So i have been having this problem with my boat since i bought it. It feels like neutral on the throttle handle is not actually where it should be. it almost feels like its in the reverse position. To start the boat i have to find the sweet spot and it is closer to the reverse side.

 

Any ideas on what the cause of this is and what i would need to do to fix this? My boat is 96 ranger r72 with johnson 115 on the back

 

 

 

Also on another note, i recently went out in some wet rainy weather and the next trip out with my boat the trim would just automatically go down on its own until i hit the throttle handle. It would periodically start on its own and just keep forcing the trim down. This caused my battery to die over the weekend because i did not know it was happening. Any help on this issue would also be appreciated.

 

Thanks!

Sounds like you might have a couple of problems. First it sounds like the shift cable needs to be adjusted so the shifter is half way between forward and reverse and sitting in the neutral detent. The next thing is the neutral start switch inside the control box needs to be adjusted or replaced.

As for the trim, that also is probably a switch that needs to be replaced.

I've had the same thing happen with my boat, regarding the trim.  It only happened once and that was during a deluge.  What concerned me most was that it might happen when towing the boat.

 

To eliminate that possibility I installed a switch so I could turn off all power from the cranking battery.  Not a bad thing since it prevents children or other mischievous individuals from playing with the switches. 

As far as the trim goes, I had that happen last year. Being that it happened after it rained, I'd have to believe it'd be either your dash trim switch, or the one on the throttle. Mine was due to the front trim switch as it was replaced with an automotive switch before I bought it. The switch wasn't waterproof, and would allow water to in which connected the contacts and made the trim run. One of you're must have a crack in rubber cover. Inspect those closely. You can also test it while it's trying to trim down by disconnecting the switch while it's running. You can check the one on the motor as well by pulling the quick disconnects apart. If you disconnect the switch and it's still running, then the problem is in one of the other switches. Hope this helps.

i opened up the throttle lever and took out the trim switch. i noticed that it was stuck under the cover. after freeing it up it seems to work properly now.

 

The neutral issue wasnt that easy though. i plan on trying to adjust it properly when i have time.

 

thanks for the input guys