The present subject matter is directed to electronic circuitry and associated hardware configured to electronically control directional signals, i.e., neutral, forward and reverse signals, to the transmission of a watercraft. The circuitry provides for electronic control of the throttle position of the watercraft engine and electronic override of the transmission shifting circuitry to allow throttling up (i.e., revving) of the engine without placing the transmission into gear. In an alternative embodiment, directional control is effected by operation of a lever mechanism and override functionality is effected by manual disengagement of a drive mechanism for the directional control while maintaining operation of the electronic throttle control.