![\"Throttle\"](\"http:\/\/nordicquest.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/CF78-24-13249-DC-100x150.jpg\")
<\/a>The throttle and driver station of the Nordic Quest<\/p><\/div>\n
The Nordic Quest has an excellent trolling mode, the new Cummins Mercruiser Electronic Throttle and Shift Control, or ETS.\u00a0It is able to move the boat at the 1 to 2 knots speed greatly preferred by salmon fishermen.\u00a0Fuel consumption\u00a0is surprisingly\u00a0low as well when you realize you have a 500 hp diesel engine pushing you along.<\/p>\n
There are some things about using the ETS\u00a0that tend to catch some folks by surprise. I can fully understand this,\u00a0as the special features\u00a0do not operate as you might expect from your experience operating the engine\u00a0in its normal mode.<\/p>\n
The first thing that seems odd is that the engine will remain at idle speed, about 600 rpm, regardless of throttle setting when in trolling mode. This makes it seem like nothing is happening as you adjust the throttle. The trolling\u00a0valve operates by changing the coupling of the engine to the propeller shaft, applying more or less power. So you must operate\u00a0trolling valve\u00a0without the feedback of watching the gauges or feeling the changing rumble of the engine through the hull.<\/p>\n
A second issue is that the trolling valve\u00a0only seems to begin operation at a higher setting of the throttle. I find that I need to slowly push the throttle far forward until I feel and hear the engine grab. I then immediately pull back about half way. Through some experimentation I have found the correct throttle position for 1-2 knots, where the complaints cease from the fishermen on the back deck. Experimentation is the key here, you have to try it a few times to get the feel of it. Do this while the fishermen are preparing their gear, before the gear is in the water.<\/p>\n
![\"Nordic](\"http:\/\/nordicquest.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/CE09-39-11188-DC-150x100.jpg\")
<\/a>The dashboard and navigational display of the Nordic Quest, note the engine control button cluster at the far lower right, with troll gear engaged!<\/p><\/div>\n
The Cummins Mercruiser\u00a0trolling\u00a0valve is engaged as follows…<\/p>\n
- \n
- Place the engine throttle\u00a0in neutral.<\/li>\n
- Press the troll button on the\u00a0ETS control panel. On the Nordic Quest, this is the small black button cluster found left of the throttle at the far right of the recessed dashboard at the helm. The LED in the troll button should illuminate.<\/li>\n
- Smoothly push the throttle lever forward until you feel the engine grab. This is fairly subtle, but quite distinct once you encounter it. The folks on the back deck will see the swirl of water at the stern.<\/li>\n
- Immediately pull the throttle back about halfway to the position that achieves the desired speed.<\/li>\n
- Adjust the speed as required with the throttle; this will take constant monitoring as wind and current conditions change.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
To achieve the correct speed a few adjustments will be needed. These are done very slowly, making very small adjustments to the throttle position and waiting a minute or so to observe the results. Nothing happens quickly in troll mode, changes in speed or response to the rudder. Remember that throttle position, you will\u00a0want to return there every time you return to using the trolling valve.<\/p>\n
With the Cummins ETS you can leave troll mode by simply advancing the throttle in forward or again moving the throttle to neutral then press the troll button again and the indicator LED should go dark. Placing the engine back in gear will reward you with that comforting, smooth diesel rumble underfoot as you move forward.<\/p>\n
Used properly the trolling\u00a0valve on the Nordic Quest will let you hit just the right speed you want for great salmon fishing. Practice a bit and carefully observe the results to figure out just what you need to do. Once you have it you will find that it is pretty straightforward.<\/p>\n
Now go catch some fish!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Salmon fishermen are very particular about their trolling speed to the point of being superstitious. Too fast and the gear is straining at the line release clips\u00a0on the downriggers. Too much speed will cause the downrigger wires to sing and\u00a0trail … Continue reading