-
vo Penta dealer as soon as possible for proper
diagnosis and required service or adjustment.
Continued operation could result in damage to
the shift mechanism and loss of shift and throttle
control that could result in personal injury.

Twin unit maneuvering

When leaving or approaching the dock, or for any clo-
se maneuvering at slow speed, place the starboard
engine in neutral, on standby, and use the port engine
with the control nearest the operator. The use of one
control is very effective and more convenient.
In the event that the port engine being used for
maneuvering stops, you can immediately go to the
starboard engine which has been on standby.
WARNING! If maneuvering with the engine
that has the power steering pump and it stops,
the power steering assist is lost. Failure to fol-
low the above maneuvering procedure could
result in a collision and personal injury.
NOTE: Both engines must be running during close
maneuvering or at slow speeds. Water may be
forced back through the underwater exhaust outlet and
cause serious engine damage if only one engine is
running. Do not attempt to plane boat while operating
on a single engine. The propellers are selected for the
boat with the consideration that both engines operate
together. Operating with a single engine at full throttle
could cause engine or drive damage.
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