Hot Foot Throttle Question (How To)

[SavageNitro]

I'm not exactly a newbie to boating but I just got a new Nitro that has a hot foot. Now I understand the benefits of having the thing, that's all grand but I'm coming up short on exactly how this thing works in relation to gearing and the old stick throttle, so before I went out an made a fool out of myself or worse figured I'd ask. So exactly how does one work, other than the obvious (mash and go). More specifically how do you get the in reverse?

Making an assumption (and Google has been no help surprisingly) I'm figuring you once you put the boat in forward the HF takes over? Assuming that true I guess it doesn't matter how far forward you move the stick throttle, or does it? On the flip side, how do you get into reverse? Put the stick throttle in reverse?

I realize this might silly but you know I'd rather ask the question than tear something up first time out.. lol

Thanks for the feedback....

[Rmart30]

You still use the gear shift.........but like a car once you put it either in fwd/rev all you do is mash the pedal.....its very easy to get used too

[SoonerFan]

I know this will sound stupid as well but I've talked to other guys who had the same feeling.... The first time with the Hot Foot I couldn't get past the feeling that I needed to move my foot from the Hot Foot over to the brake pedal. Only when I first took the boat off the trailer and motoring over to the dock. It's a funning sensation at first. You'll get used to real soon.

One word of caution; be sure to keep you foot OFF the Hot Foot when you shift into gear. Good way to F-up a lower unit by shifting it into gear with the motor revved.

[AmesHusker]

James - it doesn't matter how far forward or back that you shift it - as long as you're engaged in the gear you want. Remember, all that hand control does now is shift into/out of gears just like the shifter in your car. So shift it forward and mash the pedal!!!

The hotfoot works in nuetral, too. You can rev your engine...you just can't go!!

[SavageNitro]

Ahh.. That makes more sense not sure why I didn't think of that. I guess it's the little things.. lol Anyway, thanks for the feedback.

[oldbasser1]

One word of caution.Go easy on " mashing the pedal " till you get used to using it;
I saw a newbi comming into the dock too fast and he forgot and reached for the stick throttle to slow down while still hsving the foot throttle depressed .Tore up his boat and the dock.

[SavageNitro]

Thanks for the replies. Gave it a go this afternoon and it wasn't too bad. Took our time around the dock. I noticed once in open water the pedal would back off if you relaxed took your foot off but didn't go completely into idle. Not sure if it needs adjusting or not, probably wouldn't hurt. I had to kind of lift my foot to pull the pedal back that last little bit. Gave it a spray with some WD40 and it was better but I through like in a car once your foot is off it should return to idle.

Loading wasn't bad, it was kind of windy but after the WD40 the throttle played nice. Thanks again..

[POPSICLE_OTR]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SavageNitro &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thanks for the replies. Gave it a go this afternoon and it wasn't too bad. Took our time around the dock. I noticed once in open water the pedal would back off if you relaxed took your foot off but didn't go completely into idle. Not sure if it needs adjusting or not, probably wouldn't hurt. I had to kind of lift my foot to pull the pedal back that last little bit. Gave it a spray with some WD40 and it was better but I through like in a car once your foot is off it should return to idle.

Loading wasn't bad, it was kind of windy but after the WD40 the throttle played nice. Thanks again..</TD></TR></TABLE>

As soon as you take your foot of the hf it should go right to idle. you need to adjust it asap!! that is nothing to screw around with, very dangours!!!

[SoonerFan]

I repeat... be very careful not to put the boat in gear with your motor at anything over idle. Very hard on lower unit.

[SavageNitro]

That was my assumption, so it will be making a trip to the mechanic before it goes back in the water. If for no other reason that to make sure it's all hunky dory.. Thanks again for the input.