Engine speed control apparatus for outboard motor

An apparatus for controlling a speed of an internal combustion engine installed in an outboard motor adapted to be mounted on a stern of a boat, comprising:

• an actuator connected to a throttle valve of the engine to open and close the throttle valve;
• an engine speed controller that controls the engine speed by controlling operation of the actuator;
• an up command signal outputting device that outputs an up command signal to increase the engine speed when manipulated by an operator;
• a down command signal outputting device that outputs a down command signal to decrease the engine speed when manipulated by the operator;
• and
• an engine speed detector that detects the engine speed,
• wherein the engine speed controller controls the engine speed to change in response to the up command signal and the down command signal with a change amount of the engine speed per unit time that is made different when the detected engine speed is at or below a reference speed and when the detected engine speed is above the reference speed.