Can this speed control kit be used on boats, ships and in marine environments?
The kit works on engines with mechanical throttle levers, so it can technically be connected to marine engines with mechanical throttles. However, the IP67 declaration applies not to the whole kit but only to the metal button on the GS740 and only to the socket on the GS740-3P; there is no data for the protection class of the servo body. Direct mounting at points with salt water spray and continuous moisture is not recommended.
The marine environment requires two separate matters to be kept apart.
1) Mechanical compatibility. If the engine's throttle control works with a mechanical cable/lever, the kit can technically be connected; what it does is still only to drive the lever position, it does not take the place of the governor.
2) Protection class. According to IEC 60529, IP67 means complete dust tightness and resistance to temporary immersion at 1 metre depth for 30 minutes. It does not mean continuous immersion or high pressure water jets. In the product data IP67 is declared only for the metal button of the GS740 and the sockets of the GS740-3P; the IP class of the servo body is not stated. For that reason it would not be correct to regard the kit as a marine type.
Practical measures to apply:
- Place the servo in an area free of spray, in an enclosed compartment if possible; make a shield against dripping from above.
- Leave the cable ends facing downwards and form a drip loop.
- Protect the chassis connection against corrosion; in a salty environment a loose/oxidised chassis connection is the most common source of failure.
In marine applications emergency stopping must again be built through fuel shut-off; pulling the throttle actuator to idle does not stop the engine.
Full topic: Electronic speed and throttle control on diesel engines