Shifting; Steering; Running; Stopping - Formula Fastech Service Manual

SHIFTING

CAUTION
Go slowly in REVERSE to avoid taking
water in over the transom. You can
swamp the boat by taking on too much
water.
Do not shift too quickly from FORWARD
to REVERSE. Damage to the engines
may result. When shifting from
FORWARD to REVERSE, pause in
NEUTRAL until the engines are at idle
speed and the boat has slowed.
Follow these guidelines when shifting your boat:
Keep the control area clean and clear of
obstructions.
Pause in NEUTRAL before shifting from
FORWARD to REVERSE, or REVERSE to
FORWARD.
Avoid shifting into REVERSE while the boat
is traveling forward at speed.

STEERING

! WARNING
The boat's steering system is not self-
centering. Propeller torque, trim setting,
water condition and boat speed affects the
steering. Constant attention to the steering
system is required for safe operation.
The steering system must be working correctly
and properly maintained. Be sure to:
Keep mooring lines, tow lines and other
obstructions clear of the steering system.
Keep the steering system's moving parts
clean and lubricated.
Regularly inspect the steering system for
kinks, damage and corrosion.

RUNNING

Make sure the transom door remains closed when
operating your boat. Observe the tachometers
and maintain equal RPMs on both engines.
FORMULA
Exhaust Diverter System (optional on select
stern drives)—Some stern drive Formulas have
an optional exhaust diverter system which
switches the output of the engines' exhaust either
to thru-hull exhaust pipes (above water) or down
through the propeller hub (below water). The
exhaust diverter switch determines the routing of
the engine exhaust.
In the ON position, engine exhaust is routed
through the hull pipes. This position produces the
most engine power, but is not acceptable near
shore or on inland lakes and rivers.
In the OFF position, engine exhaust is routed
down through the hub of the propeller. This
position releases the exhaust underwater
providing a quieter engine sound.
Be sure to check local regulations regarding noise
restrictions before operating this system.
CAUTION
To avoid damage to the exhaust system,
do not switch the exhaust above 3,000
RPM.

STOPPING

Stopping (checking headway) is a technique that
must be developed. Reverse thrust of the engines
is used to slow and stop the boat. The boat's
momentum will vary according to load, speed and
water condition. Slow the engine speed to an idle,
shift to NEUTRAL and pause, before shifting to
REVERSE. Refer to your propulsion unit
operator's manual for additional information
concerning shifting.
Stopping Gas Engine
!
Do not use the ignition safety switch and
lanyard for normal stopping of the
engines. Doing so will impair your ability
to restart the engines quickly or may
create a hazardous swamping condition.
1. Slowly bring the throttle lever(s) to the IDLE
position.
2. Move the shift lever(s) to NEUTRAL.
3. After operating at high speeds, allow a 2-3
minute engine cool-down period at low idle.
4. Turn the ignition keys to OFF position.
FASTECH
OPERATION
WARNING
7-3