Proper way to operate a 1971 14' Fiberglass boat with 40hp merc outboard???

[kacm31]

I am brand new to boating. I just aquired a 14 foot atwood fiberglass boat with a mercury 40 hp outboard motor. I have zero experience with the controls, and I am looking for some detailed help on the proper operation. There is two different levers on the control box plus a choke button and key. Any advise/help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[delirious]

Re: Proper way to operate a 1971 14' Fiberglass boat with 40hp merc outboard???

i know very little as well....but what you need to know i actually know. the big lever on the controls are both "throttle" and "dirrection", as you pull the big lever back you go into "reverse" and the more you pull it back the more you increase speed in reverse. push it forward and you are in "forward" push more n you`ll discover "woooohooo" if all goes well, but please get used to the boat b4 WOT (wide open throttle). The large lever standing @ 12:00 is nuetral. the smaller lever is the "coldstart" lever. off is usually @ 3:00, and 10:00 is full on. this lever either "advances" or "retards" (unsure of which but i think advances) the ignition timing. To start... pump the primer bulb till hard, move cold startlever to a third of its distance of travel, push and hold the choke button, and crank key. every motor likes its own lil method of starting...choke or no choke, different cold start lever potioning etc. hope this help

One NEWBY to ANUDDER
D>

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Proper way to operate a 1971 14' Fiberglass boat with 40hp merc outboard???

With 2 levers he is back to the old style control box where one was throttle and the other shift. I don't remember which is which but it will only take a second to determine. Move a lever and look at the shifter on the engine. If it moves you have the shifter.

You really need to get yourself an education before you venture out. If you are this naive about a boat you are just asking for trouble for you and anyone else involved in your venture.....read my subscript on this post. I mean it. There is a lot to boating and most if it is serious business. If you take care of that you can enjoy it. If not, doom and gloom. No brag just fact.

Good luck,
Mark

 

[countryboy26047]

Re: Proper way to operate a 1971 14' Fiberglass boat with 40hp merc outboard???

With 2 levers he is back to the old style control box where one was throttle and the other shift. I don't remember which is which but it will only take a second to determine. Move a lever and look at the shifter on the engine. If it moves you have the shifter.

Not quite sure if your meaning the same thing as what I'm about to state, but I'm thinking, as "Delirious" stated, one handle will be the gear shift/throttle control, and the other is a "Cold Start" lever. My '75 Merc is set up this way, TECHNICALLY, no way to throttle it up while in neutral, by using the 'cold start' lever, it does rev the motor, but it does this by advancing the timing.

You really need to get yourself an education before you venture out. If you are this naive about a boat you are just asking for trouble for you and anyone else involved in your venture.....read my subscript on this post. I mean it. There is a lot to boating and most if it is serious business. If you take care of that you can enjoy it. If not, doom and gloom. No brag just fact.

Good luck,
Mark

And this was going to be my response to this thread.... Granted, not everyone should be forced to sit through a safety course, I feel everyone should, for the safety of themselves, their passengers and other boaters, should at least consider attending a class or two... Anyhow, in the case of the OP, this is a situation where I feel that it is necessary to attend said classes/courses, and get lots of reading material... having never operated a boat in any aspect, you would be a danger to not only yourself and your passengers, but also every other boat and person on the water... Not being a prick here, but I've witnessed first-hand the results of someone that had never operated a boat attempt to take one out.... it was not a pretty sight, and in the end, I ended up being an "@$$hole" and basically flat-out told the guy if none of them (he or his passengers) knew how to operate a boat, then get out and I would put his boat back on the trailer..... now, I normally wouldn't be that way with someone, instead offering my assistance and in a few cases even offered my time to go out with them and teach them the basics, HOWEVER, among his passengers, there were two small children..couldn't have been more than 3-4yrs old and I was not going to have that on my conscience had I 'let' them continue out into the river.

Again, I don't mean to come off like a know-it-all, or a total prick... just stating the obvious as I have seen quite a few boating accidents on our local waterways, 1/2 of which resulted in at least one fatality. Good luck in your boating endeavors, and most of all remember, be SAFE, and have FUN.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Proper way to operate a 1971 14' Fiberglass boat with 40hp merc outboard???

This is going badly. The second newby makes a huge assumption on the controls. Very likely wrong. Mark, however, desribes the controls I picture. The OP needs either to post pictures, or better, get some on board lessons.

The second newby says get in and go. What the first newby needs is a safety course and more important live training before he gets near the water. The training has to include basics mechanics particular to his set up. And a 40 on a 14' boat is a hot set up, one that can easily get out of control and kill a lot of people. Might even be overpowered. But if the OP doesn't even know "what's this thing here do?" he knows nothing about the kill switch lanyard--might not even have one.
Let's all hope it does and it's pulled out now.

 

[delirious]

Re: Proper way to operate a 1971 14' Fiberglass boat with 40hp merc outboard???

This is going badly. The second newby makes a huge assumption on the controls. Very likely wrong. Mark, however, desribes the controls I picture. The OP needs either to post pictures, or better, get some on board lessons.

The second newby says get in and go. What the first newby needs is a safety course and more important live training before he gets near the water. The training has to include basics mechanics particular to his set up. And a 40 on a 14' boat is a hot set up, one that can easily get out of control and kill a lot of people. Might even be overpowered. But if the OP doesn't even know "what's this thing here do?" he knows nothing about the kill switch lanyard--might not even have one.
Let's all hope it does and it's pulled out now.

i DID advize against WOP b4 knowing what your doing and in NO WAY did i say get in a go...i simplely explained the functions of the very same merc controls (as per HIS description) that i have in my boat

 

[countryboy26047]

Re: Proper way to operate a 1971 14' Fiberglass boat with 40hp merc outboard???

This is going badly. The second newby makes a huge assumption on the controls. Very likely wrong. Mark, however, desribes the controls I picture. The OP needs either to post pictures, or better, get some on board lessons.

Hey HC, just out of my own curiosity, the controls that you and Mark are 'picturing', is it the same that I was referring too? Not arguing the point, just curious. As I said, I have a '75 merc control, and yes I did assume about the controls which is 1) wrong of me to do and 2) Unusual for me to assume anything.. I agree with the needing pics part, but I agree a LOT more with the fact that the OP definately needs to find a boating safety/operations course to attend.

And for the OP, please don't take us the wrong way here, we're not trying to crucify you or turn you away from the forums... but those of us that have grown up around boats (not calling myself or any of us experts, believe me there's a lot of guys here that have a LOT more experience than I do) we have seen how fast a day of boating can turn bad and/or deadly even for someone with years of experience, let alone with none.

 

[coastalrichard]

Re: Proper way to operate a 1971 14' Fiberglass boat with 40hp merc outboard???

Lots of folks really want to help you. Help us do that by posting some pics of your rig and controls along with the serial number of the motor...and do make plans to take a safe operating class; you'll learn wonders in a short time

 

[countryboy26047]

Re: Proper way to operate a 1971 14' Fiberglass boat with 40hp merc outboard???

Here is the controls from my merc. that I'm picturing being the same as the OP's..



The 'front' handle is for putting it in gear, and also for throttling up while in gear.. the 'rear' handle (at normal operation, it's all the way down to the right) is the 'cold-start' lever, used to advance the timing when performing a cold-start, or after the engine has been off for about 30min or more... kinda hard to see in this pic, but there is a button (located on the right in this pic) for the electric choke.


KACM31, is this what your controls look like?

 

[shrew]

Re: Proper way to operate a 1971 14' Fiberglass boat with 40hp merc outboard???

Large shifter should be Forward = Forward, Center = Neutral, Backwards = Backwards. Key = key and choke = choke. The small lever looks like an idle control lever. It allows you to rev the RPM's in neutral, such as when you start the motor. It typically goes back when the engine is warmed up and then the big shifter is typically all you need to worry about.

that's what it looks like to me anyway.

 

[countryboy26047]

Re: Proper way to operate a 1971 14' Fiberglass boat with 40hp merc outboard???

Large shifter should be Forward = Forward, Center = Neutral, Backwards = Backwards. Key = key and choke = choke. The small lever looks like an idle control lever. It allows you to rev the RPM's in neutral, such as when you start the motor. It typically goes back when the engine is warmed up and then the big shifter is typically all you need to worry about.

that's what it looks like to me anyway.

Sorry for the confusion... that pic was of the controls on my boat, not sure if the OP has the same controls or not. Bonus points for getting it right though on my controls. lol

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Proper way to operate a 1971 14' Fiberglass boat with 40hp merc outboard???

I don't want to guess what he has, as there are many types through the years. Might be the same as countryboy's, might not. But if he doesn't know the most basic thing about operating his own boat, he shouldn't start by asking questions on the internet. The forums are great for details, tips, specifics, trouble-shooting but are not for a basic boating course.

Imagine a post from a 16 year old: I just got my first car. How do I start it and drive it?

 

[emoney]

Re: Proper way to operate a 1971 14' Fiberglass boat with 40hp merc outboard???

Of course, you guys realize you might be talking to yourselves, right? LOL. I'd bet he found the answer to his question in a google search or even using the search feature here. However, there was a good lesson to be learned; never assume anything and without pics, the world is a sad, sad place. Well, at least this thread is.

 

[countryboy26047]

Re: Proper way to operate a 1971 14' Fiberglass boat with 40hp merc outboard???

I don't want to guess what he has, as there are many types through the years. Might be the same as countryboy's, might not. But if he doesn't know the most basic thing about operating his own boat, he shouldn't start by asking questions on the internet. The forums are great for details, tips, specifics, trouble-shooting but are not for a basic boating course.

Imagine a post from a 16 year old: I just got my first car. How do I start it and drive it?

I have to totally agree with ya... scary part is, this guy:

Of course, you guys realize you might be talking to yourselves, right? LOL. I'd bet he found the answer to his question in a google search or even using the search feature here. However, there was a good lesson to be learned; never assume anything and without pics, the world is a sad, sad place. Well, at least this thread is.

is probably right.... I just hope that the OP isn't using said boat in the Ohio River where I spend most of my time on the boat!

 

[shrew]

Re: Proper way to operate a 1971 14' Fiberglass boat with 40hp merc outboard???

Sorry for the confusion... that pic was of the controls on my boat, not sure if the OP has the same controls or not. Bonus points for getting it right though on my controls. lol

DOH!! I should have actually READ your post before replying and realized you weren't the OP. I would have realized my oversight, and that I double posted what you already said. I'm calling a "Board Foul" on myself on that one as well steering off topic. My apologies.

 

[kacm31]

Re: Proper way to operate a 1971 14' Fiberglass boat with 40hp merc outboard???

I want to thank all of you for your responses. First off I am not offended in any way. Second I dont plan on putting this boat anywhere near the water untill I have a LOT of education which is why I even posted on here. Third yes the controls look just like cowboys. I learned a lot from reading on this site, and also completeed a boaters course this afternoon. I have also "rented" the instructor to take me out in his boat, then in my boat to get some hands on. I am smart enough to know when to ask for help so as to not put innocent people at risk. Oh and rest assured I am no where near Ohio!!!! Thanks again guys

KACM31

 

[countryboy26047]

Re: Proper way to operate a 1971 14' Fiberglass boat with 40hp merc outboard???

I want to thank all of you for your responses. First off I am not offended in any way. Second I dont plan on putting this boat anywhere near the water untill I have a LOT of education which is why I even posted on here. Third yes the controls look just like cowboys. I learned a lot from reading on this site, and also completeed a boaters course this afternoon. I have also "rented" the instructor to take me out in his boat, then in my boat to get some hands on. I am smart enough to know when to ask for help so as to not put innocent people at risk. Oh and rest assured I am no where near Ohio!!!! Thanks again guys

KACM31

Sounds to me like you've got a good game plan in order then KACM31... Hope you didn't take offense to my comment about the Ohio River, was said 'tongue-in-cheek'. Also, this forum truly is a great place to learn, ask questions, and just downright b.s. lots of great, intelligent folks here. I especially like the idea of you going out on your instructor's boat first with him, then in your own boat... each boat has it's own 'characteristics' and will handle a little differently, especially when it comes to slow-maneuvering. Best of luck to ya in your boating endeavors, and if ya would, keep us posted on how things are working out for you.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Proper way to operate a 1971 14' Fiberglass boat with 40hp merc outboard???

OP, sounds like you are doing all the right things. couldn't tell from the first post; could have gone either way. welcome to boating and iboats!

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Proper way to operate a 1971 14' Fiberglass boat with 40hp merc outboard???

Here is the controls from my merc. that I'm picturing being the same as the OP's..

View attachment 157797

The 'front' handle is for putting it in gear, and also for throttling up while in gear.. the 'rear' handle (at normal operation, it's all the way down to the right) is the 'cold-start' lever, used to advance the timing when performing a cold-start, or after the engine has been off for about 30min or more... kinda hard to see in this pic, but there is a button (located on the right in this pic) for the electric choke.


KACM31, is this what your controls look like?

Not what I was talking about. That looks to be a Quicksilver 2000 side mount. What I was referring to was a green alum. box with two similar, but slightly shorter, mounted side by side where separate functions were controlled. They were from the 50's 60's era.

Since I have no pics or details, that is the first thing that came to mind. Back then 30, 35, and 40 hp engines were popular on 14 and 15 fiberglass runabouts with a forward deck, cross seats, and a windshield. Would do 30mph or so but that's about it. Not, in itself, an unsafe rig. Father in law had one and wife and I took it out numerous times when on vacation there.

Mark

 

[briangcc]

Re: Proper way to operate a 1971 14' Fiberglass boat with 40hp merc outboard???

Mark,

I know what you're talking about. We had a '56 MFG with matching Evinrude Big Twin 30HP electric start. It had the throttle you're talking about. The small lever had (3) positions - forward (put the engine into forward), center (neutral), and back (put the engine into reverse). The larger lever was the throttle. All the way to the back (transom) was idle. All the way forward (towards bow) was WOT.

**The Envirude controls were a white aluminum box.

Similar to something like this...(not mine, swiped from web)

Good old cable steering...we'd WD40 the pulley's each year prior to our family vacation so it'd turn easier. Ahh the memories...