What is the function of the twist grip throttle on small outboards?

The twist grip throttle on small outboard motors is primarily used to control the engine's power and speed by regulating the amount of fuel and air mixture entering the engine. It allows the operator to increase or decrease throttle input, thereby managing the engine's RPMs and overall performance.

This mechanism is essential for maneuvering the boat as needed; by adjusting the throttle, the operator can control how fast the boat moves forward or backward. The twist grip itself is designed for ease of use, allowing for quick adjustments while steering or attending to other tasks.

The options regarding fuel mixture, direction control, and engine cooling do not align with the direct function of the throttle. The fuel mixture is generally managed by a separate system within the engine, direction control is handled primarily by the steering mechanism, and engine cooling is regulated through cooling systems typically independent of throttle control.