CHAPTER 4
STEERING CONTROL SYSTEM
Automatic Power Trim Assistant (PTA) Ranges –
The trim range is adjusted automatically
according to RPM. When a preset RPM level is reached, the drive is angled automatically to the
trim angle specified. In addition to “idle”, 4 trim angles can be selected at different RPM levels to
attain optimum comfort/performance. The PTA must be activated for this procedure. One
example of PTA RPM breakpoint/power trim settings is shown below:
Idle
-3
1500
-3
2500
-2
3000
0
3600
0
The PTA is turned ON or OFF in the EVC Display menu under “Settings/sub-menu PTA”. Port
side is the “master” for a single engine. The function must be turned “Off” before hauling the boat
out of the water to prevent any auto trimming if any test are performed with the boat on land.
Manual Over-ride.
When the PTA is activated and the driver desires a drive angle other than
the presets, use of the Trim Panel buttons momentarily deactivates the PTA until one of the
preset RPM levels is passed. Automatic mode then resumes.
To determine the best trim angle and ranges, familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the
boat, recording the RPMs and trim position at various speeds and in various wave conditions.
Beach Range
– Used for running in shallow water
at reduced speed of not greater than 1500
rpm. Make sure the drive’s raw water intake is never trimmed out of the water.
Lift Range –
When the drive is tilted to
maximum height, but not when running, for
trailing. Power trim has an automatic stop
that cuts power when the preset end limit
has been reached. The stop is reset
automatically
when
activating
down
trimming.
Never run the engine when the
drive is in “Lift Range”.
Auto Kick Up
– Releases the drive if hits
bottom or an object in the water. This
feature only protects the drive when going
forward. There’s no protection in reverse.
If the function has been tripped and drive
released, it must be trimmed back to the
original position using the control buttons.
Check after any contact that the dirve or
propeller are not damaged, or if there are vibrations from the drive. If this is the case, then the
boat (if possible) can be run at slow speed to harbor to haul and inspect. Or turn off the and
raise the damaged drive and run on the good drive. Check the oil level in the drive. If colored
gray, water has entered. If this is the case or other damage exists, contact an authorized Volvo
Penta workshop. If only the propeller is damaged, it must be replaced then the boat run to be
sure there is no other damage.
4.6
BOW-THRUSTER
(Optional)
Normally, with the joystick control, one does not need a bow thruster. If one elects not to install
the joystick control system, then the boat can be operated like a conventional twin screw
sterndrive. In which case the bpw thruster can be used to greatly increase the maneuverability of
the boat at slow speeds in tight quarters around docks and slips.
