Putting A Boat In Neutral: Easy Steps To Follow

Knowing how to put your boat in neutral is crucial for boat owners. The boat can idle in neutral without going forward or backward when the engine is disconnected from the propeller. This is especially useful when docking, anchoring, or waiting for guests to embark. To put your boat in neutral, start by turning on the engine. Then, locate the shift lever in the engine’s control box, which is usually on the right side and labeled with R (reverse), N (neutral), and F (forward). Push the gear lever forward until it clicks into neutral – the midpoint of the R and F positions. Finally, test the gear by giving the throttle a slight push to ensure the boat isn't moving forward or backward.

Start the engine first

Putting a boat in neutral is crucial for boat owners. The boat can idle in neutral without moving forward or backward when the engine is disconnected from the propeller. This is especially useful when docking, anchoring, or waiting for guests to embark.

Before shifting into neutral, ensure the engine is turned on and the boat is in the water. This is a crucial first step as you cannot shift into neutral without the engine running. Once the engine is started, you can begin the process of putting your boat in neutral.

The next step is locating the shift lever. Typically, the engine's control box will have a shift lever on its right side, labeled with R (reverse), N (neutral), and F (forward). With the engine running, you can now proceed to the next step of finding and engaging the neutral position.

Finding the Neutral Position

The neutral position is usually found between the reverse and forward positions on the shift lever. It is marked with an 'N' and is located at the midpoint between 'R' and 'F'. To put the boat in neutral, push the gear lever forward until it clicks into this neutral position.

Testing the Gear

After engaging the neutral gear, it is essential to test it to ensure it is working correctly. Give the throttle a slight push to check. The engine should accelerate without causing the boat to move forward or backward. This confirms that the boat is successfully idling in neutral.

Additional Tips

• Some boats may have a neutral safety switch that prevents the engine from starting when the transmission is "in gear." This safety feature avoids sudden and unexpected boat movements when starting the engine.
• When trailering a boat, there are differing opinions on whether to keep it in neutral or gear. Some people prefer neutral to prevent gear wear, while others opt for gear to reduce potential stress on specific components.

Find the shift lever

To put your boat in neutral, you must first locate the shift lever. Typically, the engine's control box has a shift lever on its right side. The shift lever will have the letters R (reverse), N (neutral), and F (forward) labelled on it. Once you have located the shift lever, you can proceed to the next step of advancing the lever to put the boat in neutral.

The shift lever is usually located on the right side of the engine's control box. It is worth noting that the placement of the shift lever may vary depending on the make and model of your boat. If you are having trouble locating the shift lever, you can refer to your boat's user manual for a detailed diagram and description of the engine's control box. Alternatively, you can consult a marine mechanic or a knowledgeable friend for assistance.

The shift lever is an essential component of your boat's transmission system. It allows you to switch between forward, neutral, and reverse gears. By manipulating the shift lever, you can control the direction and speed of your boat. Proper use of the shift lever is crucial for safe and efficient boating.

Identifying the shift lever is relatively straightforward due to its distinct labelling. The letter "N" on the shift lever indicates the neutral position, while "R" and "F" represent reverse and forward gears, respectively. Understanding these labels is essential for operating your boat effectively.

In addition to the labelled shift lever, you may also notice a neutral safety switch in the engine control handle or mounted on the shift lever itself. This safety feature prevents the boat from starting when the transmission is "in gear," reducing the risk of sudden and unexpected movement when the engine is started.

Advance the lever

To put your boat in neutral, you must first start the engine. You cannot shift into neutral without first turning on the engine and ensuring the boat is in the water. Once the engine is started, you can locate the shift lever in the engine's control box. Typically, the shift lever is on the right side of the control box and has the letters R (reverse), N (neutral), and F (forward) labelled on it.

Now, to advance the lever, push the gear lever forward until it clicks into the neutral position. The ideal position is the midpoint between R and F on the lever. This will disconnect the engine from the propeller, allowing the boat to idle in neutral without moving forward or backward.

Once you have advanced the lever into the neutral position, you can test the gear by giving the throttle a slight push. The engine should accelerate without causing the boat to move in either direction.

It is important to note that different boat models may have slight variations in the process of shifting into neutral. However, the basic principle of advancing the lever to the midpoint between reverse and forward remains consistent.

Test the gear

Once you've followed the steps to put your boat in neutral, it's important to test the gear to make sure it's working correctly. Here's a step-by-step guide to testing the gear:

Step 1: Check Engine and Boat Position

Before testing the gear, ensure that the engine is turned on and the boat is in the water. It's important to perform this test safely and securely.

Step 2: Locate the Throttle

The throttle is typically located on the engine's control box, often on the right side. It will have a shift lever with labels for "R" (reverse), "N" (neutral), and "F" (forward).

Step 3: Slightly Push the Throttle

After ensuring the gear is in neutral, gently push the throttle to test its functionality. The engine should accelerate without causing the boat to move forward or backward.

Step 4: Observe Boat Movement

Pay close attention to the boat's movement during the throttle test. If the boat remains stationary, with no forward or backward motion, the neutral gear is engaged correctly.

Step 5: Repeat the Test

To ensure accuracy, it's a good idea to repeat the test a few times. Each time, gently push the throttle and observe whether the boat remains stationary.

Step 6: Address Any Issues

If, during the test, the boat moves forward or backward, it indicates that the neutral gear is not engaged properly. In this case, re-check your steps for putting the boat in neutral and make any necessary adjustments.

Testing the gear is a crucial step to ensure the boat's safety and functionality. By following these steps, you can confirm that the neutral gear is working as intended, allowing the engine to idle without propelling the boat in any direction.

Neutral safety switch

A neutral safety switch is a crucial safety feature that prevents a boat's engine from starting when its transmission is "in gear". This stops the boat from moving suddenly and unexpectedly when the engine is started, which could be catastrophic.

The neutral safety switch disconnects the starter circuit so that the starter circuit cannot be energised unless the switch thinks the boat is in neutral. If the starter clicks but the engine won't turn over, there is likely a problem with the battery or its connections. If the starter hits, the switch is doing what it should.

The neutral safety switch is usually found in the engine control handle, although some transmissions have the switch mounted on the shift lever. Some boats don't have these devices, including most sailboats and many small boats with outboards, outdrives and gasoline inboards. Most new electronically-controlled engines do have them as part of the control system.

To test the neutral safety switch, you can either use a voltmeter/multimeter or the "layman's method". Using a voltmeter/multimeter, place the two leads on each wire/terminal of the switch. Set the meter to read ohms, then turn the ignition key on without starting the engine. There should be a resistance value on the meter, showing that the electrical circuit has continuity. With the key still on, shift the transmission into forward. There should now be no resistance value, or "OL", showing that the electrical circuit does not have continuity and the engine will not start. Repeat this process by shifting into reverse.

The layman's method involves putting the transmission control in gear and trying to start the engine. If the engine does start, you should be able to control the throttle and dock lines to prevent damage. You can also just bump the starter instead of starting the engine.

Frequently asked questions