"Half Idle"

[jff]

I took out a 48 the other day for a spin and used the 'half idle'. It was pretty obvious what it did and why it was helpful for certain docking situations but I'm curious about this feature ... specifically:

- is there any reason not to use it (eg: hard on the transmission)?

- I assumed it was there for slower or tighter docking (or tie-up positioning) situations, are there other times/situations people use this?

- how does it work exactly?

Regards,
Jason

 

[Carver370]

I personally never use it on any of the larger Sea Rays I run, I love the torque and instant response that the diesels give. Just give the transmissions a bump in and out of gear!

From what I understand it works somewhat like a trolling valve if I am not mistaken.

 

[Bill Gillespie]

I use it all of the time pulling out of the slip. I am running the Cat 3196 and with both engines engaged I create a wake that will rock the boats that are tied up in our marina. I also note that there is less of bump when the transmission is put into gear. Even with the slow idle in play I still have to bump the engines, as there is still plenty of torque.

Bill

 

[bwehby]

I think my switch is called slow idle and reduces the rpm's to 550 from 600. I use it all the times as well coming and going out of the marina. I think the manual actually says to turn it off when docking as to have normal power for that. You cannot only feel the difference but hear it. Without it i would have to bump all the way out of the no wake and still do on real calm days.