Issues with throttle on a console steering boat

[YoMoma]

Purchased a boat recently and ran it in a rain barrel the other day and noticed something different from my last console steering boat I`ve owned.
It sure seems to have alot of travel in forward before it comes off of idle. It looks like its running at close to full throttle. Dont remember my last boat being this way.
I am adding a picture to this thread so you can see how much throttle it takes just to get off of idle.
Is there some sort of adjustment in some linkage I need to address?
Another note that might be of some importance to this issue.
After running in forward gear I scale back to nuetral and hear the audible click assuring me its in nuetral. But the prop still stays in forward gear for Another 5 to 10 seconds before it returns to nuetral. There must be an adjustment for this.

I may know more about these inner workings in the next few days. Going on a weeklong fishing trip with the boat. Hopefully these problems dont turn into a pain in the arse and temper my trip.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Issues with throttle on a console steering boat

That's a Mercury control box. The "excess" forward travel is necessary to ensure that the lower unit is in gear before the engine starts to throttle up. As long as you can get starting/fast idle when you lift the black lever, nothing is wrong.

On MANY control boxes--not only yours--compliance in the system will sometimes make it necessary to back the handle past neutral, slightly toward reverse to full come out of gear. There is no adjustment for either condition.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Issues with throttle on a console steering boat

It's possible the cables need adjusting?
Remove the cable and shift by hand(motor OFF) move prop with your foot.
Shift from F N R then back. Ending in N Then Move the shifter couple of times and end in N
Match the cable and the motor connector. Adjust if needed?
Remember out of the water. It won't operate like it's supposed to.The water adds a load.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Issues with throttle on a console steering boat

OH, BTW: Notice where the control handle is in relation to the F-N-R printed on the control box top? Right where it should be!